First Amendment attorney Floyd Abrams was the keynote speaker for the inauguration of the 111 president of the National Press Club, Bloomberg editor Andrea Snyder Edney.
Abrams spoke from the National Press Club ballroom warning the crowd. He said these were dangerous and difficult times. Press protections remain strong but for how long? The press must “remain vigilant in using and defending its freedom and that of all Americans.”
The First Amendment attorney is most well known for his successful Supreme Court defense of The New York Times. The Nixon administration attempted to block the printing of “The Pentagon Papers.” It was a landmark 6-3 decision that had an incredible impact on the relationship between the U.S. government and the media. It reaffirmed the guarantees of First Amendment rights.
In her first official speech as president Edney gave a call to action. She encouraged the press to ask the nations leaders the hard questions and follow the facts no matter where they may lead. She said these are the things that keep the press strong and enduring. “That is our charge, and working together, we will keep it.”
Edney is a breaking news editor at Bloomberg. She first joined Bloomberg in 1997. She was a Prague reporter. She joined the National Press Club in 2009. Previously, she severed the club as the Board of Governors’ secretary, treasurer, and vice president. Edney has also been a longtime chair of the Scholarship Committee.
The National Press Club is the world’s number one professional organization for journalists. It was founded in 1908, and bolsters member’s skills through services that meet the ever-changing needs of the global profession.
Skills are also strengthened through social activities that build a vital media community across the globe. “The Club is where news happens in the nation’s capital and is a vigorous advocate of press freedom worldwide.”
By Jeanette Smith
Source:
National Press Club: Press Release Feb. 11, 2018
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