Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
@rcfp.org
The Reporters Committee provides free legal help to journalists and protects their First Amendment rights. (RCFP for short.) Find us at rcfp.org.
☎️ Legal Hotline: 800-336-4243 | [email protected]
✉️ Sign up for our newsletters: rcfp.org/subscribe
☎️ Legal Hotline: 800-336-4243 | [email protected]
✉️ Sign up for our newsletters: rcfp.org/subscribe
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Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press provides free legal guides and resources to help reporters understand their rights.
rcfp.org
👋 We’re the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (RCFP), a nonpartisan nonprofit that provides free legal help to journalists and protects their First Amendment + newsgathering rights.
Follow us to keep up with the fight for #pressfreedom!
Learn more at rcfp.org and in the thread below 👇
Follow us to keep up with the fight for #pressfreedom!
Learn more at rcfp.org and in the thread below 👇
In a new lawsuit on behalf of a media coalition, @rcfp.org attorneys are fighting secrecy around state executions in Tennessee by challenging unconstitutional restrictions on press access.
News outlets challenge Tennessee restrictions on press access to executions
Represented by RCFP attorneys, a news media coalition argues that Tennessee’s restrictions on press access to executions are unconstitutional.
www.rcfp.org
November 11, 2025 at 2:02 AM
In a new lawsuit on behalf of a media coalition, @rcfp.org attorneys are fighting secrecy around state executions in Tennessee by challenging unconstitutional restrictions on press access.
Following widespread pressure — including from @rcfp.org's Kris Cundiff — Indiana University recently backed down from its decision to stop @idsnews.bsky.social from printing news coverage in the campus newspaper.
RCFP attorney represents Indiana Daily Student editors in censorship fight
An RCFP attorney representing the Indiana Daily Student’s editors calls the school’s efforts to silence the newspaper “ill-advised” and "unconstitutional."
www.rcfp.org
November 10, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Following widespread pressure — including from @rcfp.org's Kris Cundiff — Indiana University recently backed down from its decision to stop @idsnews.bsky.social from printing news coverage in the campus newspaper.
The Colorado Supreme Court recently held that @sentinelcolorado.com is a “citizen” under the state's Open Records Law.
The ruling improves news outlets' ability to recover attorney fees when challenging government secrecy.
The ruling improves news outlets' ability to recover attorney fees when challenging government secrecy.
The Colorado Supreme Court ruled that The Sentinel is a ‘citizen.’ Here’s why that matters.
An RCFP attorney represents The Sentinel in a dispute with the city of Aurora over the news outlet’s ability to recover legal fees in a lawsuit.
www.rcfp.org
November 9, 2025 at 3:50 PM
The Colorado Supreme Court recently held that @sentinelcolorado.com is a “citizen” under the state's Open Records Law.
The ruling improves news outlets' ability to recover attorney fees when challenging government secrecy.
The ruling improves news outlets' ability to recover attorney fees when challenging government secrecy.
We're expanding @rcfp.org's Local Legal Initiative to Louisiana and Mississippi — and hiring two in-state attorneys to provide local journalists and newsrooms free legal help to pursue impactful reporting in their communities.
Learn more and apply:
Learn more and apply:
Work with the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Check out the full-time jobs, fellowships and internships available at the Reporters Committee.
www.rcfp.org
November 8, 2025 at 3:57 PM
We're expanding @rcfp.org's Local Legal Initiative to Louisiana and Mississippi — and hiring two in-state attorneys to provide local journalists and newsrooms free legal help to pursue impactful reporting in their communities.
Learn more and apply:
Learn more and apply:
At a critical juncture for America's free press, #RCFPAwards25 raised more than $2 million in support of @rcfp.org's mission to provide free legal services to journalists and news organizations nationwide.
Freedom of the Press Awards raises $2M for press freedom defense, honors journalism and legal leaders
2025 honorees “represent the best of our free press and those who defend it”
www.rcfp.org
November 7, 2025 at 5:35 PM
At a critical juncture for America's free press, #RCFPAwards25 raised more than $2 million in support of @rcfp.org's mission to provide free legal services to journalists and news organizations nationwide.
After attorneys from @rcfp.org and @cornelllaw.bsky.social challenged their secrecy, a court ordered the release of internal Penn State trustee records related to a private retreat and a nonpublic board committee meeting.
PA court orders state agency to release internal Penn State trustee records
Spotlight PA and one of its reporters were represented by attorneys from RCFP and the Cornell Law School First Amendment Clinic.
www.rcfp.org
November 6, 2025 at 4:04 PM
After attorneys from @rcfp.org and @cornelllaw.bsky.social challenged their secrecy, a court ordered the release of internal Penn State trustee records related to a private retreat and a nonpublic board committee meeting.
