INDIANAPOLIS – The Society of Professional Journalists supports the Associated Press in its First Amendment right to cover the White House and is disturbed by the Trump administration’s mounting efforts to stifle and intimidate the independent press.
On Tuesday evening, The White House banned two AP reporters from covering two separate White House events because the AP Stylebook did not change its guidance to reflect President Trump’s order to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. The AP Stylebook continues to refer to the Gulf of Mexico while noting Trump’s decision to rename it.
“The two AP reporters banned from the White House Tuesday evening have no control over the AP Stylebook, but even if they did, it is misguided and a violation of the First Amendment to dictate who has access based on whether you like what they write or report,” said SPJ National President Emily Bloch.
The AP disseminates news worldwide and must use place names and geography that are easily recognizable by all audiences, AP’s Amanda Barrett explains in a statement. The AP Stylebook is taught in most college journalism programs and is used by thousands of journalists and other writers globally.
“SPJ acknowledges that freedom of the press has been under attack for many administrations – not just the current one,” Bloch noted. “But now is the time to end petty bans of reporters, frivolous lawsuits against news organizations and other actions that serve to prevent information from getting to the American people.”
SPJ champions journalists by recognizing outstanding achievement, fighting to protect press freedom, promoting high ethical standards and educating new generations of emerging professionals. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Become a member and give to the Legal Defense Fund, First Amendment Forever Fund or SPJ Foundation.
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