Strengthening the Pillars of Free Press: Support the Society of Professional Journalists Foundation.
The free press is more than just an institution; it represents the foundation of our nation and the freedoms we cherish. Your support is not just appreciated—it's essential. With your help, we can ensure that the light of responsible journalism continues to shine brightly, illuminating the path forward for our democracy. Help us reach our year-end goal of raising $50,000.
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The Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying Act (PRESS Act, S.2074) is a bipartisan federal shield law that would protect journalist-source confidentiality, subject to common-sense exceptions, such as cases involving terrorism, other serious emergencies, or journalists suspected of crimes. In January 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the legislation.
The bill includes a broad definition of the term “covered journalist” that includes anyone who regularly gathers, prepares, collects, photographs, records, writes, edits, reports, investigates, or publishes news or information that concerns local, national, or international events or other matters of public interest for dissemination to the public. So, the PRESS Act protects anyone who engages in journalism, not just professional journalists. Additionally, protection will extend to unconventional journalists and upstart outlets for which the expense of battling a subpoena can pose an existential threat.
Download this free media kit, which includes social card artwork, sample post captions and a copy of the video shown above. Share these assets with your newsroom, classroom and social media following to help us get the PRESS Act passed!
In May 2024, SPJ joined more than 120 journalism organizations, First Amendment advocacy groups, attorneys and law professors in a letter urging leaders of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee to prioritize action on long-stalled legislation creating a federal shield law to protect journalist-source confidentiality. You can do the same by using this template provided by ACLU to call or write your senator in support of the PRESS Act. Find your state senators on senate.gov.
Learn more about the PRESS Act here.
SPJ champions journalists by recognizing outstanding achievement, fighting to protect press freedom, promoting high ethical standards and educating new generations of emerging professionals. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Become a member and give to the Legal Defense Fund, First Amendment Forever Fund or SPJ Foundation.
