JOURNALISTS AND WRITERS FOUNDATION

    MEDIA AND JOURNALISM WEBINARS 2023

    Session 5: Introduction of Press Freedom Institutions: Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press & Carnegie Corporation of New York

    11 July 2023, Tuesday at 10:00 - 11:30 AM (EST)

    The Media and Journalism Webinars is an online certificate program organized by the Journalist and Writers Foundation (JWF) to equip aspiring journalists and media professionals with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to excel in their careers. These webinars provide a unique opportunity for participants to engage in interactive discussions, learn from seasoned journalists, and gain valuable insights into the dynamic world of media and journalism. With a focus on promoting freedom of speech, press freedom, and democracy, the webinars delve into crucial topics such as human rights, responsible journalism, and the impact of technology on the media landscape.

    Through mentorship, hands-on training, and thought-provoking conversations, the Media and Journalism Webinars empower participants to navigate the ever-evolving media landscape and make a meaningful impact in the field. In its 4th year of this virtual certificate program, JWF hosted participants of young journalists and media members from 29 different countries as well as 11 notable expert speakers from 6 countries.

    In the fifth and final session of the Media and Journalism Webinar 2023, the spotlight was on press freedom institutions and their vital role in promoting media freedom and providing support to investigative journalists and journalists facing adversity. The session brought together experienced journalists, media professionals, university students, and aspiring young journalists to foster knowledge exchange and learn from each other’s best practices.

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    Christina Piaia, currently serving as the Legal Manager for the Protecting Journalists Pro Bono Program at the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, shared her remarkable journey transitioning from journalism to human rights law. With a background as a photojournalist for the Associated Press, Christina’s passion for human rights led her to become a human rights lawyer, actively advocating for press freedom and the protection of journalists.

    Angely Montilla, contributing her expertise at the Carnegie Corporation of New York, discussed the corporation’s endeavors in supporting media initiatives that champion press freedom and deliver unbiased and nonpartisan news coverage. Her contributions to the production of digital multimedia and print content underscored her dedication to advancing the corporation’s grant-making goals.

    Shedding Light on Human Rights Violations

    media-_-journalism-2023Christina’s remarks offered insights into her work, which primarily revolves around organizations that effectively blend journalism with advocacy to shed light on human rights violations. Stressing the significance of documenting ground-level information, Christina highlighted its potential to prompt action and bring about positive change. She stated, “Documenting facts and presenting them to parties who can effect change is crucial in the fight for human rights.”


    She then shifted the focus of her talk to the introduction of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (RCFP), founded in 1970 with the mission to address legal challenges confronting journalists in the United States. As a prominent pro bono non-profit organization, RCFP provides journalists with essential legal support, training, and invaluable resources, especially those in local journalism. By offering pre-publication reviews, RCFP assists journalists in navigating potential legal obstacles, preserving the integrity of their work.

    Additionally, the organization extends its services to support freelance journalists and smaller newsrooms through the “ProJourn” program, recognizing the need to empower and protect journalists across the industry. RCFP further intervenes on behalf of journalists who encounter conflicts with state or federal agencies, ensuring they can access public records and safeguard their rights.

    Addressing Challenges and Documenting Attacks

    The discussion encompassed the rising challenges posed by human rights abuses and political oppression worldwide. Journalists, particularly those reporting on sensitive issues or from repressive regimes, face complex legal challenges, often extending beyond the confines of traditional journalism. Attacks on journalists have evolved into online harassment, particularly targeting women in the field. Overcoming such challenges requires the collective efforts of social media companies, governments, advocacy groups, and civil society organizations.

    Christina highlighted RCFP’s dedication to documenting attacks against journalists and providing training, especially during protests, where journalists often find themselves in high-risk situations. This proactive approach aims to mitigate potential dangers and empower journalists to report fearlessly.

    Funding Journalism and Media Initiatives

    angeleyAngely shared her experiences at the Carnegie Corporation of New York, where strategic communication plays a pivotal role in supporting reputable organizations and experts across diverse fields. The corporation actively invests in initiatives that uphold press freedom, promoting intelligent and unbiased news coverage. Notable projects and grants include support to media organizations such as the Associated Press, NPR, ProPublica, and AllAfrica. By providing resources and funding, the corporation facilitates research and education coverage on critical issues like nuclear security and peace in Africa.

    Angely’s discussion extended to the Vox Writers Workshop Fellowship, designed to nurture aspiring journalists and equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge. Despite pandemic challenges, the fellowship continued to provide a supportive environment for young journalists, fostering mentorship and camaraderie within the journalism community.

    Questions and Answer Session

    During the interactive Questions and Answer session, participants actively engaged in profound discussions with the speakers, Christina and Angely. In response to a thought-provoking question about the daunting task of reporting credible news in oppressive countries without fear of facing sanctions, the speakers emphasized the utmost significance of providing journalists with essential resources and robust protection in such challenging environments. They acknowledged the risks and obstacles journalists encounter while operating under oppressive regimes and underscored the paramount importance of supporting their work through legal assistance and safeguards, ensuring their safety and enabling them to continue their vital reporting on human rights and press freedom.

    group-photo-5The speakers emphasized the critical role of informed information and education in combating misinformation and strengthening democracy. They expressed hope for the future of journalism and its positive impact on societies, particularly in local reporting, which plays a pivotal role in effecting positive change within communities. The exchange of ideas during the Q&A session showcased the diversity of experiences and challenges faced by journalists and underscored the pressing need for collaborative efforts in promoting press freedom worldwide.

    SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES

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    CHRISTINA PIAIA, Legal Manager for Protecting Journalists, Pro Bono Program, Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, USA

    Christina Piaia is the legal manager for the Protecting Journalists Pro Bono Program at the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. She oversees legal intakes for pro bono matters concerning prepublication review and access to public records and develops relationships with law firms and corporate partners to provide journalists with pro bono legal assistance.

    Prior to ProJourn, Christina served as a trial attorney with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and supervised the Gender-Based Harassment Unit at the NYC Commission on Human Rights, working extensively on gender discrimination claims with a focus on community outreach and education. Before the Commission, Christina spent three years as an international human rights attorney, working on the ground with local grassroots
    organizations. Christina worked as a journalist for The Associated Press for five years before beginning law school. As a passionate public interest attorney, Christina serves as pro bono counsel for several nonprofits and on the board of the Chris Hondros Fund.

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    ANGELY MONTILLA, Editorial Staff, Carnegie Corporation of New York, USA

    Angely Montilla is a writer, editor, and creative strategist. At Carnegie Corporation of New York, one of the U.S.’ oldest foundations, she works on the production of digital, multimedia, and print content and publications to support Carnegie’s grant-making goals, which disburses $75+ million annually to over 100 grantees.

    With a record of supporting strategic growth within complex organizations, Montilla has years of experience in journalism, communications, and academia. Her current role demands a strong knowledge of the foundation’s program areas: K–16 education, immigrant integration, voting protections and participation, and international peace and security, including higher education and research in Africa and nuclear nonproliferation. Prior to Carnegie, Montilla was a Writer’s Workshop fellow at Vox Media. She serves on the Young Patron Council at Off the Record, which is under the aegis of the Foreign Policy Association, and volunteers with the Immigration Justice Campaign. Montilla’s personal passions exist at the intersection of religiosity, the arts, public diplomacy, and strategic communications—particularly in the Latin American context.