Press freedom groups voice serious warnings against another Donald Trump presidency - Poynter

At present, America may be heading toward what could become an extremely perilous period for journalism in general and specifically, media in particular. Donald Trump has made no secret about his views regarding media – that they should serve the people and not oppose them – which could create serious threats against its existence as we see now with his rhetoric against media as “enemies of the people”. He repeats it often; even just weeks prior to an election he made statements regarding media shootouts with comments like, ‘I don’t mind that so much… and press that doesn’t agree with his position is dismissed as “fake news.” Mother Jones’ Julianne McShane notes that several major press freedom groups have issued warnings of Donald Trump’s potential danger to press freedom after becoming president again next month. Following Donald Trump’s win of the presidential election, CPJ issued a statement reminding readers of its responsibility to uphold freedom of the press. At an important juncture in U.S. history, we urge the next administration and decision makers in government and business to recognize journalists and free press as critical components of democracy, stability, and public safety. “The fundamental right of free press, as guaranteed in Article I of the U.S. Constitution, should never be compromised or diminished in any way. Unfortunately, legal prosecution, imprisonment, physical violence and even murder have unfortunately become threats against journalists around the globe.” Violence and online harassment must never become everyday events in America. Reporters Without Borders issued the following statement in its statement issued Tuesday by Reporters Without Borders:. On his campaign trail and during his former administration, President-elect Donald Trump frequently used violent rhetoric and threats directed against media professionals and outlets during both campaigns and administration. His election to a second term marks a critical turning point for American journalism and global press freedom, as the actions taken early in his next administration could set a course that has far reaching effects beyond U.S. borders. Trump should take advantage of this moment in American history to repair domestic press freedom climate and establish the United States as a leader on press freedom globally. Freedom of the Press Foundation released a statement, noting, in part: ”Just as in his last term, President Donald Trump is likely to try and restrict social media outlets as well as interfere with publishers’ editorial discretion.” His campaign against free speech online could only become worse this time around if he includes Elon Musk – one of the foremost proponents of hypocritical free speech policies – as an integral component in his administration. On a local level, Trump’s anti-press rhetoric has inspired everyone from governors and county-level politicians to attack media organizations directly. Trump wannabes nationwide may feel even more empowered to harass the press now that their leader has returned from exile — having spent his years of exile priming his base to accept such behavior. “To say the least, Freedom of the Press Foundation (FPF) faces some hard work ahead. However, we have done it before.” As President Trump began his first term, we stood against him every step of the way – from creating and releasing our groundbreaking U.S. Press Freedom Tracker database of press freedom violations across America, to expanding SecureDrop access for whistleblowers who needed a secure way of communicating with journalists. Now we are better prepared than ever before to hold Trump accountable, though none of this will come easily; his battle against media seems increasingly emboldening. As McShane wrote for Mother Jones, these events come at a time when both Republicans and young people alike are as likely to trust social media news sources as traditional national outlets, according to data published last month by Pew Research Center. Trump and the GOP have both contributed and capitalized on distrust among young men by creating Truth Social in 2022 and interviewing right-wing male podcasters instead of cable news sit-downs during his campaign, likely helping Harris make significant inroads with young male voters this year. Media outlets hoping to regain voters’ trust will not simply face off against podcasters and social media influencers: one of their main adversaries may actually be Trump himself! Radio host Charlamagne tha God believes “dinner table issues” were critical factors in Donald Trump’s victory at the election polls. Charlamagne made these remarks during an appearance Sunday on ABC News’ “This Week.” In his words to moderator Jonathan Karl: “These issues are dinner table issues; every morning people wake up wanting more money in their pockets and feeling safer about life.” No matter who or what religion it may be. What matters every day are two factors. Charlamagne noted that Donald Trump’s message