Freedom of the Press Awards raises $2M for press freedom defense, honors journalism and legal leaders

We are honored to be recognized by the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press for the work of our newsroom to strengthen communities through the power of trusted, independent journalism. To be singled out for reporting that has significant impact is especially gratifying as we work to shape and inspire a more promising future for people in Maryland.”

Bob Cohn, CEO, The Banner

The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press raised more than $2 million to support its mission to provide free legal services to journalists nationwide at its annual Freedom of the Press Awards held Oct. 15, which honored leaders in journalism and media law whose work embodies the values of the First Amendment. The event marked the most financially successful Awards in the organization’s 55-year history at a critical juncture for press freedom in the U.S.

Hosted by Judy Woodruff, senior correspondent and the former anchor and managing editor of the PBS NewsHour, the evening recognized: 

• Amanda Bennett, former CEO of the U.S. Agency for Global Media, and Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, with Career Achievement Awards.
• Terry Baquet, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Verite News, with the Local Champion Award.
• The Baltimore Banner, with the Catalyst Award.
• Brad Kutrow, partner at McGuireWoods, with the Pro Bono Service Award.

“Tonight’s honorees represent the best of our free press and those who defend it,” Woodruff told attendees. “People who deliver facts where they are needed most, people who shine a light on government corruption in the face of threats, people who share the stories of communities that so often go untold, people whose work embodies the Reporters Committee’s values and highlights how a free press strengthens our democracy.”

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