Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA)

Honoring those who defend the truth. ?? At the First Amendment Awards, we recognized journalists and advocates whose work upholds the principles of a free press. Their dedication to truth and accountability is more important than ever. Watch the highlights and hear their inspiring words. ?? ?

Sunshine Week 2025 is here! ?? March 16-22 marks the 20th annual Sunshine Week, a nationwide initiative highlighting the importance of #PublicRecords and #OpenGovernment. Sunshine Week brings together journalists, civic organizations and advocates to champion the public’s right to know. Learn more: https://sunshineweek.org/

Join digital security expert Davis Erin Anderson on March 26 at 11 a.m. ET for a 90-minute training on safeguarding personal information and responding to online harassment. Learn how to: ? Identify where your personal data is exposed ? Remove or restrict it from public sources ? Access resources for online threats Presented with the Freedom of the Press Foundation. This session will not be recorded. Register now: https://lnkd.in/g7HqGu8T

A night of impact, inspiration and press freedom. ? The 34th annual First Amendment Awards brought together journalists, advocates and industry leaders to celebrate those who champion the truth. From powerful speeches to unforgettable moments, the evening was one to remember! ?? Watch the highlights and relive the celebration.

Please join us in congratulating Chuck Tobin, who was honored as part of the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) Foundation's 2025 First Amendment Awards. Cheered on by his Washington, D.C.-based media and entertainment law teammates, Chuck joined fellow honorees like Steve Inskeep, Rachel Scott, and Lesley Stahl in being recognized for exemplifying impactful journalism and protecting their constitutionally guaranteed duty to seek and report the truth. The Media and Entertainment Law Group, which Chuck leads, earned Ballard Spahr Best Law Firms' 2025 Law Firm of the Year award for Litigation-First Amendment.

It's such an honor to sit on the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA)Board of Directors with such distinguished professionals. As a fairly new member of the board, I'm finding myself in a position to grow by exposure to some of the best in the business. This organization, has always been impactful and important to my career, and so being part of its leadership is deeply meaningful.

The second half of our week in Washington D.C. was truly remarkable for the Spring 2025 RIAS Fellows! ???????? Our group of German journalists had the privilege of attending the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) First Amendment Awards Ceremony at the iconic Watergate Hotel in Washington DC, where inspiring American journalists were honored for their exceptional contributions to the field. Honorees included Leslie Stahl (CBS), Rachel Scott (ABC), Omar Jimenez (CNN), Steve Inskeep (NPR’s Morning Edition) among others. As the exchange program continued, the German journalists had a number of valuable encounters: Engaging conversations with RIAS alum David Bruns and James Hohmann, Editorial Writer and Columnist The Washington Post. A discussion with Ivanley Noisette, Legislative Director for Democratic Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-NY) about the differences in political party systems between the two nations. And a brief meeting with Margaret Brennan, Moderator of Face The Nation, during a tour of the CBS News Washington Bureau with incoming RIAS Fellow Mia Salenetri. Over the weekend, the group traveled to Virginia, where they had the unique opportunity to visit the Mattaponi Indian Tribe and Reservation. After a tour of the Mattaponi Museum, led by Lois Custalow Carter, Chief Mark Custalow spoke to the group about the challenges for the tribal council and government relations in a changing political climate. Since 1992, the RIAS Berlin Commission has been committed to promoting exchanges of ideas and fostering mutual understanding between broadcasters in Germany and the U.S. The Fellows will continue their journey with upcoming station tours in Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Michigan, and Chicago; several meeting up with American RIAS alumni before heading to Philadelphia, where they’ll dive deep into U.S. history, exploring the place of the First Continental Congress, the Constitutional Convention, and the early days of our nation’s first capital. This ongoing exchange continues to strengthen the bonds between our two countries through journalism, understanding, and shared experiences. ????? Photo credit: BP Miller #RIASBerlinCommission #Journalism #FirstAmendment #RTDNA #AmericanHistory #PublicService #MediaMatters #CivicEngagement #USGermanyRelations

RTDNA FIRST AMENDMENT AWARDS 2025 ? The Watergate Hotel, Washington DC ? “Courage is doing what is right, even in the face of consequences.” ??????? ? - RTDNA Foundation AP Citation of Courage ? ?A beautiful night to honor and remember the courageous journalists who put their lives on the line every day to defend the rights of a free and fair press. ??????????? Thank you Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA)

Last night, CNN Correspondent Omar Jimenez was honored at the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA)’s First Amendment Awards! The RTDNA Foundation selected Omar for this honor, stating: "Omar Jimenez has covered several of the most consequential news events of this generation, often putting him at odds with those in power. He doesn’t back down; he politely, but firmly, seeks and reports the truth and proudly articulates the right of a free and fair press. Omar is a shining example of brave and excellent journalism.” Ahead of the event, Omar joined The Ringer’s ‘Higher Learning’ podcast and Northwestern University’s ‘Intersections’ podcast to speak about this honor and the importance of press freedom! It was such an honor to be able to attend this event with Omar and celebrate journalists committed to upholding a free press. ??: Chorus Media Group & Radio Television Digital News Association

What a night indeed! Honored to attend the First Amendment Awards at the Watergate Hotel with my incredible CNN Newsource team and industry colleagues. It was an inspiring reminder of why we do what we do — press freedom isn’t just an abstract idea; it’s the foundation of our work and our democracy. Grateful to be part of an industry that fights for truth every day. A big thanks to Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) and everyone who continues to champion the mission of a free press! #localnews #breakingnews #Journalism #PressFreedom #MediaIndustry #media