UK Government Introduces Online Safety Bill
On March 17, the UK’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport published its long-awaited Online Safety Bill, aimed at holding online platforms more responsible for the content they host.
Advocacy
Advocacy
Multiple Groups Ask Supreme Court to Continue Oral Argument Livestream
On March 15, members of the U.S. Supreme Court Bar sent a letter to Chief Justice Roberts asking to make the livestream of oral arguments available permanently.
Advocacy, Free Press-A, Journalism
DOJ FOIA Guidelines Call for More Transparency
On March 15, Attorney General Merrick Garland released guidelines on the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). These guidelines come during Sunshine Week after much prompting by open government advocates and congressional representatives.
The State of FOIA 2022
Every year, we celebrate Sunshine Week to honor the work of the journalists and private citizens who are utilizing the Freedom of Information Act to bring government records out of the dark filing cabinets where they live and into the sunlight.
Advocacy, Tech Platforms-A
EU and the UK Launch Parallel Investigations into Jedi Blue
On March 11, the European Commission and the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched parallel probes into an agreement between Meta and Google regarding online advertising services.
Advocacy, Advocacy-A, Free Press-A
Congress Should End Restrictions to Public Records by Passing the Free PACER Bill
PACER is the electronic service that provides access to court records. These records are pivotal for journalists providing accurate and quality news; they provide original, verifiable sources that answer journalists’ questions or provide important clues. But unfortunately, PACER is far from perfect.
Advocacy, Advocacy-A, Free Press-A, Journalism
Funds Supporting Journalist Safety in Ukraine
Below is a list of organizations that have established funds to support journalist safety in the Ukraine and in Russia, as well as in and other neighboring countries, that are accepting donations and/or offering grants to assist news organizations and journalists in need.
Advocacy, Postal Rates-A
Postal Reform Bill Passed by Congress, On its Way to President Biden
On March 8, Congress passed the long-awaited Postal Reform bill that will, among other things, reduce costs of the Postal Service to curb rate increases for our members.
Advocacy
The Alliance Signs Onto a Letter Opposing New Taxes on Digital and Print Ads
On March 3, the Alliance signed onto a letter with a number of other associations opposing Kentucky H.B. 8, which would impose new taxes on digital and print media ads.
With State Anti-SLAPP Laws in Chaos, New Uniform Legislation Would Offer Consistent Protection for Publishers of Free Speech
Some seeking to punish accountability journalism and free speech will bring costly and frivolous “SLAPP” suits against publishers. State anti-SLAPP laws exist to help defendants dismiss meritless claims, but the laws vary significantly from state to state. Federal anti-SLAPP legislation currently under consideration would help discourage these frivolous lawsuits.