#USA #Washington #National Press Club #Press Freedom #Journalism Safety

National Press Club Media Tour on Attacks Against Journalists

On June 20, 2025, the National Press Club will conduct a Satellite Media Tour (SMT) aimed at addressing the safety of journalists in the wake of recent protests across the United States. The discussion will feature prominent figures including Gabe Rottman, the Vice President of Policy at the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, and Bill McCarren, Director of the Press Freedom Center at the National Press Club. Booking for interviews will be open from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM Eastern Time.

Why This Tour Is Important

Recent protests, particularly in Los Angeles, have reignited concerns about the safety of journalists covering civil unrest. During these events, many reporters have been subjected to violence, with incidents of rubber bullets, tear gas, and physical confrontation from law enforcement increasingly common. The situation reached a critical point on June 10, when Mike Balsamo, President of the National Press Club, sent a letter to Sheriff Robert Luna seeking to establish dialogue between law enforcement and the media. The LAPD responded with a letter on June 12, indicating a willingness to engage on the issue.

With National Guard troops federally deployed and U.S. Marines actively participating in maintaining order, ensuring journalists can operate safely has never been more crucial. The First Amendment, which protects freedom of the press, is at stake as we witness fundamental tensions between the media and law enforcement.

Lessons Learned from the Past

Reflecting on the broader implications of these protests, it’s essential to note that after the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, significant efforts were made to train LAPD officers in best practices for working safely alongside journalists. However, the need for ongoing re-training has been brought to light by the recent incidents, indicating that investments made in training were not entirely sufficient.

Gabe Rottman, with his extensive legal background, emphasizes the need for a critical reassessment of how journalists are treated during such events. With years of experience at the ACLU and PEN America, Rottman's insights into press freedom issues will provide key context during this media tour.

Bill McCarren, who led the National Press Club for 15 years and now heads the Press Freedom Center, has dedicated his career to advocating for journalists across the globe. His focus is shifting increasingly towards domestic issues, particularly in light of recent developments in the U.S.

A Call to Action

This media tour is not merely a discussion but a crucial step in advocating for the safety of journalists. Those interested in supporting the Press Freedom Center’s initiatives can make tax-deductible donations through their website. Additionally, journalists facing issues such as wrongful arrests, assaults, or confiscation of equipment are encouraged to reach out to the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press hotline for assistance.

As journalists continue to navigate a rapidly evolving landscape of civil unrest and law enforcement engagement, ongoing dialogue and support from organizations like the National Press Club and the Press Freedom Center remain vital.

For more information, please contact Melanie Ierardi at [email protected] or call 202-662-7592 to book an interview.