WHEREAS there has been an escalation of actions and measures affecting the exercise of press freedom on multiple fronts
IAPA Midyear Meeting. April 23 - 24, 2026.
WHEREAS there has been an escalation of actions and measures affecting the exercise of press freedom on multiple fronts
WHEREAS hostile and stigmatizing rhetoric toward critical media outlets and journalists persists in political power, deepening a climate of polarization
WHEREAS journalists covering protests related to immigration policies have been subjected to physical attacks, including the use of less-lethal munitions and chemical agents by federal forces, even while clearly identified
WHEREAS arrests, charges, and legal actions have been brought against journalists in the context of news coverage, creating a chilling effect on the practice of journalism
WHEREAS the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed measures that could expand its discretion to sanction news content, putting editorial independence at risk
WHEREAS the Department of Defense adopted policies restricting press access to official facilities and that, although partially challenged in court, they continue to raise concern
WHEREAS the search of a journalist’s home and the seizure of her professional equipment constitute an unprecedented event that compromises the protection of sources and journalistic privilege
WHEREAS litigation and restrictions on access to information and official events for media outlets persist, limiting the public’s right to be informed
WHEREAS freedom of expression and of the press are fundamental pillars of any democracy and are protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution.
THE IAPA MIDYEAR MEETING RESOLVES
To condemn the escalation of physical, judicial, administrative, and reputational attacks against journalists and media outlets
To urge the federal government to guarantee the physical safety of journalists and full respect for their reporting work, especially in protest contexts
To call on authorities to refrain from adopting measures that expand discretion to sanction content or restrict access to public information
To reject practices that undermine the confidentiality of journalistic sources, including searches and the confiscation of work equipment
To request an end to undue restrictions on press access to official facilities and activities.
