First Amendment Reporters: Connecting Communities to Their Freedoms

First Amendment freedoms shape how we live, work and connect with one another. These fundamental rights — freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly and petition — form the foundation of American life. They allow us to live by our deepest beliefs, express our ideas, share our stories, gather together and hold our government accountable. 

But for our First Amendment freedoms to thrive, people need to know their rights, value them and be willing to stand up for them. According to our annual survey, “The First Amendment: Where America Stands,” more than 96% of Americans have heard of the First Amendment, but only 6% can name the five freedoms it protects. That’s why Freedom Forum is expanding its support for journalism that brings these rights to life. Because we believe that people are more likely to understand and value their First Amendment freedoms when they see them in action — especially in their own communities.

We launched the First Amendment Reporters initiative with the USA TODAY Network and Journalism Funding Partners more than two years ago. Our first reporters, based at The Tennessean and Tallahassee Democrat, were assigned to cover local stories about First Amendment issues such as book bans, gun violence protests and public prayer debates.

What began with two reporters is now expanding, with new First Amendment reporters at The Arizona Republic, The Indianapolis Star and USA TODAY. Angele Latham, Stephany Matat, Taylor Seely, Cate Charron and BrieAnna J. Frank are helping tell stories of First Amendment freedoms being exercised, challenged and defended — one article, one community at a time. Since May, their stories have reached more than 1.2 million readers and explored timely First Amendment issues like free speech on college campuses, the “No Kings” protests and cuts to PBS. 

If you think this kind of reporting matters, say so. Tell the reporters. Share their stories. Talk about it with your friends, at the office, around the dinner table. Your interest and support matter. When people recognize how First Amendment freedoms touch their daily lives, they’re more likely to value and defend them. That’s the driving force behind this initiative and our “Brought to You by the First Amendment” campaign, which highlights the everyday freedoms we often take for granted.