Negative theory recognizes the press’s vulnerability to government retaliation.
Press Freedom
Surveilling journalists to discover their sources. Using the Espionage Act to prosecute whistleblowers for disclosing information to the press that the public should know. Arresting and attacking journalists reporting on social unrest. Criminalizing the kinds of activities that journalists engage in routinely and as a necessary part of their work. Serious threats, all, to the freedom of the press.
This blog channel highlights the Institute’s ongoing work to preserve and strengthen free press protections in the digital age.
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Deep Dive: The Future of Press Freedom Scholars Series, Press Freedom
The Enduring Significance of New York Times Co. v. Sullivan
Sullivan protects fundamental press functions—its overruling would be devastating.
By Samantha Barbas -
Deep Dive: The Future of Press Freedom Scholars Series, Press Freedom
“MURDER THE MEDIA”: Press Freedom, Violence, and the Public Sphere
Exploring the relationship between the press and violence in a democratic society
By Joseph Blocher -
Deep Dive: The Future of Press Freedom Scholars Series, Press Freedom
A Professional Wrestler, Privacy, and the Meaning of News
How a more sacrosanct approach to terms like “press” and “news” can help privacy cases
By Amy Gajda -
Deep Dive: The Future of Press Freedom Scholars Series, Press Freedom
The Press and American Democracy
Identifying four distinct constitutional functions of "the press"
By Robert C. Post -
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Deep Dive: The Future of Press Freedom Scholars Series, Press Freedom
Political Tensions and the Democratic Press
Advocates for press freedom must confront the objectivity-subjectivity and institutionalism-populism divides.
By Gregory Magarian -
Institute Update: Press Freedom
An Introduction to Our Project: The Future of Press Freedom
A cross-disciplinary initiative to identify and protect the role of the press
By RonNell Andersen Jones & Sonja R. West -
Institute Update: Press Freedom
Call for Papers: New Voices in Press Freedom
The Knight Institute invites submissions from junior scholars exploring the news in changing times.
By RonNell Andersen Jones , Sonja R. West & Katy Glenn Bass
Event
Event
The Public's Right of Access to Court Proceedings: Power, Practice, and Promise
An event exploring the right of access, transparency in the courts, and technology law
Learn MoreLitigation
Lawsuit
The Foundation for Global Political Exchange v. Department of the Treasury
A case challenging OFAC’s suppression of the exchange of political ideas
Learn MoreResearch
Deep Dive
Jawboning in 2025
When the new administration starts—led either by President Biden or President Trump—what will the state of jawboning be?
Learn MoreLitigation
Deep Dive
In a victory for free speech, lawsuit challenging mail digitization in jails will move forward
Case brought by incarcerated people and their loved ones in San Mateo, California
Learn More