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rcfp.org
Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
@rcfp.org
8.3K followers 78 following 680 posts
The Reporters Committee provides free legal help to journalists and protects their First Amendment rights. (RCFP for short.) Find us at rcfp.org.

☎️ Legal Hotline: 800-336-4243 | [email protected]
✉️ Sign up for our newsletters: rcfp.org/subscribe
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rcfp.org
Journalists: Build your skills by signing up for a February session in ProJourn’s safety training series!

Co-presented by @theajp.bsky.social and IWMF, this virtual series helps journalists + newsrooms understand their legal rights and how to protect themselves while reporting.

RSVP links👇
A red and white infographic with details on journalist safety trainings in February from ProJourn.
January 7, 2026 at 11:36 PM
rcfp.org
In the face of repeated attacks on America's free press — from President Trump to state agencies to local officials — @rcfp.org stepped up to defend journalists’ First Amendment freedoms and the public’s right to know.

Read our 2025 year in review: www.rcfp.org/2025-year-in...
A by-the-numbers graphic displaying the Reporters Committee's 2025 work, including 120+ cases litigated, 4 new U.S. states joining the Local Legal Initiative, 700+ Legal Hotline queries handled, 30+ matters of pre-publication review, 2,600+ trainees, and 75+ friend-of-the-court briefs.
December 17, 2025 at 3:11 PM
rcfp.org
@rcfp.org is honored to receive a grant from Glick Philanthropies!

This funding will fuel our Indiana Local Legal Initiative, which provides pro bono legal services for enterprise and investigative reporting in the state. glickphilanthropies.org/meet-the-fal...
A white and blue text graphic announcing the Reporters Committee as a recipient of a grant from Glick Philanthropies.
December 9, 2025 at 4:41 PM
rcfp.org
Today, @nytimes.com filed a lawsuit against the Pentagon over its new press access policy.

In a statement supporting the lawsuit, @rcfp.org's Gabe Rottman said the policy is "unlawful" and violates the First Amendment.

Read more: www.rcfp.org/nyt-pentagon...
A quote from RCFP's Gabe Rottman: “The Pentagon’s press access policy is unlawful because it gives government officials unchecked power over who gets a credential and who doesn’t, something the First Amendment prohibits. The public needs independent journalism and the reporters who deliver it back in the Pentagon at a time of heightened scrutiny of the department’s actions.”
December 4, 2025 at 5:55 PM
rcfp.org
When the government refuses to release public records, we take action. When reporters are arrested for doing their job, we speak up.

This #GivingTuesday, support press freedom and the First Amendment with a donation to @rcfp.org: donate.rcfp.org/giving-tuesd...
A graphic that reads: This Giving Tuesday, support press freedom. Below are illustrations of a newspaper, megaphone, and a microphone.
December 2, 2025 at 6:53 PM
rcfp.org
In a new Q&A, @rcfp.org's Jennifer Nelson explains why pre-publication review is such an in-demand resource for journalists, how the process works, and what lies ahead for RCFP’s legal vetting program.

💬 Read the interview: https://www.rcfp.org/jennifer-nelson-pre-publication-review/
A quote from Jennifer Nelson: “There is absolutely a chilling effect that is happening right now where we’re seeing an increase in threats of defamation lawsuits. ... Pre-publication review can provide [news outlets] really important advice on risk, and can help them get to a point where they feel more comfortable pursuing and publishing those important stories.”
November 21, 2025 at 3:53 PM
rcfp.org
In a new Q&A, @a-marshall-plan.bsky.social discusses his experience fighting for public records, how the Trump administration stacks up on transparency, and @rcfp.org ramping up litigation efforts on behalf of the press.

Read more: https://www.rcfp.org/adam-marshall-national-litigation-director/
A quote from Adam Marshall: It’s hard. It doesn’t always work out. And it is often a mind-numbing exercise dealing with government bureaucracy. But when you do succeed and you get records that allow for a transformational story to be brought to the public, it makes it all worth it.
November 16, 2025 at 4:10 PM
rcfp.org
@rcfp.org is excited to be featured on the Journalism Support Exchange, a new hub that connects local news providers with resources, services, training, and more.

