First Amendment Reporters Initiative
Freedom Forum launched the First Amendment Reporters Initiative by partnering with Journalism Funding Partners in 2022 to create and staff a First Amendment beat at The Tennessean in Nashville. The First Amendment Reporters Initiative has since expanded and today includes five Freedom Forum First Amendment Reporters at USA TODAY Network publications: The Tennessean, Tallahassee Democrat, The Arizona Republic, The Indianapolis Star and USA TODAY.
The Initiative aims to boost awareness and understanding of the First Amendment — because for First Amendment freedoms to thrive, people need to know and value their rights. It brings the First Amendment to life through stories that show how these freedoms are exercised in real communities.
Learn more about the reporters and their work below.
Cate Charron
The Indianapolis Star
BrieAnna J. Frank
USA TODAY
Taylor Seely
The Arizona Republic
Stephany Matat
Tallahassee Democrat
Angele Latham
The Tennessean
Read the latest from our First Amendment reporters
Trump targets leaks with subpoenas. How the First Amendment applies
Most recently, subpoenas were issued to several New York Times journalists.
Most recently, subpoenas were issued to several New York Times journalists.
Judge rules against Trump administration over ‘8647’ protest flag in DC
Protesters had sued after the National Park Service said it would revoke the group’s demonstration permit over their signs and flags.
Protesters had sued after the National Park Service said it would revoke the group’s demonstration permit over their signs and flags.
Is MLB’s Pride controversy a First Amendment issue? What to know
Here’s what happened and how the First Amendment is (and isn’t) involved.
Here’s what happened and how the First Amendment is (and isn’t) involved.
T‑Pain, The Killers, Janelle Monáe headline massive First Amendment music festival
The first-ever Freely Fest was held in Nashville to celebrate the First Amendment.
The first-ever Freely Fest was held in Nashville to celebrate the First Amendment.
Federal judge rules against restrictive Pentagon press policy
The policy sought to bar news outlets from reporting information not officially sanctioned for release by agency heads.
The policy sought to bar news outlets from reporting information not officially sanctioned for release by agency heads.
First Amendment alarm over Florida police visit for online speech
A woman was questioned over a Facebook comment criticizing the mayor.
A woman was questioned over a Facebook comment criticizing the mayor.