National Press Club Recognizes Imprisoned Journalists with Prestigious Award for Upholding Press Freedom

National Press Club Recognizes Courage of Imprisoned Journalists

On October 31, 2025, the National Press Club made headlines by announcing that it would confer the 2025 John Aubuchon Press Freedom Award on a courageous group of nine journalists affiliated with the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM). This prestigious award underscores the commitment to press freedom, especially in today’s increasingly dangerous global environment for journalists.

The award is not merely an accolade; it represents a call to action. It aims to bring attention to the plight of these reporters who are currently imprisoned abroad, following the disbandment of USAGM earlier this year. According to the Board of Directors of the National Press Club, the recognition is a dual-purpose initiative: it honors the bravery of these journalists and critiques the U.S. government’s inadequate efforts to advocate for their freedom.

Mike Balsamo, the President of the National Press Club, stated, "These nine journalists risked their freedom to report the truth in some of the world's most dangerous places. They carried out the work of a free press — shining light where others tried to impose silence — and they did so under the banner of U.S.-supported media. Their courage deserves our deepest respect."

The Aubuchon Award, named after the late National Press Club President John Aubuchon, is the organization's highest recognition for press freedom. This award is conferred annually to honor both domestic and international journalists who exhibit exceptional bravery to bring forth the truth, often at the risk of their own lives or liberty.

The nine journalists being honored face severe penalties for their brave actions, many of which were designed to serve U.S. ideals of free expression. For instance, Shin Daewe, a Burmese documentary filmmaker and contributor for Radio Free Asia, has been sentenced to up to 15 years in prison under Myanmar's Anti-Terrorism Law simply for acquiring drone equipment for her reporting. Similarly, Sithu Aung Myint, a commentator for Voice of America, received a three-year sentence for criticizing the military junta in Myanmar.

Further dauntless stories include Nguyen Lan Thang, also a contributor to RFA's Vietnamese Service, who has been handed a six-year prison term for spreading "anti-state propaganda" and Nguyen Tuong Thuy, sentenced to 11 years for defaming the Hanoi government. These cases exemplify the perilous conditions journalists face while executing their responsibility to the public.

The list continues with Pham Chi Dung, a journalist and blogger, also sentenced to 15 years in prison in Vietnam, and several others who face similar bleak futures for their dedication to the craft of journalism. Farid Mehralizada, an Azerbaijani journalist, received nine years in prison, and Nika Novak, a Russian Service reporter, faces four years on politically charged charges.

Balsamo articulated the sentiment of many advocates for press freedom by stating, "Their imprisonment should outrage anyone who believes in America's commitment to liberty. These reporters advanced U.S. values of transparency and free expression and yet they've been left behind. Their abandonment is a stain on our nation's credibility and a reminder of what happens when we retreat from defending press freedom."

The award ceremony and gala dinner will take place on December 9, 2025, in Washington, D.C. This event will also include other recognitions, such as the Neil and Susan Sheehan Award for Investigative Journalism. Proceeds from the gala will support the nonprofit affiliate of the National Press Club, dedicated to equipping journalists with the skills and standards necessary for impactful reporting.

As USAGM was previously responsible for overseeing major U.S. international broadcasting efforts, its dismantling this year resulted in significant staff reductions, rendering numerous journalists vulnerable to governmental retaliation. Critics have voiced their concerns regarding the abandonment of support for press freedom.

Community leaders and press freedom advocates are now urging the current U.S. administration to take a stand against this injustice and re-engage in advocating for the release of these journalists, emphasizing the importance of protecting those who pursue truth in the name of American ideals.

The National Press Club's decision to honor these journalists highlights the urgent need for ongoing support and vigilance in the fight for press freedom worldwide.