regarding immigration may have resonated among Black community, stating “his approach speaks directly to their grievances of working class people”. Charlamagne supported Kamala Harris for president and remains optimistic; in fact he says “I don’t have a choice but to remain hopeful!” He praised Harris by noting: “Vice President Harris made people sit up, take notice and at least become curious; Jen Psaki from MSNBC showed her appreciation.” On MSNBC Sunday morning show, former Biden White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki spoke about Donald Trump’s victory against Kamala Harris and her subsequent defeat by Donald Trump. She stated, “Over the past several days I’ve spent much of my time contemplating what has just occurred… As has anyone who cares to listen.” At this juncture in my career journey, my primary objective is to learn from it all and evaluate my options going forward; now is definitely an opportune time for reflection as well as being humble about where my future may lie. She explained, despite how difficult this moment and years ahead will be, we must resist that urge as strongly as we possibly can because democracy doesn’t operate this way; winning elections requires convincing more voters that one candidate or party is their ideal option. Nobody owes anyone their vote; people cast them freely according to what best represents their interests – something which doesn’t always make logical sense! Psaki concluded by asserting, “It’s essential we avoid falling into the trap of thinking things can never improve; that we won’t find our way out of this momentous struggle, because they can and we can. Let’s listen carefully, remain curious, learn plenty, and then return to work!” Jon Wertheim is one of the industry’s foremost journalists; an excellent longtime contributor at Sports Illustrated who since 2017 has also served as correspondent on CBS “60 Minutes”. You can watch more here about Psaki’s remarks here. Wertheim and I were interviewed together back in 2022 as part of an in-depth article he did about local news, and while at work for Tennis Channel where his comments were recorded. Unfortunately for him while working there they made comments that got caught by hot microphones that may or may not have been appropriate. The Tennis Channel was broadcasting an exhibition match featuring Barbora Krejcikova, one of the premier women’s players worldwide, when by mistake its broadcast temporarily cut back to Wertheim’s studio and Wertheim made remarks that seemed to mock Krejcikova’s forehead. Krejcikova issued a statement through Tennis Channel which read, in part: As someone who has dedicated her athletic life to this sport, it was disheartening to hear such unprofessional remarks thrown around. Unfortunately, such incidents do happen quite frequently within sports culture. I’ve often chosen silence over speaking out when it comes to sports media issues; but, now is the time for change. These incidents take away from what makes sport truly enjoyable: athletes bringing passion and dedication onto the playing fields. Wertheim wrote on X: “I deeply value tennis and want it represented accurately in ways that honor our commitments as athletes at this level. On Friday during a Tennis Channel studio show I made some regrettable off-air remarks; these statements must not have been said.” Wertheim apologized: What Happened: As soon as I joined the show via Zoom, during rehearsal we were shown an exaggerated graphic depicting one of its players from competition that exaggerated her forehead angle and later I was instructed to setup my Zoom camera frame up accordingly. At first, I joked with myself and made an offhand remark to someone in the control room about how this low camera angle made my forehead resemble that of one of the players featured in question’s photo. They responded in kind; then someone from within it joined in; I responded back; as though it were all part of one big private rehearsal session! But unfortunately this inadvertent exchange accidentally found its way onto live air! “I realize: I am not the victim in this matter. What occurred was neither professional, charitable, nor reflective of who I strive to be as an individual. Assume Responsibility & Take Ownership ” The Tennis Channel released a statement saying Wertheim had been removed indefinitely from its roster of talent. “Upon becoming aware of Jon Wertheim’s inappropriate comments regarding professional tennis player Barbora Krejcikova on Friday, Tennis Channel immediately removed him from our air for indefinite. Furthermore, Barbora received her apology directly and also from Jon.” Jon has dedicated his career to shining a light on and expanding tennis and is an esteemed member of our family and community. However, Tennis Channel holds all employees to an ethical standard of respectfulness at all times that was breached in this moment.” Have feedback or tips? Contact Poynter senior media writer Tom Jones via [email protected]; for The Poynter Report daily media newsletter delivery Monday-Friday signup here