Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press

Rep. Andy Harris recently lashed out at a reporter for recording him at a post-debate press conference. Harris argued that it was illegal to record without his permission. But he missed a key part of Maryland’s law. 🧵 Read to learn more:

The 1A also generally allows people to record government officials working in a public space. For example, all courts that have considered the issue have determined a reporter can record a police officer at a protest if they don’t interfere with their ability to do their job.

bit.lyReporter's Recording Guide | The Reporters CommitteeRCFP summarizes each state's laws governing the recording of phone calls and in-person conversations and how those laws affect newsgathering.

Want to learn more about recording laws? Visit our Reporter’s Recording Guide for a state-by-state breakdown. bit.ly/4ej2UMf

Most states have one-party consent rules, meaning only one person in a conversation needs to give their consent to record. During an interview in a one-party consent state, for instance, a reporter does not need to ask the other person for permission before hitting record.

Other states, like Maryland, mandate all-party consent, which requires everyone in the conversation to give permission before someone can record. In most states, however, recording laws only apply to private conversations.

Harris cited Maryland’s Wiretap Act, which prohibits someone from recording conversations without consent from everyone involved. But the law only applies to conversations where parties “have a reasonable expectation of privacy,” such as in a person’s home.

Conversations in public spaces typically do not have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Harris was speaking to a group of reporters after a debate at a community center. He did not have a reasonable expectation of privacy.

rcfp.orgReporters Committee for Freedom of the PressThe Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press provides free legal guides and resources to help reporters understand their rights.

It’s #ProBonoWeek! To celebrate, check out @rcfp’s resources for journalists and newsrooms — all free of charge: 📱 24/7 Legal Hotline 🏛️ Legal representation 📖 Reporting guides 📝 Pre-publication review Explore all of our free legal services: www.rcfp.org

bit.lyFlorida election law appears to ban protected newsgathering at polling placesOn behalf of journalist Abel Fernández, Reporters Committee attorneys warn election officials not to unconstitutionally enforce the law.

A Florida election law appears to ban constitutionally protected newsgathering at polling places. On behalf of journalist @abelfglez.bsky.social, attorneys from @rcfp.org and Shullman Fugate are warning election officials not to unconstitutionally enforce it. https://bit.ly/4jCSMl6

rcfp.orgJournalist sues US Secret Service for records related to 1980s prosecution of Dee FarmerThe Secret Service is wrongfully withholding agency records in violation of the Freedom of Information Act.

With support from @rcfp.org attorneys, journalist @alisonflowers.bsky.social is suing the Secret Service to obtain records regarding the prosecution of Dee Farmer, whose 1980s lawsuit led to a landmark Supreme Court decision about protections for incarcerated people.

Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press reposted

Student Press Law Center

@splc.org

🚨 With Election Day less than two weeks away, we've partnered with @rcfp.org to explain your legal rights and responsibilities when covering elections and high-stress situations. Register for this important webinar: https://loom.ly/h20Wkt0

bit.lyElection Legal Guide | The Reporters CommitteeThis guide, updated in 2026, provides an overview of the legal issues that journalists may face while reporting on elections.

🗳️ Prepping for Election Day? Reporters Committee is here to help. Read our Election Legal Guide — available in English and Spanish — for everything you need to know about covering the midterms.

bit.lyReporters Committee brings free legal support to Minnesota journalists and newsroomsTwin Cities attorney Christopher Proczko joins as the organization's first full-time Minnesota-based lawyer.

ICYMI: @rcfp.org now offers free, on-the-ground legal services in Minnesota! Our attorney Christopher Proczko, based in the Twin Cities, is available to help journalists with everything from public records disputes to pre-publication legal review. bit.ly/4emvgoQ

We have temporarily taken down FOIA.wiki while we make security updates to protect against recently discovered PHP vulnerabilities, which are affecting websites across the internet. The site will be back online once these updates have been implemented.

rcfp.orgHow to file FOIA requests like a proJournalists share their strategies for generating FOIA ideas, crafting requests, and navigating appeals.

