Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Committee to Protect Journalists

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is an independent American dedicated to promoting press freedom by documenting and advocating against attacks on s worldwide. Founded in 1981 by a group of U.S. correspondents responding to escalating violence against their colleagues, particularly in conflict zones like , CPJ has since expanded its efforts to monitor global threats to media professionals, including killings, imprisonments, and disappearances. The organization conducts research, provides emergency financial and legal assistance to s in distress, lobbies governments for accountability, and publishes annual reports highlighting impunity in cases of journalist murders, such as its tracking of over 100 killings in 2024 alone. CPJ's interventions have contributed to the release of imprisoned reporters and heightened international awareness of press suppression, though its U.S.-based perspective has occasionally drawn scrutiny for potential emphases in coverage aligned with Western foreign policy priorities.

Founding and History

Origins in 1981

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) was established in 1981 by a group of U.S. foreign correspondents who sought to address the growing dangers confronting journalists globally, particularly the harsh reprisals inflicted on local reporters by authoritarian governments and insurgent forces. This initiative arose amid heightened awareness of threats in regions like , where violence against media professionals was escalating due to coverage of civil conflicts and . The founding members, including Michael Massing, then-editor of the Columbia Journalism Review, and Laurie Nadel, a CBS News producer, formed a core group to leverage journalistic networks for advocacy and support. CPJ's creation marked an early effort to institutionalize protections for workers beyond individual , emphasizing the of and attacks through public campaigns and diplomatic pressure. Although not tied to a single incident, the organization's origins reflected broader concerns over the enjoyed by perpetrators targeting , setting the stage for its initial interventions, such as protests against journalist detentions. From inception, CPJ operated as a nonprofit dedicated to defending reporters' rights without regard to ideological alignment, drawing on the founders' experiences in international correspondence.

Growth Through the 1980s and 1990s

Following its founding in 1981, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) rapidly expanded its advocacy efforts in the early through targeted campaigns to secure the release of detained reporters. In 1982, CPJ launched its first major initiative to free three British journalists—Simon , Ian Mather, and Tony Prime—arrested in amid the ; a letter from honorary chairman contributed to their eventual release. This period marked a shift from informal responses to structured interventions, with CPJ issuing protest letters and mobilizing international media attention on cases of and worldwide. By the late , CPJ had broadened its scope beyond immediate prisoner releases to systematic documentation of threats against journalists, initiating an annual census tracking those killed or imprisoned in connection with their work—a practice that continues to provide empirical data on global press freedom violations. This development reflected organizational growth in capacity, as evidenced by expanded archival records of country-specific actions and data-gathering efforts during the decade. The organization's work increasingly addressed not only incarceration but also and , handling a rising volume of cases amid geopolitical upheavals such as conflicts in and the Soviet bloc. In the , CPJ formalized its recognition of courageous by establishing the Press Freedom Awards in , an annual event honoring individuals and outlets facing severe risks; detailed planning and execution records from 1994 to 1999 underscore the program's institutionalization and fundraising role. Overall, CPJ grew tremendously from its nascent phase, evolving into a more robust entity with enhanced global monitoring, protest mechanisms, and public campaigns, as indicated by the proliferation of board minutes, publications, and through the mid-1990s. This expansion coincided with heightened awareness of press perils post-Cold War, enabling CPJ to influence diplomatic pressures and media industry responses more effectively.

Expansion in the 2000s and Beyond

In the early , the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) expanded its operations in response to a surge in threats to journalists following the , 2001, attacks and the subsequent U.S.-led invasions of Afghanistan and , where over 150 journalists were killed between 2003 and 2010, primarily in . This period marked a shift toward enhanced safety initiatives, including the formal launch in 2001 of a dedicated Assistance program under Elisabeth Witchel, which provided financial aid, legal support, and relocation for at-risk reporters, evolving from letter-writing campaigns to structured emergency responses. CPJ's documentation efforts intensified, tracking a rise in global imprisoned journalists from 81 in 2000 to 118 in 2001 and peaking at 179 by 2011, necessitating broader advocacy and research capacities. By the mid-2000s, under executive director Joel Simon (2006–2022), CPJ underwent significant organizational scaling, tripling its annual budget and expanding its global staff to address escalating violence and in conflict zones and authoritarian regimes. Programs diversified to include comprehensive safety training for over 950 journalists annually by the , focusing on hostile environment reporting amid rising digital surveillance and targeted killings. Into the and , CPJ's assistance fund grew fivefold since 2019 to $1 million per year, reflecting increased demand as exiled journalists comprised over half of aid recipients by mid-2024, driven by crackdowns in countries like , , and . Staff unionized in 2019 amid this programmatic expansion, which encompassed rapid-response networks and public campaigns against , with 2024 marking the deadliest year on record for journalists tracked by CPJ, at 124 killings.

