Russia Further Restricts Free Press
On August 20, Russia labeled two more news agencies as “foreign agents.” This requires them to label all stories and social media posts as foreign agent and subjects them to increased audits.
Journalism
Taliban Allows Media, if they Promote Taliban’s Values
On August 17, the Taliban hosted a press conference addressing citizens’ concerns.
Advocacy, Free Press-A
Nicaraguan Police Arrest Journalist
On August 14, Nicaraguan officials arrested the manager of La Presna—a newspaper that was critical of the Nicaraguan government, calling the president a “dictator” among other criticisms.
Advocacy
Afghan Journalists in Danger, Need Short and Long Term Solutions
On August 16, freelancers, stringers, and other comparable arrangements were added to the “employee” definition to qualify for Priority-2 U.S. Refugee Admission from Afghanistan, following a letter from over 20 news organizations, including the Alliance.
NSA Launches Internal Investigation into Claims it Monitored the Press
On August 10, the NSA’s internal watchdog said it will investigate allegations that they were targeting and improperly surveilling a member of the press.
Advocacy, Advocacy-A, Free Press-A, Journalism, Press Releases
Statement: News Media Alliance Applauds Introduction of Journalist Protection Act by Representative Swalwell, Senators Blumenthal and Menendez
Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) and Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) introduced the Journalist Protection Act, which would penalize individuals who intentionally harm journalists while they are doing their jobs.
Antitrust-D - DO NOT USE, Digital, Journalism, Tech Platforms-D - DO NOT USE
News Media Alliance Hosts Book Launch for “Ugly Truth” Facebook Dominance Exposé
On July 22, the News Media Alliance hosted a policy maker breakfast and book launch event for An Ugly Truth: Inside Facebook’s Battle for Domination by Sheera Frenkel and Cecilia Kang.
Advocacy, Advocacy-A, Press Releases
News Organizations, Associations Request Humanitarian Assistance for Afghans Who Worked with U.S. Media
A coalition of more than 20 U.S. news organizations – along with trade associations including the News Media Alliance – sent letters to President Joe Biden and the House and Senate Majority and Minority leaders in Congress, seeking humanitarian assistance to provide safe passage out of Afghanistan for a modest number of Afghans who have been working with U.S. media as journalists, interpreters, and support staff to provide coverage of Afghanistan.
Statement: Representative Raskin Introduces Federal Shield Bill, the PRESS Act, in the House
The News Media Alliance applauds Rep. Jamie Raskin for introducing the Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying (PRESS) Act.
Advocacy, Advocacy-A, CEO, Free Press-A, Press Releases
Statement: Senator Wyden Introduces Federal Shield Bill, the Protect Reporters from Excessive State Suppression (PRESS) Act
The News Media Alliance applauds Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) for today introducing the Protect Reporters from Excessive State Suppression (PRESS) Act, which establishes reasonable ground rules for when the government can obtain confidential source information from the media and their third-party service providers.