SPJ stands in solidarity with Acosta and CNN

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11/8/2018

CONTACT:
Alison Bethel McKenzie, SPJ Executive Director, 317-920-4780, abmckenzie@spj.org
Jennifer Royer, SPJ Director of Communications and Marketing, 317-361-4134, jroyer@spj.org

INDIANAPOLIS -- The following is a statement from the Society of Professional Journalists regarding Wednesday’s White House press conference and the impact it has on journalists across the country who cover public officials and agencies:

After reviewing the video from yesterday’s White House press conference, the Society of Professional Journalists stands with Jim Acosta, CNN and the many other journalism organizations showing solidarity with them.

It is a journalist’s job to ask difficult questions, follow up on those questions and be persistent in obtaining answers from public officials. Anyone elected to public office should expect to be asked questions they may not agree with or want to answer. Journalists represent the people, and in doing so they must ask the hard questions. President Trump has done a disservice to democracy and the citizens of this country by constantly demeaning journalists and calling them the enemy of the American people, and he now does another disservice by revoking Acosta's White House credentials.

This isn’t the first time his administration has taken credentials away from journalists. This sends the message to state and local elected officials that it is OK to ban certain journalists from press conferences and other events. Politicians denying access to reporters as a way to control who covers them is a violation of the First Amendment and is detrimental to our society and those around the world. We strongly urge the White House to reinstate Acosta’s credentials immediately.

SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to informing citizens; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and fights to protect First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Become a member, give to the Legal Defense Fund, or give to the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation.

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