Check out JSX today: jsx.news
A close-up of a person standing near a wall with sticky notes; below, text reads: JSX.news, a matchmaking service for the news industry.
November 13, 2025 at 12:02 AM
rcfp.org
“He devoted a huge amount of time, energy, resources, strategic thinking, and mentorship to helping to revitalize local news across the country.”

Sarabeth Berman reflects on @theajp.bsky.social co-founder John Thornton, who was honored with a special tribute at #RCFPAwards25.
November 6, 2025 at 12:10 AM
rcfp.org
Today at 1pm ET: The U.S. Journalist Assistance Network invites you to join a free webinar about legal rights and digital safety while reporting on immigration and the border, feat. @rcfp.org's Jen Nelson.

Register: cpj.org/USJANPanel
Left: A photo of reporters in a crowd. Right: Text promoting a webinar about safely reporting on immigration in the US.
October 30, 2025 at 3:54 PM
rcfp.org
This year's Double Exposure Investigative Film Festival & Symposium kicks off tomorrow in Washington, D.C.!

#DX25 features a riveting line-up of new documentaries as well as workshops covering the latest trends in investigative filmmaking and journalism.

Grab tickets now: https://dxfest.com/
A green and black graphic for the Double Exposure Investigative Film Festival displaying a satellite view of the East Coast of America at night.
October 29, 2025 at 4:12 PM
rcfp.org
🚨 @indigenousja.bsky.social + the Oklahoma Media Center are hosting a joint fundraiser to celebrate and support independent journalism in Oklahoma!

But hurry — the deadline to buy tickets is this Friday. Details and ticket info 👇
A promotional graphic for Friends of the Free Press fundraiser featuring a screening of the documentary Bad Press.
October 27, 2025 at 8:51 PM
rcfp.org
"When a lawyer like Brad steps up to fight for local journalism, he's fighting for the public," says @rcfp.org's Beth Soja.

For providing no-cost support to journalists through ProJourn, McGuireWoods' Brad Kutrow was honored with the Pro Bono Service Award at #RCFPAwards25.
October 23, 2025 at 7:34 PM
rcfp.org
These positions will advise/represent news outlets and journalists in matters involving access to judicial proceedings, FOI, and other 1A issues.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Details:

➡️ Louisiana LLI attorney: smrtr.io/tVq5d
➡️ Mississippi LLI attorney: smrtr.io/tVqfD
A white and blue graphic indicating that the Reporters Committee is hiring.
October 22, 2025 at 9:47 PM
rcfp.org
From AI and disinformation to ethics and funding, #DX25 tackles the challenges facing investigative storytellers — and we’re proud to be a partner in this important event.

Check out these sessions involving @rcfp.org attorneys:
A green and black graphic for the Double Exposure Investigative Film Festival displaying a satellite view of the East Coast of America at night.
October 20, 2025 at 6:26 PM
rcfp.org
“Terry is a true New Orleanian,” says Quo Vadis Sylve Hollins. “He is the city.”

With his deep connection to New Orleans, @veritenews.org’s Terry Baquet tells the city's authentic story through powerful journalism. We’re proud to honor him with the Local Champion Award at #RCFPAwards25.
October 18, 2025 at 4:01 PM
rcfp.org
Thanks to @brianstelter.bsky.social for writing up some highlights from this week's #RCFPAwards25 in his Reliable Sources newsletter: view.newsletters.cnn.com/messages/176...
From Reliable Sources by Brian Stelter: The media's 'collective North Star goal' This week's confiscation of Pentagon press passes was on the minds of many at the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press dinner in NYC last night. "It's so important to stand together in times like this," RCFP chairman Stephen Adler said. This year's RCFP awardees were The Baltimore Banner, Terry Baquet, Brad Kutrow, Amanda Bennett, and Jeffrey Goldberg. Bennett, the former director of VOA, spoke passionately about the "overpowering hunger of people around the world to know the truth." While VOA and its peer organizations are "all but gone now," she said, "we hope and pray that those voices won't be silenced forever."
October 17, 2025 at 9:13 PM
rcfp.org
Last night's #RCFPAwards25 was an inspiring celebration of press freedom — and a reminder that there are champions of the First Amendment fighting for the public's right to know at a time when America's free press is under attack.

