CNBC Washington correspondent Emily Wilkins looks forward to progress on numerous fronts during her upcoming year as president of the National Press Club. In this edition of Update-1, Wilkins speaks with Broadcast/Podcast Team co-chair Adam Konowe about planned enhancements to the Club’s services and physical infrastructure, as well as its relentless commitment to press freedom, including the release of captured journalists around the world.

Dozens of journalists have been killed covering the Israel Hamas war, resulting in what the International Federation of Journalists says is the deadliest conflict ever for media deaths. The Committee to Protect Journalists says so far 85 journalists and media workers have died while covering the war. Why has this war been so deadly for members of the media, and which group has had the most deaths?

Swiss-born Didier Saugy took the reins as National Press Club executive director in June 2023, following a five-year stint as general manager of the Foreign Correspondents Club of Hong Kong. Since then, the accomplished private club manager, food and beverage director, and executive chef has been considering how to best serve club members and encourage them to spend more time in the facility.