FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 30, 2020
NAHJ Expresses Empathy for the Black Community, Support for Freedom of Speech, and Implores the Nation to Protect Members of the Press
(Washington, D.C.) – The National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) calls on the police and the public to respect and protect the press during these emotional and significant times together. The organization offers its support for freedom of speech, empathy for the pain and frustration of the black community, and recognition of the importance of holding police officials accountable for their actions. The glaring disparity in treatment and systemic racism toward black Americans must be resolved.
NAHJ asks community members to help educate and remind those who are exercising their right to protest to be mindful and respectful of reporters around them.
Journalists recognize the importance of holding institutions accountable and will continue to diligently cover the detrimental effects of George Floyd’s death. NAHJ stands with reporters on the ground, who are showing unedited coverage of the protests. These brave journalists are committed to reporting the unfolding events, and documenting consequential events regardless of risk. They are the eyes, ears, and voice of the people, providing access to Americans’ reactions following tragic injustice.
Amid violence and hatred, partisanship is fueling attacks on the media. Consequently, journalists are quickly becoming the victims of the protests. On Friday night, Correspondent Nick Valencia shared the vandalism of the entrance of the CNN headquarters. The video footage shows the escalation of these protests, including the exchange of tear gas, stray flashbangs, and police in tactical gear. The journalists inside the network headquarters in Atlanta are among many reporters across the country that are the targets of threats and violence threatened by individuals and police involved in protests and riots across the country. Other alarming incidents include the arrest of Omar Jimenez and his crew, caught on live TV in Minneapolis, and the complete destruction of La Raza in the Twin Cities. The La Raza building was completely razed to the ground, becoming a victim of the violence directed at the neighboring police station.
The people who work inside newsrooms and out in the field should not be targeted as subjects of greater injustice. The biases and partisanship that can espouse anger and frustration with network news should not cost the safety of the people doing their job inside these buildings or out in the field. These reporters are using their position to document the reactions of Americans who are protesting systemic racism. As the protests continue, journalists are there to provide a fair account of unfolding events. For this reason, journalism must be protected at all costs. Journalists have a right to report facts without facing threats to their livelihood. The logic behind these protests is a tragic and undeniable fault within this nation’s systems.
While the protests continue and the battle for justice moves forward, NAHJ once again commends the journalists committed to providing the truth and keeping citizens informed.
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About the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ)
The National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) is the largest organization of Latino journalists in the United States and dedicated to the recognition and professional advancement of Hispanics in the news industry. The mission of NAHJ is to increase the number of Latinos in the newsrooms and to work toward fair and accurate representation of Latinos in the news media. Established in April 1984, NAHJ created a national voice and unified vision for all Hispanic journalists. NAHJ has approximately 2,500 members, including working journalists, journalism students, other media-related professionals, and journalism educators. For more information please visit NAHJ.org or follow on Twitter @NAHJ.
Media Contact:
BA Snyder
Veritas Group for NAHJ
512.630.6337
BA@VeritasAustin.com