Mission and Core Objectives

Press Freedom Advocacy

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) conducts press freedom primarily through public denunciations of violations, direct engagements with governments and officials, and the production of research reports that document threats to journalists. These efforts aim to pressure authorities to investigate attacks, release imprisoned reporters, and enact protective , often in coordination with coalitions. CPJ's advocacy extends to multilateral institutions, where it advises on diplomatic initiatives to safeguard media rights in conflict zones and repressive regimes. A core component involves high-level , including meetings with heads of state and foreign ministers to secure the release of detained s or ensure safe to reporting areas. For instance, in June , CPJ joined global media leaders in urging unrestricted to amid ongoing hostilities, emphasizing the need for independent verification of events. Such interventions have contributed to the freeing of over 500 s since CPJ's founding, though outcomes depend on governmental responsiveness. CPJ also engages U.S. policymakers, as evidenced by its monitoring of domestic threats, including a on the chilling effects of executive actions during the initial months of the administration's second term. CPJ's annual reports serve as advocacy tools, compiling empirical data on killings, imprisonments, and to spotlight systemic failures. The 2024 Impunity Index identified and as the most likely nations to leave murders unsolved, with nearly 80% of cases worldwide remaining unprosecuted, based on analysis of over 1,800 killings since 1992. Similarly, a 2024 assessment declared that year the deadliest for journalists in CPJ's records, with 124 fatalities—almost 70% attributed to actions in —prompting calls for accountability and safety protocols. These publications, drawn from on-the-ground investigations, influence policy debates but have drawn scrutiny for selective emphasis on certain conflicts, potentially reflecting institutional priorities in Western-funded NGOs. Public campaigns and awards amplify advocacy, including the International Press Freedom Awards, which in 2024 honored journalists facing repression and raised funds for global assistance programs. CPJ also participates in coalitions like the Journalist Assistance Network launched in May 2025, providing legal and safety resources to U.S.-based reporters amid rising domestic threats. While effective in raising awareness—evidenced by diplomatic responses in isolated cases—critics argue CPJ's focus on government-perpetrated violations sometimes overlooks threats or internal journalistic ethics, underscoring the challenges of impartial advocacy in polarized environments.

Journalist Protection Mandates

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) establishes mandates for journalist protection centered on immediate emergency response, comprehensive safety guidelines, and advocacy for institutional safeguards against threats arising from journalistic activities. These mandates prioritize rapid intervention to mitigate physical, digital, and legal risks, with support drawn from the organization's The Gene Roberts Fund for emergency assistance. Eligibility focuses on working journalists and media workers endangered due to their reporting, assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure confidentiality and targeted aid. Core to these mandates is the provision of short-term financial and non-financial following incidents, including relocation costs, medical and care, legal defense, and prison or post-prison aid, excluding long-term needs like visas or general healthcare. Applications require emailing detailed circumstances to CPJ's emergencies team, with high-volume requests handled via referrals to partners for vetting. Non-financial elements encompass consultations, letters of , and access to specialists, emphasizing resources for from or . In , amid record global threats, CPJ expanded tools like chatbots to enhance real-time guidance during elections and conflicts. CPJ's Journalist Security Guide outlines operational for risk mitigation, requiring pre-assignment assessments to identify hazards such as , , or , with plans informed by diverse sources including diplomatic advisories. Protocols mandate secure communications via and VPNs, team-based travel in high-risk zones, regular check-ins (defaulting to hourly intervals), and avoidance of firearms to preserve neutral , favoring vetted local security instead. News organizations are urged to integrate these by providing , , and non-punitive policies for declining assignments, alongside measures against risks through medical and legal support frameworks. Advocacy mandates extend to pressuring governments for systemic protections, including promotion of programs, trial venue changes, and special prosecutors to combat in killings. CPJ documents enforcement failures and engages officials to expedite prosecutions, as seen in commitments extracted from in for expanded protections and from against defunding federal mechanisms. These efforts target high- regions like and the , where conviction rates remain low despite elevated murder tallies, enlisting international support to enforce .

