Legal Guides
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RCFP: Interviews on ‘The View’ should be exempt from FCC’s equal time rule
The FCC is investigating “The View” under a rule that requires broadcasters to give equal time to opposing political candidates.Categorized in First Amendment
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Celebrating the power of the press: Reporters Committee announces 2026 Freedom of the Press Award winners
The Freedom of the Press Awards return Oct. 14 to celebrate leaders in journalism and media law.Categorized in Announcements
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Brown v. State of Mississippi
An RCFP attorney is representing Mississippi Today in its fight for public access to the judicial records.By evespaCategorized in Court access -
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Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press v. U.S. Department of Justice
RCFP is suing the Trump administration for records about the arrests of Don Lemon, Georgia Fort, and Shane Bollman.By Chris YoungCategorized in Freedom of information -
Attending IRE26? Mark your calendar for these sessions featuring RCFP attorneys!
RCFP attorneys to talk FOIA, source protection, safety, and more at IRE 2026Categorized in Announcements
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RCFP sues DOJ, ICE for records related to arrests of independent journalists Don Lemon, Georgia Fort, and Shane Bollman
It's RCFP’s latest effort to bring transparency to cases in which the government appears to have ignored press freedom guardrails.Categorized in Freedom of information
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Journalist’s lawsuit alleges LAPD officer targeted, attacked her at anti-ICE protest
RCFP attorneys are co-representing journalist Lauren Tomasi after an LAPD officer shot her with a rubber bullet.Categorized in First Amendment
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Tomasi v. City of Los Angeles
RCFP attorneys are representing a TV journalist who was shot by a police officer with a rubber bullet.By evespaCategorized in First Amendment -
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In re: Petitions to seal coroner’s files of Lori Wasko, Dennis Seelenbrandt, and Carmine Faino
An RCFP attorney represented PennLive in opposing a coroner's effort to seal autopsy records.By evespaCategorized in Freedom of information -
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Melamed v. City of Philadelphia Police Department
The Inquirer and one of its reporters are suing the Philadelphia Police Department for access to police bodycam videos.By evespaCategorized in Freedom of information
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Guía Legal para Reportajes de Inmigración
Esta guía de RCFP explica los asuntos legales que periodistas podrán enfrentar al cubrir la deportación y la aplicación de…Categorized in Immigration
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Immigration Reporting Legal Guide
This RCFP guide helps journalists understand legal issues they may encounter while reporting on immigration enforcement and deportation.Categorized in Immigration
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Reporter’s Recording Guide
This guide covers state laws governing the recording of phone calls and in-person conversations and how those laws affect newsgathering.By Jenn TopperCategorized in Newsgathering
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Anti-SLAPP Legal Guide
This guide details each state’s laws, if any, preventing strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs).Categorized in Policy
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Reporter’s Privilege Compendium
This compendium details the reporter’s privilege in each state and federal circuit.Categorized in Protecting sources and materials
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Open Government Guide
This guide is a complete compendium of information on every state’s open records and open meetings laws.Categorized in Freedom of information
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Open Courts Compendium
This is a general guide to court access issues, with additional information for each state and federal circuit.Categorized in Court access
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