For information and advice on FOIA, read our recent post on how to file requests like a pro: www.rcfp.org/how-to-file-... And, as always, reach out to @rcfp.org's Legal Hotline if you have any public records questions: www.rcfp.org/legal-hotline/

rcfp.orgFlorida election law appears to ban protected newsgathering at polling placesOn behalf of journalist Abel Fernández, Reporters Committee attorneys warn election officials not to unconstitutionally enforce the law.

In a letter on behalf of journalist @abelfglez.bsky.social, attorneys from @rcfp.org and Shullman Fugate are warning Florida election officials not to unconstitutionally enforce a law that restricts any person from asking voters questions within 150 feet of a polling place.

@rcfp.org attorneys are representing journalist @alisonflowers.bsky.social in a new FOIA lawsuit seeking records from the Secret Service about the prosecution of Dee Farmer in the 1980s.

rcfp.orgReporters Committee statement on reported DOJ investigation of White House press poolReporters Committee President Bruce D. Brown called the investigation “another and even more brazen attempt to try to intimidate journalists.”

ICYMI: The Justice Department's antitrust investigation of the White House press pool is "another and even more brazen attempt to try to intimidate journalists," @rcfp.org President Bruce D. Brown said.

myemail.constantcontact.comThe Latest: Media ban update; Midterm coverage; Overcoming access barriersEmail from National Press Club Journalism Institute Oct. 8, 2026 Editor’s Note: This newsletter is taking a short break in observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day. We’ll return to your inboxes on Tuesda

When government officials deny reporters access to public meetings or events, what should they do? In a recent newsletter, @npcinstitute.bsky.social spoke to @rcfp.org's Gabe Rottman about press rights and what journalists should know when they're denied access.

rcfp.orgReporters Committee attorney helps The Frontier sue for records concerning deaths at Tulsa jailThe Frontier and one of its reporters are represented by a Reporters Committee attorney.

Following several deaths at the Tulsa municipal jail, the city’s mayor announced he would close the facility. Now, with the help of an @rcfp.org attorney, @readfrontier.bsky.social is suing to learn more.

rcfp.orgQuashed: Reporters Committee attorney helps Indiana journalist fend off subpoenaA defendant in a federal lawsuit wanted a reporter to testify at a trial. Thanks to a Reporters Committee attorney’s free legal support, he won’t have to.

“To have that resource for small papers like ours, it’s just incredible.” After @westernwaynenews.bsky.social reporter Mike Emery received a subpoena seeking his testimony in a federal trial, he turned to @rcfp.org's free legal help to help make it disappear.

cnn.comNews outlets win a round against Trump’s press ban — but the fight is far from over | CNN BusinessNews outlets and press freedom advocates are cheering the latest court ruling against President Donald Trump’s press ban, while cautioning that he will keep trying to punish news coverage he dislikes.

This week's court ruling against the White House press ban “protects not only CNN, MS NOW, and Politico, but all the other holders of White House passes who continued to work under the threat of retaliation,” @rcfp.org President Bruce D. Brown said. [via @cnn.com]

youtube.com2026 Freedom of the Press Awards - LivestreamYouTube video by Reporters Committee

#RCFPAwards26 is tonight! We’re excited to celebrate press freedom and honor leaders in journalism and media law whose work embodies the values of the First Amendment. Watch a livestream starting at 7 p.m. EDT, and follow this thread for updates 👇

"Our democracy depends on an informed public, and that public depends on the reporters who deliver the facts — and the attorneys who protect their right to do so," Judy Woodruff says. #RCFPAwards26

rcfp.orgReporters Committee for Freedom of the PressThe Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press provides free legal guides and resources to help reporters understand their rights.