“He devoted a huge amount of time, energy, resources, strategic thinking, and mentorship to helping to revitalize local news across the country.”
Sarabeth Berman reflects on @theajp.bsky.social co-founder John Thornton, who was honored with a special tribute at #RCFPAwards25.
Sarabeth Berman reflects on @theajp.bsky.social co-founder John Thornton, who was honored with a special tribute at #RCFPAwards25.
November 6, 2025 at 12:10 AM
“He devoted a huge amount of time, energy, resources, strategic thinking, and mentorship to helping to revitalize local news across the country.”
Sarabeth Berman reflects on @theajp.bsky.social co-founder John Thornton, who was honored with a special tribute at #RCFPAwards25.
Sarabeth Berman reflects on @theajp.bsky.social co-founder John Thornton, who was honored with a special tribute at #RCFPAwards25.
After @rcfp.org's Paula Knudsen Burke filed a public records lawsuit on behalf of @pennlive.com, a Pennsylvania township turned over documents revealing how much its insurance carrier paid to settle a lawsuit accusing a police officer of using excessive force.
PennLive sues Pennsylvania township for access to settlement agreements
In the lawsuit on behalf of PennLive, an RCFP attorney argues that the township cannot shield settlement records held by its insurance providers.
www.rcfp.org
November 5, 2025 at 4:29 PM
After @rcfp.org's Paula Knudsen Burke filed a public records lawsuit on behalf of @pennlive.com, a Pennsylvania township turned over documents revealing how much its insurance carrier paid to settle a lawsuit accusing a police officer of using excessive force.
The Mississippi Supreme Court must affirm the dismissal of a meritless lawsuit against @mississippitoday.org.
Doing so would protect the ability of news organizations to report in the public interest, @rcfp.org argues in a friend-of-the-court brief.
Doing so would protect the ability of news organizations to report in the public interest, @rcfp.org argues in a friend-of-the-court brief.
RCFP urges Mississippi Supreme Court to affirm dismissal of meritless lawsuit against Mississippi Today
Meritless defamation lawsuits chill news reporting in the public interest, RCFP argues in a friend-of-the-court brief in support of Mississippi Today.
www.rcfp.org
November 4, 2025 at 11:33 PM
The Mississippi Supreme Court must affirm the dismissal of a meritless lawsuit against @mississippitoday.org.
Doing so would protect the ability of news organizations to report in the public interest, @rcfp.org argues in a friend-of-the-court brief.
Doing so would protect the ability of news organizations to report in the public interest, @rcfp.org argues in a friend-of-the-court brief.
A judge has sealed court records related to the prosecution of 22 individuals — including a public official — in connection with an alleged interstate drug ring.
On behalf of a Pennsylvania media coalition, an @rcfp.org attorney is fighting to access the records.
On behalf of a Pennsylvania media coalition, an @rcfp.org attorney is fighting to access the records.
PA media coalition challenges secrecy surrounding prosecution of alleged drug ring
An RCFP attorney is representing three news outlets in their fight to access court records.
www.rcfp.org
November 4, 2025 at 4:32 PM
A judge has sealed court records related to the prosecution of 22 individuals — including a public official — in connection with an alleged interstate drug ring.
On behalf of a Pennsylvania media coalition, an @rcfp.org attorney is fighting to access the records.
On behalf of a Pennsylvania media coalition, an @rcfp.org attorney is fighting to access the records.
“This ruling strengthens the ability of Colorado news outlets to hold their government accountable,” said @rcfp.org's Rachael Johnson. “It’s a decision that will have a lasting impact.”
The Colorado Supreme Court ruled that The Sentinel is a ‘citizen.’ Here’s why that matters.
An RCFP attorney represents The Sentinel in a dispute with the city of Aurora over the news outlet’s ability to recover legal fees in a lawsuit.
www.rcfp.org
November 3, 2025 at 9:10 PM
“This ruling strengthens the ability of Colorado news outlets to hold their government accountable,” said @rcfp.org's Rachael Johnson. “It’s a decision that will have a lasting impact.”
@a-marshall-plan.bsky.social — @rcfp.org’s longest-tenured staff attorney — is now our director of national litigation!
In his new role, Marshall oversees a team of attorneys litigating federal and state cases to promote press freedom across the country.
In his new role, Marshall oversees a team of attorneys litigating federal and state cases to promote press freedom across the country.
RCFP’s national litigation program is growing. Meet the longtime RCFP attorney promoted to lead it.
