A Breach: Government Tracking Phones Without a Warrant

Dec. 1, 2017 – Is it okay for the government to get information about your cell phone use without a warrant? Should the police be able to find out – without getting a warrant – who you talked to? Where you went?

That’s the question the Supreme Court grappled with on Nov. 29, when justices heard the case of Carpenter v. United States. Continue reading “A Breach: Government Tracking Phones Without a Warrant”

FCC Threatens Net Neutrality

Nov. 29, 2017 – Once again, the FCC is tampering with the rules that protect the First Amendment.

On Dec. 14, commissioners will vote to dismantle regulations that ensure equal access to the internet, Chairman Ajit Pai has announced. The rules, known as “net neutrality,” prevent internet companies from charging customers more to access some sites or slowing speeds to sites. Continue reading “FCC Threatens Net Neutrality”

Trial Gets Underway for Photojournalist Arrested at Inauguration Day Protest

NewsGuild Condemns Arrest; Case Sparks Debate Over First Amendment Rights

Nov. 21, 2017 – The trial of Alexei Wood, a photojournalist arrested at an Inauguration Day protest in Washington, DC, got underway on Nov. 20, sparking fierce debate over journalists’ rights to do their jobs without fear of arrest, as well as other First Amendment issues and matters of law. Continue reading “Trial Gets Underway for Photojournalist Arrested at Inauguration Day Protest”

Federal Judge Rejects St. Louis Police Tactics

Police Department Issues ‘Special Order’ to Respect Rights of Journalists

Nov. 17, 2017 – A federal judge issued a stinging rebuke to the St. Louis Police Department on Nov. 15 for aggressive tactics officers used during a wave of protests in September and October.  The judge barred officers from declaring protests “unlawful” unless there is an imminent threat of violence, and issued restrictions on the use of pepper spray and other chemical agents on nonviolent protesters.

NewsGuild President Bernie called the ruling “an important, positive development in protecting civil liberties,” but insisted that the union would continue to seek additional legal protections for journalists, who were among those arrested and manhandled during the protests. Continue reading “Federal Judge Rejects St. Louis Police Tactics”

Guild: We Must Continue the Fight for Local News

Nov. 16, 2017 – The Federal Communications Commission voted to eliminate longstanding rules governing media ownership – rules that are intended to protect local news coverage and guarantee a diversity of voices. As a result, we will face a drastic loss of local news coverage – and jobs – as media companies consolidate. Continue reading “Guild: We Must Continue the Fight for Local News”

Guild, NABET: Don’t Let the FCC Crush Local News

Nov. 7, 2017 – The NewsGuild-CWA and NABET-CWA are urging members and supporters to sign a petition opposing plans by the Federal Communications Commission to eliminate longstanding rules governing media ownership – rules that are intended to protect local news coverage and guarantee a diversity of voices.

“If the rules are abolished, residents would face a drastic loss of local news coverage – and jobs – as media companies consolidate,” said NewsGuild President Bernie Lunzer.  Continue reading “Guild, NABET: Don’t Let the FCC Crush Local News”

Say hello to the Guild

Oct. 26, 2017 – A new brochure for distribution to new and potential NewsGuild members is now available. The brochure, The NewsGuild-CWA, The Voice for Journalists in the Digital Age, is ideal for any local that wishes to increase membership and improve participation, as well as for people who are not affiliated with the Guild but who are interested in learning about the organization.  Continue reading “Say hello to the Guild”

Press Freedom Groups Send ‘Letter of Concern’ to St. Louis Mayor

Letter Protests Arrest of Journalists; Excessive Force

Oct. 25, 2017 – The NewsGuild-CWA has joined the Committee to Protect Journalists and 17 other organizations in writing to the mayor of St. Louis to express concern about the arrest and mistreatment of journalists covering protests in the city in recent weeks. Continue reading “Press Freedom Groups Send ‘Letter of Concern’ to St. Louis Mayor”

Right2Report Swag Available

Oct. 18, 2017 – The NewsGuild-CWA has developed cards and stickers to promote the Right2Report campaign.

The Real Reporters, Real News card outlines how Guild members produce accurate, quality journalism.

Right2Report stickers feature the campaign logo (above).

Order them Guild@cwa-union.org. Include your name, local, title (if any), the quantity you want of each item, and a mailing address. Continue reading “Right2Report Swag Available”