Schoeff detailed some of the ways the Club has used its platform this year to advocate for press freedom, including authoring 16 statements in defense of journalists facing detention, harassment, or restriction to their reporting, and providing more than $45,000 in financial support to journalists facing emergency needs. That assistance has had real impact, Schoeff said, detailing one instance in which the spouse of a detained journalist was able to travel to her bond hearing with the Club’s help, and who “visibly relaxed and un-hunched his shoulders” when he heard that the Club was able to fund his cost of travel.
Press freedom advocates honor World Press Freedom Day at National Press Club
The National Press Club recognized World Press Freedom Day on May 1 with a call to for more action to protect and extend press freedom.
“From restricted access and intimidation, to detentions and violence, to the steady erosion of trust, the threats to press freedom are not theoretical. They are happening right now,” NPC President Mark Schoeff, Jr., said at the gathering of nearly 70 press freedom advocates at the Club. “And that reality demands more than acknowledgment. It demands action.”
2026 National Press Club President Mark Schoeff, Jr., issues a call to action for press freedom. Photo: Alan Kotok
“That’s the impact. That’s a real person, carrying all of this, and in that moment, feeling some of that weight lift because of what this organization made possible,” Schoeff said. “Together, we can ensure that journalists are able to do their work without fear or interference, that the public’s right to know is protected, and that the principles we are here to celebrate tonight endure.”
Press Freedom Fellows with Schoeff (l-r): Asmamaw Ayenew Kassa, Allaa Azzam, Jazmin Lopez, Le Nguyen. Photo: Alan Kotok
During the reception, the National Press Club Journalism Institute introduced its new Press Freedom Fellowship Program and the first five fellows: Hubbah Abdi, Allaa Azzam, Jazmin Lopez, Asmamaw Ayenew Kassa, and Le Nguyen. The journalists will work with NPCJI over the next six months to report on press freedom issues and create resources that support journalists.
“Press freedom is not self-sustaining. It depends on all of us,” Schoeff said. “The challenges are real. They are serious. But so is our resolve.”
To support the Club’s press freedom initiatives with a contribution to the NPCJI today, click here. For information on getting involved, email [email protected].