An RCFP attorney since 2014, Adam Marshall now oversees the organization’s expanding litigation docket.
www.rcfp.org
November 3, 2025 at 5:47 PM
@a-marshall-plan.bsky.social — @rcfp.org’s longest-tenured staff attorney — is now our director of national litigation!
In his new role, Marshall oversees a team of attorneys litigating federal and state cases to promote press freedom across the country.
In his new role, Marshall oversees a team of attorneys litigating federal and state cases to promote press freedom across the country.
The Centre Daily Times, represented by an @rcfp.org attorney, is suing the Pennsylvania State Police for access to bodycam recordings capturing an ICE enforcement action in August that resulted in the arrest of 24 people.
Centre Daily Times sues PA State Police for access to bodycam footage of ICE arrests
The newspaper, represented by an RCFP attorney, seeks access to recordings capturing an ICE enforcement action that resulted in 24 arrests.
www.rcfp.org
November 2, 2025 at 4:09 PM
The Centre Daily Times, represented by an @rcfp.org attorney, is suing the Pennsylvania State Police for access to bodycam recordings capturing an ICE enforcement action in August that resulted in the arrest of 24 people.
ICYMI: In a friend-of-the-court brief, @rcfp.org urged a federal appeals court to restore @apnews.com's access to the White House press pool. The brief argues that the White House’s expulsion of the AP violated the First Amendment.
Media coalition urges federal appeals court to restore AP’s access to White House press pool
The White House’s expulsion of The Associated Press violated the First Amendment, RCFP argues in a friend-of-the-court brief.
www.rcfp.org
November 1, 2025 at 4:56 PM
ICYMI: In a friend-of-the-court brief, @rcfp.org urged a federal appeals court to restore @apnews.com's access to the White House press pool. The brief argues that the White House’s expulsion of the AP violated the First Amendment.
@rcfp.org attorneys are representing a media coalition in a new lawsuit challenging Tennessee's restrictions on press access to executions, arguing that they violate state law, the state constitution, and the First Amendment.
News outlets challenge Tennessee restrictions on press access to executions
Represented by RCFP attorneys, a news media coalition argues that Tennessee’s restrictions on press access to executions are unconstitutional.
www.rcfp.org
October 31, 2025 at 3:35 PM
@rcfp.org attorneys are representing a media coalition in a new lawsuit challenging Tennessee's restrictions on press access to executions, arguing that they violate state law, the state constitution, and the First Amendment.
Allowing the government to wield removal and detention of non-citizens as a tool to punish their protected speech would chill newsgathering and reporting in the public interest, @rcfp.org argues in a friend-of-the-court brief.
RCFP supports Stanford Daily’s First Amendment lawsuit against Trump administration
Allowing the government to wield removal as a tool to punish protected speech would chill newsgathering and reporting in the public interest.
www.rcfp.org
October 30, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Allowing the government to wield removal and detention of non-citizens as a tool to punish their protected speech would chill newsgathering and reporting in the public interest, @rcfp.org argues in a friend-of-the-court brief.
Today at 1pm ET: The U.S. Journalist Assistance Network invites you to join a free webinar about legal rights and digital safety while reporting on immigration and the border, feat. @rcfp.org's Jen Nelson.
Register: cpj.org/USJANPanel
Register: cpj.org/USJANPanel
October 30, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Today at 1pm ET: The U.S. Journalist Assistance Network invites you to join a free webinar about legal rights and digital safety while reporting on immigration and the border, feat. @rcfp.org's Jen Nelson.
Register: cpj.org/USJANPanel
Register: cpj.org/USJANPanel
This year's Double Exposure Investigative Film Festival & Symposium kicks off tomorrow in Washington, D.C.!
#DX25 features a riveting line-up of new documentaries as well as workshops covering the latest trends in investigative filmmaking and journalism.
Grab tickets now: https://dxfest.com/
#DX25 features a riveting line-up of new documentaries as well as workshops covering the latest trends in investigative filmmaking and journalism.
Grab tickets now: https://dxfest.com/
October 29, 2025 at 4:12 PM
This year's Double Exposure Investigative Film Festival & Symposium kicks off tomorrow in Washington, D.C.!
#DX25 features a riveting line-up of new documentaries as well as workshops covering the latest trends in investigative filmmaking and journalism.
Grab tickets now: https://dxfest.com/
#DX25 features a riveting line-up of new documentaries as well as workshops covering the latest trends in investigative filmmaking and journalism.
Grab tickets now: https://dxfest.com/
In a recent letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, @rcfp.org called out several "troubling" incidents in which federal agents have arrested and used force against journalists.
DHS must instruct its officers in the field to recognize the 1A rights of reporters.
