Category: Press Freedom

Scrapping Copy Desk Risks Times’ Credibility

By Grant Glickson

The New York Times announcement that it would offer buyouts and eliminate editors prompted the response below from the president of The NewsGuild of New York.

NewsGuild of New York journalists have been continuously breaking news for months. The first on the scene in many national and international stories, our members have meticulously handed their respective news organizations scoops with potentially huge consequences for our democracy. Continue reading “Scrapping Copy Desk Risks Times’ Credibility”

Guild Fights UMN’s Investigation of Source

Guild member Jennifer Bjorhus delivers the petition to a university official.

When the Minnesota Newspaper and Communications Guild learned in May that the University of Minnesota was investigating the source of leaks about a sexual harassment complaint against an employee, members stepped up. Continue reading “Guild Fights UMN’s Investigation of Source”

Journalists, Citizens Win Legal Victory

Third Circuit Court of Appeals Rules in Favor of Right to Video-Record Police

The Third Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld the right of journalists – and ordinary citizens – to video-record police in a public setting. The NewsGuild-CWA was among the 30+ organizations that filed a “friend of the court” brief asserting that recording police officers under such circumstances was a First Amendment right.

For more on the ruling, click here.

Trump to Blame for Rash of Attacks on Reporters, NewsGuild-CWA Says

May 25 – “Hatred of the media has been stoked by the president of the United States and some who support him — and the results are not surprising,” said NewsGuild-CWA President Bernie Lunzer when he learned of the assault on Guardian reporter Ben Jacobs by a candidate for Congress.

“Ben Jacobs – and all journalists who ask tough questions in search of the truth – are among the heroes of the moment,” he added. “They are acting on behalf of the American people – asking questions, reporting facts, filling in the blanks, and making connections.” Continue reading “Trump to Blame for Rash of Attacks on Reporters, NewsGuild-CWA Says”

War on Journalists Escalates

NewsGuild-CWA Lauds ‘Heroes of the Moment’

May 19, 2017 – Barely noticed in a May 16 New York Times article by NewsGuild-CWA member Michael S. Schmidt was this gem:

“Alone in the Oval Office, Mr. Trump began the discussion by condemning leaks to the news media, saying that Mr. Comey should consider putting reporters in prison for publishing classified information, according to one of Mr. Comey’s associates.” Continue reading “War on Journalists Escalates”

NewsGuild-CWA Condemns Arrest of WV Reporter

‘This is my job. This is what I’m supposed to do.’

Updated May 19, 2017  to include letters of protest.

May 10, 2017 – “The NewsGuild-CWA condemns the arrest of radio reporter Dan Heyman on May 9, 2017,” said President Bernie Lunzer. “This is a chilling attack on the right to report. Every journalist across the country should take notice.” Continue reading “NewsGuild-CWA Condemns Arrest of WV Reporter”