Our thanks to everyone who supported the event.
RCFP President Bruce D. Brown speaking on stage at a podium with a green banner behind him reading Freedom of the Press Awards 2025. 2025 Freedom of the Press Awards honorees pose with their awards statues. From left: Brad Kutrow, Bob Cohn, Amanda Bennett, Jeffrey Goldberg, and Terry Baquet. Attendees sit at tables during the 2025 Freedom of the Press Awards. 2025 Freedom of the Press Awards statues, clear glass obelisks, sit on a table bathed in blue light.
October 16, 2025 at 7:06 PM
rcfp.org
#RCFPAwards25 is tonight! We’re so excited to celebrate press freedom and honor leaders in journalism and media law whose work embodies the values of the First Amendment.

Learn more about our winners 👇
A green graphic promoting the honorees of the 2025 Freedom of the Press Awards, with headshot photos of Terry Baquet, Amanda Bennett, Jeffrey Goldberg, Brad Kutrow, as well as a group photo of staff members of the Baltimore Banner.
October 15, 2025 at 10:46 PM
rcfp.org
“Having a First Amendment attorney has been critical in so much of what we do.”

@kyoshino.bsky.social discusses why access to legal services can be so valuable to a news outlet like @thebaltimorebanner.com, winner of the Catalyst Award at #RCFPAwards25 for its impactful reporting.
October 14, 2025 at 10:20 PM
rcfp.org
Join @indigenousja.bsky.social and the Oklahoma Media Center for a joint fundraiser in Oklahoma City on Nov. 6!

The event will include a screening of “Bad Press,” an acclaimed documentary chronicling the battle over press freedom in the Muscogee Nation.

Get tix: www.eventbrite.com/e/friends-of...
A promotional graphic for Friends of the Free Press fundraiser featuring a screening of the documentary Bad Press.
October 14, 2025 at 5:12 PM
rcfp.org
@jeffreygoldberg.bsky.social proves that "you can be committed to the principles of press freedom [and] journalistic ethics, but also approach your work in an entirely large-hearted way," says @adriennelaf.bsky.social.

We're proud to honor Jeffrey with the Career Achievement Award at #RCFPAwards25.
October 10, 2025 at 2:23 PM
rcfp.org
"I think her legacy is rooted in her unwavering belief in the values of journalism."

US Agency for Global Media Deputy CEO Kelu Chao on Amanda Bennett, winner of #RCFPAwards25's Career Achievement Award.
October 6, 2025 at 1:14 AM
rcfp.org
“The disturbing detentions, arrests, and physical attacks that we have seen in recent weeks targeting journalists covering the actions of federal law enforcement officers raise serious First Amendment concerns," says @rcfp.org's Gabe Rottman.
RCFP's Gabe Rottman: “The disturbing detentions, arrests, and physical attacks that we have seen in recent weeks targeting journalists covering the actions of federal law enforcement officers raise serious First Amendment concerns ... We urge DHS to take immediate steps to provide guidance for its agents in the field on the First Amendment and legal rights of journalists.”
October 3, 2025 at 11:18 PM
rcfp.org
How @rcfp.org is standing up for non-citizen journalists in Rümeysa Öztürk's high-profile immigration case: https://www.rcfp.org/ozturk-v-hyde-immigration-habeas/
Surveillance video footage shows Rümeysa Öztürk being arrested on the street in Massachusetts.
October 1, 2025 at 3:47 PM