Institute, Press Freedom Team host panel on what journalists need to know about threats while working in the field, May 5
Journalists working throughout the United States face innumerable risks to their well-being while performing their essential work, and the disturbing trend is only growing.
The National Press Club Journalism Institute is hosting a discussion on Friday, May 5, at 11:30 a.m. about concerns for journalists working in the United States.
The virtual program, produced by the National Press Club Journalism Institute and the NPC Press Freedom Team to recognize World Press Freedom Day, features firsthand accounts from journalists who have been arrested or mistreated for simply doing their jobs. Registration is free and open.
Participants will gain:
- Knowledge of recent cases of press freedom violations within the U.S.
- Insight into the personal and professional impacts of facing hostility from law enforcement or sources
- An understanding of their legal rights when faced with threats
- Advice on preparing for work in the field
Panelists include:
- Matilda Bliss and Veronica Coit, two journalists with the citizen journalism publication Asheville Blade who were arrested on trespassing charges while documenting a sweep of a homeless camp in 2021. Body cam footage was just released indicating they were targets. They were found guilty but their case is in appeal to a jury trial.
- Dion Rabouin, a Wall Street Journal reporter who was detained while doing a routine person-on-the-street interview outside of a bank in Phoenix. The mayor eventually personally apologized for Rabouin’s mistreatment.
- Seth Stern, director of advocacy at Freedom of the Press Foundation, which oversees the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker.
- Steve Reilly, a Washington, D.C.-based investigative reporter for The Messenger, plans to moderate the discussion. Reilly is a Club member and serves on its Press Freedom Team.