Programs and Operations

Safety and Emergency Assistance

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) operates an Emergency Response Team that delivers rapid, short-term assistance to journalists and media workers facing immediate threats stemming from their professional activities, including physical attacks, arrests, or . This support encompasses financial grants for medical treatment, legal defense, relocation, and secure communication tools, administered through the Gene Roberts Emergency Fund, which was established to provide targeted aid and renamed in 2014 to honor Gene Roberts. Services are activated following verified incidents, with CPJ conducting on-the-ground to secure releases from , negotiate safe passage, or facilitate evacuations in high-risk zones such as conflict areas or authoritarian regimes. For instance, the has funded emergency medical evacuations and temporary housing for journalists injured during , as well as legal fees for those detained without . Journalists seeking aid contact CPJ via a dedicated emergencies line or email, where cases are assessed for eligibility based on direct links to journalistic work. Funding for these efforts has expanded significantly amid rising global threats to ; prior to 2020, annual disbursements hovered around $200,000, but by 2023, the budget reached $1 million annually to address surging demand from incidents like violence in and . This growth reflects a five-fold increase in the assistance fund since 2019, enabling CPJ to handle a broader caseload without compromising response times. While the prioritizes verifiable needs, it does not extend to long-term resettlement or non-work-related perils.

Research and Documentation

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) maintains comprehensive databases tracking journalist fatalities and imprisonments, with records on deaths dating back to 1992. These databases include detailed entries on over 3,000 verified cases of journalists and media workers killed in connection with their work, categorized by country, motive (such as or ), and perpetrator. CPJ researchers compile data from multiple sources, including news reports, eyewitness accounts, and official statements, while excluding incidents unrelated to journalistic activities, such as common crimes or personal disputes. Verification processes emphasize investigation, requiring credible to confirm work-related causation before . For fatalities, CPJ distinguishes between targeted murders—premeditated or spontaneous—and those occurring in or dangerous assignments, applying consistent criteria globally; a case is deemed "confirmed" only after cross-referencing multiple corroborating details. Imprisonment data, updated biannually, similarly documents over 500 cases as of recent censuses, focusing on detentions linked to reporting rather than unrelated legal issues. This methodology aims to provide empirical baselines for press freedom trends, though it relies on accessible public and private information, potentially undercounting cases in opaque regimes. CPJ produces annual reports synthesizing this , such as tallies of killed s—recording 99 in 2023 and a record high in 2024, with significant portions attributed to specific conflicts—and prison censuses highlighting near-record incarceration levels. Specialized outputs include the Global Impunity Index, which calculates unsolved journalist murders as a of national populations, identifying high-risk countries like and in 2024, where 77% of cases worldwide remain unprosecuted. Thematic reports address broader obstructions, such as attacks on women journalists or election-related threats, drawing from documented incidents to advocate for systemic reforms. These efforts position CPJ as a primary , though analyses incorporate subjective elements in motive attribution, informed by er expertise rather than peer-reviewed protocols.