DHS must instruct its officers in the field to recognize the 1A rights of reporters.
RCFP calls DHS actions against journalists 'disturbing,' seeks meeting with federal officials
In a letter to DHS, RCFP highlights several incidents in which federal agents have arrested and used force against journalists.
www.rcfp.org
October 28, 2025 at 11:50 PM
In a recent letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, @rcfp.org called out several "troubling" incidents in which federal agents have arrested and used force against journalists.
DHS must instruct its officers in the field to recognize the 1A rights of reporters.
DHS must instruct its officers in the field to recognize the 1A rights of reporters.
A Pennsylvania court ordered the state's Department of Education to release internal Penn State trustee records to @spotlightpa.org and @news4mass.bsky.social, siding with arguments made by attorneys from @rcfp.org and the Cornell Law School 1A Clinic.
PA court orders state agency to release internal Penn State trustee records
Spotlight PA and one of its reporters were represented by attorneys from RCFP and the Cornell Law School First Amendment Clinic.
www.rcfp.org
October 28, 2025 at 5:02 PM
A Pennsylvania court ordered the state's Department of Education to release internal Penn State trustee records to @spotlightpa.org and @news4mass.bsky.social, siding with arguments made by attorneys from @rcfp.org and the Cornell Law School 1A Clinic.
🚨 @indigenousja.bsky.social + the Oklahoma Media Center are hosting a joint fundraiser to celebrate and support independent journalism in Oklahoma!
But hurry — the deadline to buy tickets is this Friday. Details and ticket info 👇
But hurry — the deadline to buy tickets is this Friday. Details and ticket info 👇
October 27, 2025 at 8:51 PM
🚨 @indigenousja.bsky.social + the Oklahoma Media Center are hosting a joint fundraiser to celebrate and support independent journalism in Oklahoma!
But hurry — the deadline to buy tickets is this Friday. Details and ticket info 👇
But hurry — the deadline to buy tickets is this Friday. Details and ticket info 👇
“It is more necessary than ever to ensure that the press is not forced to spend precious resources defending against lawsuits designed to chill speech,” @rcfp.org argues in a new friend-of-the-court brief.
RCFP urges Mississippi Supreme Court to affirm dismissal of meritless lawsuit against Mississippi Today
Meritless defamation lawsuits chill news reporting in the public interest, RCFP argues in a friend-of-the-court brief in support of Mississippi Today.
www.rcfp.org
October 27, 2025 at 4:21 PM
“It is more necessary than ever to ensure that the press is not forced to spend precious resources defending against lawsuits designed to chill speech,” @rcfp.org argues in a new friend-of-the-court brief.
@rcfp.org is supporting the Stanford Daily’s 1A lawsuit against the Trump administration, which challenges provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act that, per the student newspaper, give the government the “power to censor lawfully present noncitizens.”
RCFP supports Stanford Daily’s First Amendment lawsuit against Trump administration
Allowing the government to wield removal as a tool to punish protected speech would chill newsgathering and reporting in the public interest.
www.rcfp.org
October 26, 2025 at 6:05 PM
@rcfp.org is supporting the Stanford Daily’s 1A lawsuit against the Trump administration, which challenges provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act that, per the student newspaper, give the government the “power to censor lawfully present noncitizens.”
In a new lawsuit on behalf of the Centre Daily Times, an @rcfp.org attorney argues that the public’s interest in accessing bodycam footage related to an ICE enforcement action outweighs the government’s interest in keeping the records secret.
Centre Daily Times sues PA State Police for access to bodycam footage of ICE arrests
The newspaper, represented by an RCFP attorney, seeks access to recordings capturing an ICE enforcement action that resulted in 24 arrests.
www.rcfp.org
October 25, 2025 at 4:55 PM
In a new lawsuit on behalf of the Centre Daily Times, an @rcfp.org attorney argues that the public’s interest in accessing bodycam footage related to an ICE enforcement action outweighs the government’s interest in keeping the records secret.
Couldn't attend #RCFPAwards25? Watch all of the honorees' acceptance speeches and read a recap of the event, which raised $2 million in support of @rcfp.org's mission to provide free legal services to journalists and news organizations nationwide.
Freedom of the Press Awards raises $2M for press freedom defense, honors journalism and legal leaders
2025 honorees “represent the best of our free press and those who defend it”
www.rcfp.org
October 24, 2025 at 6:50 PM
Couldn't attend #RCFPAwards25? Watch all of the honorees' acceptance speeches and read a recap of the event, which raised $2 million in support of @rcfp.org's mission to provide free legal services to journalists and news organizations nationwide.