NewsGuild-CWA Journalists Speak Out Against Attacks on Press Freedom

Last week, members of the NewsGuild-CWA brought together reporters, editors, and media workers for a national town hall to speak directly about the rise of authoritarianism in the United States and the escalating attacks on press freedom.

Speakers included journalists from large broadcasters, regional newsrooms, magazines, and smaller outlets who spoke on the disturbing escalation of efforts by the Trump administration to suppress independent journalism, weaken public trust in the press, and intimidate news organizations. Topics included the defunding of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, multiple lawsuits brought by the President against news outlets, and recent Department of Defense rule changes restricting journalists’ access to information. Journalists also shared powerful stories of being assaulted by Department of Homeland Security agents while covering protests, despite posing no threat and being clearly identified as members of the press.

As if to underscore the theme of the town hall, a NewsGuild-CWA member at the Washington Post was targeted for intimidation earlier this week when federal agents searched her home, seizing laptops, a phone, and a smartwatch. Leaders in the bargaining unit released a statement saying, “The Washington Post Guild is alarmed and appalled by federal law enforcement’s search and seizure of reporter Hannah Natanson’s property and personal devices. Hannah is a valued member of our union whose work covering the federal workforce has been essential in understanding the impact of the Trump administration’s policies. The extraordinary decision to execute a search warrant at a journalist’s home should shock and dismay everyone who cares about a free and independent press. The Post Guild stands with Hannah, and will continue to fight for our members’ safety and independence so that they can continue their critical work.”

Click here to watch the town hall on YouTube.

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This post originally appeared on cwa-union.org.