Journalists

A free press informs the people and serves as their mouthpiece; its value to our democracy cannot be overstated. Nevertheless, press freedoms are routinely challenged both by the denial by government of access to public records and proceedings and the placement of restrictions on what may be published. Unfortunately, individual journalists and the general public are often unaware of their rights and without resources to turn back these challenges. Thus, the ideal of the free press is too often unfulfilled.

	FAP produces and distributes public education materials on freedom of information and free press issues and conducts newsroom and public seminars.
	FAP maintains a telephone and email advice hotline to answer questions from journalists around the country in need of immediate assistance.
	FAP offers free or low-cost legal representation to independent journalists and small publications throughout California.

Indeed, FAP has been at the forefront of both public records and anti-SLAPP litigation since its inception. FAP also files amicus curiae briefs with courts around the country ensuring that free press rights are zealously represented.