Press Freedom Center: Federal judge’s ruling in VOA case a win for First Amendment

WASHINGTON, April 22 — National Press Club President Mike Balsamo issued the following statement today on a federal judge’s ruling in the Voice of America case:

“Today’s ruling by Judge Lamberth is a clear win for the First Amendment and for the journalists at Voice of America who’ve endured weeks of disruption and uncertainty.

This decision reaffirms a vital principle: that news organizations must be free to operate without political interference — especially when their mission is to deliver independent, fact-based reporting to people in places where press freedom is under threat. The dismantling of VOA’s editorial structure created a void to be quickly filled by disinformation. This ruling helps restore integrity to that mission.

To the reporters, editors and staff who never stopped fighting for that purpose: we’ve stood with you — and we will continue to stand with you. Today, the rule of law did, too.”

About the National Press Club

Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world’s leading professional organization for journalists. The Club has 2,500 members representing nearly every major journalism organization. The Club and its Center for Press Freedom are leading voices for press freedom matters in the U.S. and worldwide.

Contact: Bill McCarren, 202-662-7534, [email protected] for the National Press Club Center for Press Freedom