Author Archive
Statement by the MPC Board
The Milwaukee Press Club sends our support and solidarity to the Wisconsin family of American journalist Shelly Kittleson who was kidnapped March 31 while freelance reporting in Iraq.
Shelly has been described by a friend as a “dedicated, experienced journalist, who chose to cover war and conflict zones and be on the side of those who didn’t have a voice.”
We are encouraged by the response from Sen. Tammy Baldwin, Rep. Mark Pocan and the U.S. State Department working to ensure her “release as quickly as possible” and to bring Shelly home.
Statement from MPC Board President, Tom Daykin
“The Milwaukee Press Club is reiterating our strong support for the First Amendment in light of FCC Chair Brendan Carr’s recent comments.
“Carr’s suggestion that government-issued broadcast licenses could be revoked over news coverage of the war in Iran, and President Trump’s endorsement of those comments, runs counter to the principles of a free and independent press enshrined in the Constitution nearly 250 years ago.
“People relying on television and radio news outlets shouldn’t have to worry that coverage is being hampered by threats from government officials. Such comments unfairly undermine the important and unwavering work journalists do to inform the public.”
Statement from MPC Board President, Tom Daykin
“The Milwaukee Press Club condemns Friday’s arrests of journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort in connection with their coverage of a Minneapolis protest.
The First Amendment recognizes the role a free press plays in our democracy. Journalism isn’t a crime, and shouldn’t be treated as such by federal authorities.
The Milwaukee Press Club is North America’s oldest continuously operating press club. Our mission is to support journalism and the public’s right to know. We count among our members journalists as well as other citizens who support the First Amendment.
The club also has an endowment fund which supports journalism through scholarships, and with grants for university journalism classes to help pay for reporting projects.”