Awards and Public Campaigns

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) administers the annual International Press Freedom Awards, which recognize journalists and outlets demonstrating exceptional courage in reporting under threat. Established as a key component of CPJ's advocacy, the awards typically honor four to five recipients each year during a benefit dinner in , with the 34th ceremony occurring on November 21, 2024, featuring honorees such as Guatemalan investigative reporter Quimy de Leon, Nigerien broadcaster Samira Sabou, and Russian-American journalist . The 2025 event, scheduled for November 20, includes a tribute to journalists killed amid the Israel-Gaza conflict and emphasizes accountability for such deaths. CPJ also presents the Gwen Ifill Press Freedom Award annually to individuals who have made sustained, extraordinary contributions to advancing press freedoms globally. Named in honor of the late journalist , the award underscores long-term advocacy efforts; in 2025, it was conferred upon David McCraw, legal counsel for , for his defense of journalistic protections. In parallel with awards, CPJ orchestrates public campaigns to amplify awareness of threats and mobilize support. The #FreeThePress initiative focuses on imprisoned journalists, aiming to generate public action and pressure for their release through targeted and media outreach. Other efforts address specific vulnerabilities, such as opposition to government-deployed targeting reporters, evidenced by CPJ documentation of commercial tools repurposed for against the press. CPJ further champions protections for journalistic sources at borders, advocating against compelled disclosure of confidential materials during customs inspections. Collaborative campaigns include the 2019 Protect Press Freedom effort with the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the , which sought to rally public and institutional defenses against erosions of rights amid rising global hostilities. CPJ supplements these with ongoing strategies, issuing releases and coordinating coverage to highlight violations and engage governments, as seen in annual journalist assistance drives supporting those under siege. These activities align with CPJ's broader mandate to document and publicize attacks, fostering accountability through evidence-based reporting on over 79 killings tracked in recent cycles.

Organizational Structure and Funding

Governance and Leadership

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) operates as a 501(c)(3) governed by a that provides strategic oversight and guidance to its operations. The board consists primarily of journalists, media executives, and professionals from allied fields, reflecting CPJ's focus on press freedom advocacy. As of 2024, the board includes figures such as chair , whose term runs from 2023 to 2026; vice chair roles filled by newsroom leaders; and members like Diane Brayton of , (former Washington Post executive editor), Susan Chira (former Times foreign editor), and Sheila Coronel of University's School of Journalism. Board membership emphasizes expertise in and , with recent additions in 2023 and 2024 incorporating advocates and prominent newsroom executives to bolster global reach and institutional knowledge. The board elects its officers, including the chair and treasurer, and oversees major policy decisions, fundraising strategies, and executive appointments, ensuring alignment with CPJ's mission to defend journalists worldwide. No formal term limits for board service are publicly detailed, though rotations occur through elections to maintain fresh perspectives. Executive leadership is headed by CEO Jodie Ginsberg, who assumed the role in 2022 following Joel Simon's tenure from 2006 to 2021. Ginsberg, a professional with over two decades of experience, reports to the board and directs day-to-day operations, including advocacy, research, and safety programs. Key senior staff under her include the advocacy and communications director, editorial director, and director of people and culture, who manage specialized functions such as emergency assistance and personnel strategy. This structure centralizes decision-making at the executive level while leveraging the board's advisory influence from established networks.

Financial Sources and Transparency

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), a 501(c)(3) , obtains its revenue primarily from private contributions, including donations from individuals, corporations, foundations, and multilateral entities. In its 2023 , CPJ recorded total revenue of $11,232,703, encompassing contributions and , against expenses of $11,850,831, yielding a net operating deficit of $618,128 while maintaining net assets of approximately $33 million. Among identifiable major funders, progressive-leaning foundations have provided substantial support; for instance, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation granted over $1 million to CPJ between 1993 and 2019 for press freedom initiatives, while the has awarded general support grants to defend journalists' rights without reprisal. Corporate contributions include a 2021 donation exceeding $250,000 in NFT proceeds from , shared with CPJ for journalist aid programs. CPJ demonstrates financial transparency by publicly disclosing its IRS Form 990 filings and audited financial statements on its website for recent years, including 2023 and 2022. These documents detail revenue breakdowns, program expenses (which constitute the majority of outlays), and governance oversight via an audit committee. Independent evaluators, such as Charity Navigator, assign CPJ a four-star rating for accountability and finance, citing its provision of audited statements and IRS filings as key metrics of fiscal openness. Despite this, CPJ does not routinely publish comprehensive, real-time lists of current major donors beyond historical acknowledgments, a practice common among nonprofits to protect contributor privacy while complying with IRS requirements for reporting contributions over $5,000 in aggregate via Schedule B (often redacted in public versions).

