How Journalists Can Support the PRESS Act

Journalists’ ability to keep confidential sources and information secure is vital to newsgathering and the public’s access to information. But because there is currently no federal reporter’s shield law, journalists are vulnerable to demands for their sources and newsgathering materials in federal court. The government can also force phone and email providers to out journalists’ sources.

Thankfully, that could change if Congress passes the PRESS Act, a bipartisan federal shield bill. 

Join Freedom of the Press Foundation and the Society of Professional Journalists on March 7, 2024, at 12-1 p.m. EST for an off-the-record virtual panel discussion explaining the PRESS Act, and why reporters and editorial boards should cover it. The panel will be followed by an on-the-record Q&A session with audience members.

This event is a part of Sunshine Week 2024, March 10-16. Sunshine Week is a nonpartisan collaboration among groups in the journalism, civic, education, government, and private sectors that shines a light on the importance of public records and open government.

Speakers:

• Alex Bertschi Wrigley, legislative assistant for Sen. Ron Wyden
• Fred Brown, chair of the ethics committee of the Society of Professional Journalists and former journalist for The Denver Post. 
• Caitlin Vogus, deputy director of advocacy at Freedom of the Press Foundation (FPF)
• Larry Wilson, member of the Southern California News Group editorial board

Register here.