That's a wrap on #RCFPAwards26! Thanks for following along. Keep up with @rcfp.org and all of our work to protect the First Amendment and newsgathering rights of journalists across the U.S. 👇

youtube.com2026 Freedom of the Press Awards - LivestreamYouTube video by Reporters Committee

youtube.com2026 Freedom of the Press Career Achievement Award - Michele NorrisYouTube video by Reporters Committee

From print to TV to radio to podcasts, Michele Norris has been a versatile journalist telling some of the important stories for over 30 years. For her illustrious body of work, we're proud to honor Norris with a #RCFPAwards26 Career Achievement Award.

youtube.com2026 Freedom of the Press Career Achievement Award - Norman PearlstineYouTube video by Reporters Committee

"He knows something about everything." For over 50 years, Norman Pearlstine served in reporting, editing, and leadership roles at major news organizations across the world. We're thrilled to present him with a Career Achievement Award at #RCFPAwards26.

youtube.com2026 Freedom of the Press Awards - LivestreamYouTube video by Reporters Committee

youtube.com2026 Freedom of the Press Local Champion Award - trina reynolds tylerYouTube video by Reporters Committee

@invisible.institute's trina reynolds tyler — #RCFPAwards26's Local Champion Award honoree — has used data journalism to expose police misconduct throughout Chicago. Learn more about her essential work:

rcfp.orgGive to the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the PressYour tax-deductible donation supports our lawyers as they fight to protect the rights of journalists to gather and report the news.

From the White House down to small-town councils, we are fighting a wave of dangerous threats to press freedom, says @rcfp.org's Lisa Zycherman. Free legal support for journalists is more important than ever — donate today:

Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press reposted

youtube.com2026 Freedom of the Press Awards - LivestreamYouTube video by Reporters Committee

Replying to @rcfp.org

Couldn't make it to #RCFPAwards26, our annual celebration of leaders in the news media and legal fields whose work embodies the values of the First Amendment? Watch our livestream, happening now:

youtube.com2026 Freedom of the Press Awards - LivestreamYouTube video by Reporters Committee

youtube.com2026 Freedom of the Press Catalyst Award - The Marshall ProjectYouTube video by Reporters Committee

Our first award goes to @themarshallproject.org, a nonprofit newsroom that shines a spotlight on problems within the U.S. criminal justice system. Learn more about our Catalyst Award honoree:

youtube.com2026 Freedom of the Press Pro Bono Service Award - David A. SchulzYouTube video by Reporters Committee

"He has come to rescue of countless journalists." @mfia-clinic.bsky.social's David A. Schulz has dedicated decades of his life to provide free legal services for reporters and news organizations. We're proud to honor him with the Pro Bono Service Award at #RCFPAwards26:

youtube.com2026 Freedom of the Press Awards - LivestreamYouTube video by Reporters Committee

Legal attacks against the news media have skyrocketed, @rcfp.org Chairman Stephen J. Adler says, and journalists must fight back. "In the face of such challenges, we must advocate for each other." #RCFPAwards26

youtube.com2026 Freedom of the Press Awards - LivestreamYouTube video by Reporters Committee

Couldn't make it to #RCFPAwards26, our annual celebration of leaders in the news media and legal fields whose work embodies the values of the First Amendment? Watch our livestream, happening now:

youtube.com2026 Freedom of the Press Awards - LivestreamYouTube video by Reporters Committee

rcfp.orgCelebrating the power of the press: RCFP announces 2026 Freedom of the Press Award winnersThe Freedom of the Press Awards return Oct. 14 to celebrate leaders in journalism and media law.

For their commitment to press freedom, @rcfp.org will recognize the following honorees at #RCFPAwards26: 🏆 Norman Pearlstine 🏆 @ms.now's Michele Norris 🏆 @themarshallproject.org 🏆 @invisible.institute's trina reynolds tyler 🏆 @mfia-clinic.bsky.social's David A. Schulz Learn more:

Host Judy Woodruff opens #RCFPAwards26 by acknowledging the ongoing threats to press freedom faced by journalists today — and the dedicated media attorneys who have made it their mission to defend the First Amendment.

On Tuesday, a federal judge once again blocked the Trump administration from shutting CNN, MS NOW, and Politico out of the White House. The decision puts an end to a “blatantly unconstitutional” ban, said @rcfp President Bruce D. Brown. Our full statement: bit.ly/3WqXd8P

knightcolumbia.orgPacing FOIA’s Frontier

"What AI can do to improve the FOIA process is a question that should be discussed, experimented with, and empirically measured," writes @a-marshall-plan.bsky.social "But we must have guardrails in place to protect the law’s purpose first." [via @knightcolumbia.org]

rcfp.orgReporters Committee’s free legal hotline helps journalist investigate abuse, neglect in New Hampshire’s disability care systemNew Hampshire Bulletin reporter William Skipworth’s reporting recently won awards and sparked legislative reforms in the state.