Impact and Achievements

Global Case Interventions

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) conducts targeted interventions in cases of journalist detentions, , and killings across multiple countries, employing public campaigns, diplomatic outreach to governments, and financial grants for legal defense and family support. These efforts aim to secure releases or mitigate risks through high-level advocacy, often coordinating with international bodies and embassies. In , CPJ reported contributing to the early release of over 200 imprisoned journalists globally via such interventions. Similarly, in 2018, its advocacy facilitated the release of at least 79 journalists. Notable cases include the 2017 arrest of journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo in on charges related to obtaining official documents; CPJ's global campaigns and diplomatic pressure, alongside attention, led to their conviction being overturned and release in May 2019 after 511 days in detention. In , freelance photographer Mohammed Rasool was detained by forces in January 2022; sustained CPJ , including appeals for , resulted in his release later that year. For Philippine journalist , facing multiple cyber libel charges since 2019, CPJ supported coalition efforts that pressured authorities, contributing to the dismissal or reduction of several cases by 2021, though some legal battles persisted. CPJ has also intervened in high-profile detentions like that of Wall Street Journal reporter , arrested in in March 2023 on espionage charges; alongside partners such as , CPJ urged UN Secretary-General intervention and provided legal support, culminating in his release via a swap in August 2024. In regions like and , CPJ documented and advocated for releases such as Belarusian Andrei Tolchyn in 2024 after prolonged detention, and Sajad Gul in on bail in 2024 following over two years imprisonment on terror financing allegations. These interventions often involve rapid response teams offering emergency grants—totaling thousands per case for legal fees and safety relocation—prioritizing evidence-based appeals over unsubstantiated claims. While CPJ attributes many outcomes to its multi-pronged approach, independent verification of causal impact varies; for instance, releases in authoritarian states like frequently align with broader geopolitical shifts rather than isolated advocacy. Nonetheless, the organization's documentation of over 360 global imprisonments as of late 2024 underscores the scale of its casework, with interventions extending to (67 jailed journalists tracked) and the Middle East amid conflicts.

Contributions to Press Freedom Metrics

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) maintains comprehensive databases on journalist fatalities and detentions, serving as a foundational data source for assessing global risks. Since 1992, CPJ has documented over 3,000 deaths, classifying them by motive such as , , or dangerous assignments, with annual reports providing granular breakdowns by country and perpetrator. In 2024, CPJ recorded 103 work-related killings, marking the deadliest year in its tracking history, with data indicating that 70% of these were attributed to actions by Israeli forces in . Similarly, CPJ tracks imprisonments, reporting near-record highs in 2024 amid crackdowns in authoritarian regimes, with detailed case profiles enabling cross-verification against other monitors. A core metric developed by CPJ is the annual Global Impunity Index, launched in 2008, which ranks countries by the rate of unsolved journalist murders among those with at least five such cases over a 10-year window. The index, covering murders from September 1 of the prior year to August 31 of the assessment year, highlights systemic failures in prosecution; for instance, the 2024 edition placed and at the top, followed by , , and , with 77% of global journalist murders resulting in full impunity. This methodology adjusts for population size to emphasize per-country risk, influencing policy discussions on judicial accountability and feeding into composite press freedom evaluations by organizations like . CPJ's metrics extend beyond raw counts to impacts, such as pressuring governments through publicized data; for example, the index has spotlighted persistent in and since its inception, correlating with elevated risks in those nations. By standardizing definitions—e.g., confirming work-related motives via investigations—these figures provide empirical benchmarks for researchers, contrasting with less rigorous tallies from or groups. However, CPJ's classifications, particularly on attributions like state-perpetrated killings, rely on their investigative criteria, which have drawn scrutiny for potential interpretive variances in conflict zones. Overall, these contributions quantify the causal links between and suppressed reporting, underpinning broader indices that track erosions in safety worldwide.

