United States: CFWIJ and WPF Applaud House for PRESS Act Passage, Urge Senate to Act
Senate's decision on PRESS Act crucial in era of digital surveillance and governmental censorship
Location: United States, Washington DC
Date: January 18, 2024
The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom welcomes the recent passage of the Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying (PRESS) Act, H.R. 4250, by the U.S. House of Representatives. This landmark legislation is a significant stride towards enhancing press freedom and safeguarding the essential role of journalists in our democracy.
The unanimous passage of the PRESS Act in the House is a testament to the urgent need for federal-level protections for journalists. The Act, aimed at prohibiting federal law enforcement from compelling journalists to reveal sensitive sources or information obtained through their work, is a crucial step in preserving the confidentiality vital for journalistic integrity. This federal shield law aligns with existing state-level protections but, importantly, offers a uniform safeguard across the nation.
The bill’s provisions, including the prevention of government spying on journalists' phone records and search histories, are essential in an age where digital surveillance poses a significant threat to journalistic work.
A recent surge in arrests, raids, and judicial actions against journalists in the United States paints a disturbing picture of escalating violations against press freedom. The increasing clash between journalists' rights and court mandates has become a prominent issue. This is particularly evident in instances where courts have forced journalists, including Ishani Desai and Catherine Herridge, to disclose confidential information and sources, and Lauren Chooljian in New Hampshire being compelled to hand over unpublished material in a defamation case. These judicial decisions not only challenge the protections provided by the First Amendment and state shield laws but also create alarming precedents for the future of press freedom.
It is particularly in light of these events that the Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom welcomes the recently passed PRESS Act.
We urge the Senate to recognize the significance of this moment and the bipartisan support behind this bill. The Senate now has the opportunity to cement these critical protections into law by passing its companion legislation, S. 2074. It is a fundamental step to ensure journalists can continue to inform the public without the fear of government overreach or censorship.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help women career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
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