Today’s guilty verdict of Filipino journalist Maria Ressa is a terrible setback in the ongoing quest to protect and preserve press freedom around the world. We are appalled by this decision to imprison a leading voice for truth and the power of journalism. Publishers and journalists must not be forced into silence merely for reporting news that politicians do not like. They must be protected from such attacks and we call for this verdict to be immediately reversed.
David Chavern is former President & CEO of the News/Media Alliance. Chavern has 30 years of experience in executive strategic and operational roles. Prior to the Alliance, he completed a decade-long tenure at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.