National Press Club Launches Press Freedom Center to Support Journalists Facing Danger

Press Freedom Center Established by National Press Club

On November 26, 2024, the National Press Club, renowned for being the leading professional organization for journalists globally, unveiled the Press Freedom Center. This innovative initiative is dedicated to defending press freedom and providing significant support to journalists confronting hardships, such as wrongful detention, threats, or exile.

The launch event was a resounding success, gathering not only journalists but also distinguished members of the Club and generous donors. Among the notable attendees was Fred Ryan, the former publisher of The Washington Post and Politico, who delivered an impactful speech emphasizing the urgency of establishing the Center. His presence highlighted the pressing need for such an organization in the current global media landscape.

During the evening, attendees demonstrated their commitment to the cause by raising $25,000 on the spot, alongside an impressive $500,000 investment from the National Press Club, complemented by an additional $100,000 from the National Press Club Journalism Institute, which will also act as the Center's fiscal sponsor.

The primary focus of the Press Freedom Center will be on campaigning for journalists who have been wrongfully imprisoned, injured, or killed, as well as aiding exiled journalists. This initiative comes at a moment when global circumstances have intensified the threats against media professionals, making such support essential. The Center will also advocate for domestic journalists and media organizations, continuing the century-long legacy of the Club in championing press freedom.

Emily Wilkins, President of the National Press Club, expressed her enthusiasm about the initiative: "The Press Freedom Center guarantees that the Club will remain a formidable advocate and supporter of journalists in distress for years to come. We are committed to assisting detained journalists and those exiled here in the U.S. through this new structure."

Leading the Center is Bill McCarren, an experienced and passionate advocate for press freedom who has overseen numerous successful campaigns aimed at liberating wrongfully detained journalists. McCarren is not only a familiar face within the National Press Club, having led it for over a decade, but he has also recently served as a consultant focusing on press freedom.

"This initiative is designed to respond to the current critical moment for journalists worldwide," stated McCarren. "The Press Freedom Center will harness effective tools, techniques, and resources to conduct impactful campaigns and aid in the transition of exiled journalists into fruitful professionals."

In a major boost to the organization’s credibility and influence, Jason Rezaian, a prominent advocate for press freedom and former Tehran Bureau Chief for The Washington Post, has been appointed as a consultant and Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Press Freedom Center. Rezaian gained recognition when he was taken hostage by Iran in 2014, spending 544 days in prison. Following his release, he has remained a steadfast voice in advocating for journalistic freedoms and is currently the Director of Press Freedom Initiatives at The Washington Post.

Together, Rezaian and McCarren, in cooperation with the National Press Club, have played vital roles in supporting numerous journalists facing peril over the last ten years, providing essential initial aid along with ongoing support and community. Emily Wilkins commented, "We are incredibly proud to have Bill and Jason leading the way for the Press Freedom Center. Their commitment and passion for supporting journalists is unparalleled."

The formation of the Press Freedom Center has been enthusiastically approved by both the National Press Club's Board of Governors and the National Press Club Journalism Institute's Board of Directors. Leaders from both organizations have worked closely together over the past year to ensure that the Press Freedom Center is built on a solid foundation, ready to tackle the challenges facing journalists worldwide.

For those interested in supporting this crucial initiative, further information about the Press Freedom Center is available on the National Press Club's website, and donations are welcomed to help sustain this important work.

About the National Press Club

Founded in 1908, the National Press Club stands as the world's foremost professional organization for journalists, boasting 2,500 members from nearly every major news outlet. The Club plays a vital role as an advocate for press freedom, both in the U.S. and on a global scale. Recent member surveys reveal that the commitment to press freedom is one of the most cherished aspects of the Club's mission.