In a recent episode of E&P Reports, Mickey Osterreicher, general counsel for the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA), shared his insights on the potential impact of a second Trump administration on press freedom. With over five decades of experience in journalism and media law, Osterreicher offered a candid and comprehensive perspective on the challenges facing the news industry and the steps needed to address them.
The state of press freedom under a second Trump administration
The prospect of Donald Trump’s return to the presidency has sparked significant concerns about press freedom, particularly given his administration’s history of labeling the media as the “enemy of the people.” Osterreicher reflected on the implications of such rhetoric, noting that it has lasting consequences for journalists and the industry as a whole.
“It’s very troubling for what the future holds for a free press,” Osterreicher said during the vodcast. “Not just based on which administration is in office, but more on what the public is embracing as journalism. A good deal of the reporting that’s being done is being disregarded, and people are turning to other sources.”
He added that the ongoing erosion of trust in traditional journalism creates a challenging landscape for reporters. “Journalists are exhausted and understandably disillusioned. When much of the electorate isn’t paying attention to accurate reporting, it feels like an uphill battle to keep moving forward.”
Prioritizing safety in an era of hostility
Journalists are increasingly finding themselves on the front lines, covering volatile events like protests and demonstrations. The risks are heightened by growing hostility toward the press, exacerbated by divisive rhetoric. Osterreicher emphasized the importance of situational awareness and newsroom leadership in ensuring reporters’ safety.
“Reporters and photojournalists need to maintain situational awareness and have an exit strategy,” he explained. “Looking through a camera or reviewing images can distract you from your surroundings. That’s what gets you into trouble.”
He also urged newsroom leaders to rethink their approach to assignments, particularly for high-risk coverage. “I don’t think it’s a good idea to send a reporter or photographer out alone to cover potentially dangerous events, like protests. Management needs to prioritize safety over budget constraints and work in pairs whenever possible.”
Strengthening journalism’s foundation in ethics and sustainability
For Osterreicher, the challenges extend beyond safety to the long-term sustainability of journalism. With widespread layoffs and closures, the industry faces a pressing need to adapt and innovate while maintaining its ethical core.
“We need to keep doing what we’ve been doing in terms of ethical storytelling, but we also need to find ways to make journalism sustainable and profitable,” he said. “Without financial stability, our ability to hold power accountable diminishes, and that’s a real threat to democracy.”
He also highlighted the shift in employment dynamics for visual journalists. “Back in the 1970s, most NPPA members were staffers at newspapers, television stations, or wire services. Now, most are freelancers, trying to earn a living as small business owners while still doing the work and storytelling in the right way.”
Collaborating to protect press freedom
Despite the challenges, Osterreicher expressed optimism about the collective efforts of advocacy groups like the NPPA, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (RCFP), and others. He emphasized the importance of collaboration to address systemic threats to press freedom.
“We’re not working in silos,” he said. “All these organizations meet regularly to align strategies and share resources. Each group has its own constituency — for example, NPPA focuses on visual journalists — but we’re united in our mission to protect press freedom.”
Osterreicher also acknowledged the need for diverse voices in the fight for press freedom. “Having a range of perspectives is crucial, but we’re all rowing in the same direction. The First Amendment is a powerful shield, but it requires active defense, particularly in today’s climate.”
A call to action for the industry
Reflecting on the future of journalism, Osterreicher stressed the need for resilience and innovation in the face of adversity. While the challenges are significant, he remains hopeful that the industry can adapt and thrive.
“Journalists have always been resilient. The key is maintaining ethical standards and earning back public trust,” he said. “We need to adapt to changing times while holding onto the principles that define our work. It’s not an easy path, but it’s a necessary one.”
Osterreicher’s insights during the vodcast offer a clear roadmap for navigating the challenges ahead. As the news industry braces for the potential impact of a second Trump administration, his call for unity, ethics, and innovation serves as both a warning and a source of inspiration.
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teaster
This only proves that you just don't get it. The public doesn't feel it's getting "truthful" journalism from you folks. When an article starts with "This is the great thing we are doing for you and this is the bad thing that the right is doing" we know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that the following is not going to be truthful or even helpful. It would appear the "decades" didn't teach you a thing and that you hear and read with extreme bias. There is truly no threat what-so-ever if you learn from your mistakes. Good luck in your future endeavor.
Monday, November 25 Report this