#United States #National Press Club #Press Freedom Center #Washington D.C. #Advisory Board

Press Freedom Center Establishes 2025 Advisory Board to Support Journalists Worldwide

On April 9, 2025, in a crucial development for journalistic integrity and freedom, the Press Freedom Center at the National Press Club unveiled its newly formed Advisory Board. Comprising a distinguished panel of journalists, legal professionals, and experts, the Advisory Board will play a fundamental role in guiding the Center’s efforts to protect journalists operating in perilous environments, uphold press freedom, and deliver essential aid to those facing threats in their line of work.

A Timely Initiative

The establishment of the Advisory Board comes at a time when press freedom is under siege globally. With an alarming rise in attacks against the media, the role of the Advisory Board will be pivotal in framing the Center's initiatives. It aims to ensure that independent journalism is safeguarded and that reporters who confront hazardous situations receive the necessary support.

William McCarren, the Director of the Press Freedom Center, emphasized the significance of this formation, stating, "We are entering a defining moment in the global fight for press freedom. This Board brings an unparalleled combination of experience, passion, and commitment. Their expertise spans journalism, law, business, and government, equipping them to help us support journalists in need and amplify our impact on a global scale. In these uncertain times, it is essential that we strengthen our efforts to ensure that those who risk everything for the truth are never left behind."

Leadership and Expertise

The Advisory Board is chaired by Jason Rezaian, the Director of Press Freedom Initiatives at The Washington Post, whose own experience of wrongful detention in Iran exemplifies the risks journalists can face. His leadership is deemed crucial in guiding the Center’s mission, prioritizing the provision of urgent support for journalists in jeopardy.

The advisory board includes notable figures such as:

• - Yamiche Alcindor, White House Correspondent at NBC News
• - Mike Balsamo, President of the National Press Club and U.S. Law Enforcement Editor at the Associated Press
• - Jeff Eller, Founder and President of The Eller Group and former Deputy Assistant to the President
• - Tiffany Harness, Foreign Policy Editor for The New York Times
• - Kathy Kiely, Lee Hills Chair in Free Press Studies at the Missouri School of Journalism
• - Alsu Kurmasheva, Press Freedom Advocate with Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty
• - Fred Ryan, Chairman of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation
• - Jim Sciutto, Anchor and Chief National Security Analyst at CNN
• - Madhulika Sikka, VP and Executive Editor at Crown Books, and former Executive Producer at NPR.

A Lifeline for Journalists

Launched in November 2024, the Press Freedom Center functions to support journalists facing immediate danger. Following the initial backing from the National Press Club and the National Press Club Journalism Institute, the Center has made strides in offering emergency assistance, legal aid, and advocacy for press freedom on an international level. McCarren stressed the urgency of the Center's work, stating, "Journalists are facing unprecedented threats, and the Center's efforts to provide both immediate relief and long-term advocacy are vital to ensuring that the press remains free and independent. Our commitment to these journalists is not just about defending press freedom; it's about defending democracy itself."

By fostering collaboration with various stakeholders, including foundations, corporations, and individual supporters, the Press Freedom Center aims to amplify the resilience of the independent press in society. The Center's work underscores the conviction that a free and vibrant press is essential for a democratic society. To learn more about the Press Freedom Center's initiatives and how to contribute, visit press.org/freedom-center.