When @willskipworth.bsky.social sought records related to New Hampshire’s disability care system last year, he said “it felt like I was running into a wall.” With free legal help from @rcfp.org, Skipworth shook loose public records that revealed rampant abuse and neglect in the system.

In response to the reported DOJ investigation of the White House press pool, @rcfp.org President Bruce D. Brown called it "another and even more brazen attempt to try to intimidate journalists." Read the full statement: https://www.rcfp.org/statement-doj-investigating-press-pool/

rcfp.orgWith free legal help from Reporters Committee, Tribune-Democrat wins battle for police bodycam footageThe recordings helped dispel rumors about the police response to a mass shooting in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, last year.

The Tribune-Democrat obtained police bodycam footage that shed light on the scene of a mass shooting in Pennsylvania last year. Here's how free legal support from @rcfp.org's Paula Knudsen Burke helped the newspaper access the records:

rcfp.orgAP challenges federal court rule restricting access to immigration recordsReporters Committee attorneys argue that the rule unconstitutionally impedes news coverage on a matter of intense public interest.

A little-known rule blocks the press and public from electronic access to immigration case filings. In a new lawsuit filed on behalf of @apnews.com, @rcfp.org attorneys argue these restrictions violate the First Amendment and impede reporting in the public interest.

wbir.comChrista Pike's failed execution highlights lawsuit over media accessThe failed execution of Christa Pike has intensified a lawsuit challenging Tennessee's restrictions on media access to executions, pushing for more transparency.

The failed execution of Christa Pike has brought renewed attention to a lawsuit — led by @rcfp.org attorneys — seeking expanded press access to capital punishment proceedings in Tennessee. [via WBIR]

rcfp.orgHow to file FOIA requests like a proJournalists share their strategies for generating FOIA ideas, crafting requests, and navigating appeals.

Want to file FOIA requests like a pro? @rcfp asked journalists to share their top tips, including: ➡️ @jasonleopold.bsky.social ➡️ @reesedunklin.bsky.social ➡️ @azmatzahra.bsky.social ➡️ @foianate.bsky.social ➡️ Kimbriell Kelly Learn more:

npr.orgDisney, ABC battle Trump's FCC in court over free speech protectionsPresident Trump has repeatedly called for Disney's ABC to fire late night comedian Jimmy Kimmel, for mocking him. Trump has also routinely denounced ABC's The View, accusing it of being unfair.

"The overreaching by the FCC is one of the greatest threats right now that's facing journalism," said @rcfp.org President Bruce D. Brown. [via @npr.org]

rcfp.orgFellowships | The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the PressThe Reporters Committee employs several fellows to support our legal work in furthering press freedom.

Want to join the fight for press freedom at this critical moment? @rcfp.org is hiring three legal fellows to help protect journalists and their First Amendment rights! The deadline to apply for all positions is Oct. 15:

rcfp.orgMedia coalition: White House press ban targeting CNN, MS NOW, Politico is ‘illegal and unconstitutional’Dozens of media outlets joined Reporters Committee in urging a court to restore White House access to the news outlets.

@rcfp.org — joined by a coalition of 77 media organizations — filed a friend-of-the-court brief supporting CNN, MS NOW, and POLITICO's challenge to the ongoing White House press ban.

rcfp.orgTennessee news outlet sues for records about 2015 Chattanooga shootingLocal 3 News seeks records about the shooting that killed five service members.

On behalf of @local3news.bsky.social, an @rcfp.org attorney is suing the Justice Department to obtain public records about a 2015 Chattanooga shooting that killed five service members.

youtube.comSuing to uncover secrets about a deadly ICE raid | Reporters CommitteeYouTube video by Reporters Committee

Months after a deadly ICE raid at a California cannabis farm, details surrounding the operation remain secret. Journalist Jackie Botts, with free legal help from @rcfp.org attorneys, is suing the Trump administration for access to records that could shed light on the incident. 📺 Watch: