ASJA Signs Letter to FCC Chair Over Press Freedoms Pressures
March 07, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: ASJA staff, asjaoffice@asja.org
New York, New York (March 7, 2025) – The American Society of Journalists and Authors is joining Public Knowledge and a coalition of 15 professional writers’ groups, civil society organizations, trade associations, and unions in signing a letter to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr expressing our shared concerns about recent FCC actions that threaten press freedom and First Amendment protections.
In the letter, which Public Knowledge delivered on March 7, the signatories requested that Carr commit to require clear evidence before launching investigations, reaffirm the FCC’s commitment to editorial independent, ensure oversite actions use objective criteria rather than political considerations, and maintain appropriate boundaries between government regulation and newsroom decisions.
“As advocates for free speech guaranteed by the First Amendment, we are alarmed by politically motivated pressure exerted on digital platforms, broadcasters, and journalists who exercise protected speech that the current administration disfavors,” the letter states. Read the full text here.
“ASJA will always stand firmly on the side of protecting and advocating for the First Amendment,” said ASJA President Darcy Lewis. “As worrisome as recent FCC actions are, it’s important for like-minded organizations to band together to sound the alarm on threats to the established norms of journalism and free expression.”
Public Knowledge is a nonprofit that promotes freedom of expression, an open internet, and access to affordable communications tools and creative works. In addition to Public Knowledge and ASJA, other signatories include The Author’s Guild, Committee to Protect Journalists, National Association of Science Writers, PEN America, and Society of Professional Journalists, among others.
ASJA has been the nation’s premier organization of professional freelance nonfiction writers since 1948. ASJA champions the First Amendment and rights of freelance writers, with a particular focus on issues of national importance, including censorship, copyright, and legal or industry changes that prevent independent writers from making a living.
ASJA offers an advocacy toolkit that members can use to stay on top of issues affecting freelancers, write op-eds, contact or meet with your elected representatives, request city or town resolutions, ask associations to get involved, and spread the word.
To stay abreast of ASJA news and events, subscribe to the free ASJA Weekly newsletter, read ASJA Confidential blog or follow ASJA on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok.
For more information about the organization, contact ASJA staff, asjaoffice@asja.org.
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About ASJA
Since 1948, the American Society of Journalists and Authors has been the nation’s premier organization of professional freelance nonfiction writers. ASJA members write books, journalism and content marketing and have met ASJA’s objective standards of professional achievement by publishing with national magazines, publishers and clients. As First Amendment and right-to-freelance advocates, ASJA stands up for writers’ rights and offers extensive networking and educational opportunities that benefit members and the freelance writing profession as a whole. ASJA believes in diversity and inclusion and actively works to attract members from all backgrounds and experience levels while continuing to emphasize excellence in nonfiction writing. Learn more at www.asja.org.