The New England First Amendment Coalition is denouncing the Trump administration’s decision to bar three news outlets access to the White House and the property.
President Trump made the announcement to ban CNN, MS NOW, and Politico last week while accusing them of reporting “fake news.” The outlets are now suing the administration while arguing that the selective ban against their organizations violates the First Amendment.
NEFAC and several local news organizations released the following statement today:
We, the undersigned journalism organizations, strongly condemn President Donald Trump’s decision to ban CNN, Politico, and MS NOW from the White House.
A free and independent press is fundamental to our democracy. Journalists must be able to report on government officials and hold those in power accountable without fear of retaliation or restrictions based on the content of their reporting.
Presidents have the right to respond to criticism and challenge reporting they believe is inaccurate. However, using the power of the presidency to restrict access for news organizations because of their coverage threatens the principles of press freedom and government transparency.
The White House is a public institution, and access to it should not be conditioned on whether journalists or news organizations produce coverage that is favorable to the president.
The press is a proxy for the public. When the press is denied access, the people are denied access to information.
We stand with journalists and news organizations committed to informing the public. We urge the administration to respect the independence of the press and recognize that a free press is essential to a healthy democracy.
Protecting press freedom is not about supporting one political party or opposing another. It is about defending the constitutional principles that allow journalism to serve the public, regardless of who occupies the White House.
As organizations representing and supporting journalism throughout New England, we remain committed to defending the First Amendment and supporting the vital role of an independent press.
Signed,
Connecticut Daily Newspaper Association
Maine Press Association
Massachusetts Newspaper Publishers Association
New England First Amendment Coalition
New England Newspaper and Press Association
Vermont Press Association
NEFAC President Gregory V. Sullivan also spoke with GBH News about the ban and called it a “disgraceful move” by the Trump Administration.
“It’s a disgraceful move on the administration’s part, and it just shows a lack of either understanding of the First Amendment or total disrespect towards what the First Amendment stands for,” Sullivan said. “This First Amendment is, I often say, the cornerstone of democracy. And these constant attacks on it are just so harmful to the nation and the freedom of information that our citizenry is entitled to.”
NEFAC is the region’s leading defender of the First Amendment and open government. The coalition began in 2006 to advance and protect the five freedoms of the First Amendment, including the principle of the public’s right to know. We’re a broad-based organization of people who believe in the power of an informed democratic society.
Our coalition is funded through contributions made by those who value the First Amendment and who strive to keep government accountable. Please make a donation here.
NEFAC appreciates the support of all its donors and contributors. In particular, we would like to recognize the Estate of Gloria L. Negri, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the following Leadership Circle donors: Rhode Island Foundation, The Boston Globe, Paul and Ann Sagan, The Harbus Foundation, Boston University, the Champa Charitable Foundation and the Robertson Foundation. Major Supporters of NEFAC’s work include Hearst Connecticut Media Group, Gravel & Shea PC, the Academy of New England Journalists, Truro News and Patrisha McLean.