Keeping the Press Free: Attacks on Journalism at Home and Abroad

Michael De Dora, Washington D.C. Advocacy Manager of the Committee to Protect Journalists, will speak on the topic, Keeping the Press Free: Attacks on Journalism at Home and Abroad.  Each year, hundreds of journalists are assaulted, imprisoned, or killed.  These attacks on the news media in the U.S. and throughout the world have undermined confidence in the press.  What will this mean for the future of democracy?  Since its founding in 1981, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), an independent, nonprofit organization, has defended journalists on the front line who risk their lives to bring information to the world.  Michael De Dora will tell us about their mission to defend journalists and fight for freedom of the press. When attacks occur, CPJ activates its network of correspondents who report and take action on behalf of those targeted.  CPJ also provides complete, rapid-response assistance to journalists and media support staff worldwide using current safety and security protocols.  In 2019 alone, CPJ’s advocacy work helped lead to the early release of at least 80 imprisoned journalists.

De Dora leads efforts to advance press freedom around the world with the U.S. government and other policymakers in Washington, D.C.  Prior to joining CPJ, he served as director of government affairs and as the main representative to the United Nations at the Center for Inquiry, where he managed a range of domestic and international advocacy initiatives to advance freedom of conscience and religious liberty.  Michael was twice elected president of the United Nations NGO Committee on Freedom of Religion or Belief in New York and is a member of the international board of directors for the Raif Badawi Foundation for Freedom. He has a master’s degree in political science from Brooklyn College and a bachelor’s degree in rhetoric and communication from the University at Albany.

After services, from 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM, we will open Zoom for informal general discussion, as well as an opportunity to join a conversation group with Michael De Dora.

Please note: this service will be hosted via Zoom.