(NEW YORK)— PEN America issued the following statement today about the decisions by The Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times to refrain from endorsements in the presidential election:
“The spectacle of two major newspapers pulling back planned endorsements of a presidential candidate on the eve of a consequential election sends a chilling message. While media organizations are free to speak or not on their editorial pages as they see fit, the manner in which this unfolded, with the papers’ owners overriding their editorial boards’ judgment for uncertain reasons, suggests that the prospect of political retaliation may be inspiring media company owners to engage in preemptive submission. No matter the election’s outcome, a robust and independent press is utterly essential. Any action by media owners that suggests the media may defer to pressures is cause for alarm. If they back away now, it sends a deeply worrying message of what may be to come.”
About PEN America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. Learn more at pen.org.
Contact: Suzanne Trimel, [email protected], (201) 247-5057