(NEW YORK)— PEN America called on New York Mayor Eric Adams today to drop his threat to ban a Daily News reporter from future press briefings. Adams made the comment after a City Hall reporter sought to ask a clarifying question about the mayor’s re-election bid.
Tim Richardson, journalism and disinformation program manager at PEN America, said: “Mayor Adams and other elected leaders do not get to choose which reporters are allowed to ask questions of those in power. Banning a reporter for trying to clarify a public statement at a City Hall press briefing is an attack on press freedom. The Daily News reporter was simply doing his job while seeking answers on behalf of New York City’s 8 million residents. Politicians must not attempt to silence coverage or interfere in newsroom decisions, such as influencing which reporters are assigned to cover them. We call on Mayor Adams to immediately drop any ban and reaffirm his commitment to a free and independent press.”
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