Tim Richardson

The US jailing and silencing of journalists follows the autocrat’s playbook The nation that once demanded press freedom abroad is denying it at home — and emboldening other governments that persecute the press.

A journalist is detained in the U.S. A nation that once demanded press freedom abroad is denying it at home. It's a coordinated attack to reshape the info ecosystem, where truth is replaced by state-approved narratives, and journalism is only valued when it serves power.
thehill.com/opinion/civi...

Congress had the chance to show bipartisan support for public media, as it has for decades, but caved to Trump’s campaign to punish dissent and control what information Americans can access—following the path of so many others choosing to capitulate rather than defend a free press and democracy.

Paramount’s decision to settle a meritless lawsuit rather than stand behind its CBS News journalists is a spineless capitulation. This was a moment to support reporters targeted by a frivolous legal attack. Paramount sent a dangerous message that media outlets can be pressured into submission.

Rather than address the substance of his administration’s report, Trump has resorted to vilifying journalists and sending a dangerous message that truth-telling is unpatriotic. It erodes trust in reporting and emboldens harassment of journalists who ask hard questions, an assault on press freedom.

The House vote to defund NPR/PBS is a politically motivated betrayal of millions of Americans. This isn’t fiscal responsibility, but an attack on journalism that challenges Trump’s narrative. By going along, Congress enables dangerous executive overreach. The Senate must protect independent media.

If Trump cuts funding to NPR and PBS, rural America will pay a devastating price Much of the country has little access to local news, with public media filling the void – and serving as a lifeline

If Trump cuts funding to NPR and PBS, it "would disproportionately harm rural areas and smaller communities, where public media really is a lifeline,” PEN America's @timrichardson.bsky.social tells @sulliview.bsky.social. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

The White House's attempt to pull back PBS/NPR funding is a blatant attempt to sway or silence media outlets that don’t align with the president’s preferred narrative. Simply put, it’s viewpoint discrimination aimed at undermining editorial independence protected by the First Amendment.

Trump’s executive order targeting public broadcasting is another overreach of executive authority, aimed at silencing news outlets that refuse to echo the administration’s narrative. It’s a clear attempt to intimidate journalists and chill free speech.

pen.org/press-releas...

White House Censorship of Journalists’ Pool Reports Is a “Blatant” Effort to Keep the Public in the Dark - PEN America Responding to reports that the Trump administration withheld at least two press pool reports, PEN America's Tim Richardson said: “This is a blatant effort to keep the public in the dark by blocking ba...

White House censorship of pool reports “is a blatant effort to keep the public in the dark by blocking basic facts about the administration’s actions,” said @timrichardson.bsky.social, Journalism and Disinformation Program director at PEN America. Full statement: pen.org/press-releas...

AP wins reinstatement to White House events after judge rules government can’t bar its journalists A federal judge has ordered the White House to restore The Associated Press’ full access to cover presidential events.

Big win for AP and press freedom: A judge ruled the White House can’t bar journalists based on viewpoint, adding, “the Constitution requires no less.”

Reporters aren't subject to the whims of a White House bent on intimidating the press into ideological conformity. Looking forward to AP's return.

Trump Leads a ‘Machinery’ of Misinformation in Second Term President Trump’s first four years in the White House were filled with falsehoods. Now he and those around him are using false claims to justify their policy changes.

We've gone from "alternative facts" to the institutionalizing of disinformation.

From the story: "Trump and his advisers have ushered the country into a new era of post-truth politics, where facts are contested and fictions used to pursue policy goals."

Is press freedom under threat? Expert weighs in PEN America's Tim Richardson is concerned about the impact of regulatory actions from Trump's administration on the free press.

Last week, I broke down the administration's threats to press freedom for this new USA Today video. Those threats have since escalated with the dismantling of VOA’s parent organization. Trump is taking his assault on journalism global.

The dismantling of USAGM is a gift to autocrats and U.S. adversaries eager to fill the information void with propaganda. Expanding a domestic press crackdown globally will allow authoritarian regimes to control narratives unchecked. Congress must act to protect USAGM and defend global press freedom.

Trump singled out the AP with unconstitutional restrictions 10 days ago. Today, the AP sued to reclaim its rightful place in the White House.

The administration wants to intimidate, chill free speech, and make reporters think twice about what they write. The AP made clear it won’t cower to a bully.

AP Accuses White House of Violating First Amendment The Associated Press said the White House had blocked its journalists from attending press events because the news agency had not started using the term Gulf of America.

The White House barred AP reporters. The Pentagon evicted news outlets. Vance and Musk attacked a reporter on social media. The FCC is probing NPR, PBS, CBS and others.

It's a shameful attempt to intimidate the media, chill unfavorable reporting, and pressure reporters into complying in advance.

The Associated Press says reporter was barred from White House event The wire service said the decision stemmed from a style guidance to continue using the name Gulf of Mexico instead of Gulf of America.

“Barring AP journalists... because of the news agency’s editorial decisions is an affront to the First Amendment and a free press,” said PEN America's Tim Richardson. “It is retribution, plain & simple, & a shameful attempt to bully the press into ideological compliance.” (gift link) wapo.st/4jRK2VQ