Club suspends in-person services through May 16

The National Press Club Board of Governors voted Monday night, April 20, to extend the Club’s suspension of in-person activities through May 16 in response to the continuing coronavirus pandemic.

The decision is in alignment with Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel E. Bowser's order requiring the closure of all non-essential businesses and prohibiting gatherings of 10 or more people through May 15.

The Club will continue to pay its staff through this period.

 The board move is the third time it has taken action since mid-March to halt most Club operations.  

“We offer our heartfelt thanks to our Journalist and Communicator colleagues for your ongoing support as we all weather this storm,” Club President Michael Freedman said in a statement. “To those on the front lines covering the crisis, we applaud your courage and your perseverance. You reinforce every hour of every day why journalism matters. To our members who have lost jobs as a result of the dramatic cuts nationwide, we encourage you to reach out to us. The National Press Club and its staff are here for you.” 

The Club has not fully closed since the outbreak began. It has sponsored a virtual Newsmaker series that has featured political and medical leaders and the Washington Nationals radio broadcasters. The Club also has undertaken a member service project, and the National Press Club Journalism Institute has launched a series of programs on reporting, writing and leadership.  

“If members are the lifeblood of our 113 year-old institution, the staff is our heart,” Freedman said. “This dedicated team has worked tirelessly over the past several weeks to ensure that vital Club and Institute functions and services have continued uninterrupted, including our virtual Newsmaker programs and online resources for members.”