Criticisms and Controversies

Allegations of Ideological Bias

Critics, including pro-Israel media watchdogs, have accused the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) of exhibiting an anti-Israel bias in its documentation of fatalities during the Israel-Hamas conflict, alleging that CPJ relies on unverified claims from Hamas-controlled sources without sufficient corroboration. For instance, CAMERA has claimed that CPJ misrepresented the deaths of killed by on , 2023, by implying they were targeted while performing journalistic duties, when evidence indicated some were slain at home or during a . Similarly, a JNS investigation in February 2024 argued that CPJ's tallies of deaths in stem largely from Hamas-provided data, inflating figures and perpetuating unsubstantiated narratives of deliberate targeting. Further allegations center on CPJ's definition of "journalists," with detractors asserting that the organization fails to exclude individuals affiliated with terrorist groups, thereby blurring the line between legitimate reporters and propagandists. CAMERA contended in 2013 that CPJ's inclusive approach undermines genuine press freedom by equating -linked media workers with independent journalists, potentially discrediting the broader field. In July 2025, criticized CPJ for citing Gaza-based reporters with documented ties in reports that portray Palestinian media workers as victims of systematic Israeli suppression, suggesting a pattern of selective scrutiny that overlooks adversarial affiliations. These claims of are contextualized by CPJ's founding involvement of figures like , perceived by some as emblematic of left-leaning journalism traditions, though CPJ maintains its work is driven by empirical case tracking rather than ideology. Proponents of the allegations argue that such patterns reflect a broader institutional tilt in press advocacy groups toward narratives aligning with progressive critiques of , evidenced by CPJ's repeated calls for international specifically against actions while issuing fewer comparable demands on for endangering media personnel. CPJ has not publicly responded to these specific bias charges in detail, continuing to document over 180 Palestinian deaths attributed to operations as of October 2025, a figure contested for lacking forensic verification.

Disputes Over Journalist Definitions and Selective Focus

Critics have contested the Committee to Protect Journalists' (CPJ) expansive definition of , which encompasses "people who regularly cover news or comment on public affairs through any medium to report or share fact-based with an audience," arguing that it blurs distinctions between professional reporters and individuals engaged in or roles. This broad criteria, requiring no formal affiliation with outlets or exclusion of , has been particularly scrutinized in the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict, where CPJ has included over 100 Gaza-based fatalities in its 2024 tally of 104 journalist killings worldwide, many attributed to Israeli actions. , a media watchdog focused on countering anti-Israel bias, contends that CPJ's approach effectively redefines by granting civilian protections to combatants, as the and International Committee of the Red Cross stipulate that journalists lose immunity when directly participating in hostilities. Specific cases highlight these definitional disputes: CPJ classified Murtaja, a confirmed member of 's Brigades wing, as a killed in March 2024 while allegedly affiliated with a media outlet; Mustafa Thuraya, identified as a deputy squad commander who filmed rocket launches, listed after his April 2024 death; and Mohammad Jarghoun, a operative in the al-Qassam Brigades, included following his July 2024 killing. Similar inclusions apply to Al-Dahdouh and Ismail Al-Ghoul, both Hezbollah-trained members of and , respectively, killed in January and July 2024 while CPJ records them as media workers without active reporting duties at the time. Proponents of stricter definitions, drawing from legal precedents like U.S. rulings on reporter's , emphasize intent to gather and disseminate independently, excluding those whose primary roles involve operations or state-directed narratives from -controlled entities. CPJ's application of this definition has fueled accusations of selective focus, with detractors alleging an overemphasis on casualties in —where 90 of 95 journalist deaths in were Palestinian, per CPJ data—while downplaying affiliations or comparative risks elsewhere. The reported as responsible for 95% of regional journalist killings that year, a figure derived from investigations often reliant on -affiliated reports, prompting claims of unverified inflation that amplifies narratives of deliberate targeting without equivalent scrutiny of perpetrators like , which executed at least two Gazan s for alleged collaboration in . In contrast, CPJ's portrayal of Israeli journalist deaths from the October 7, 2023, attacks—such as those at the Nova festival or in homes—has been criticized for implying professional targeting rather than indiscriminate civilian attacks, as evidenced by cases where victims were off-duty. CAMERA, a group, argues this selective framing misrepresents facts to equate operations with terrorist assaults, contributing to distorted global freedom metrics that prioritize certain geopolitical narratives. Such practices, critics maintain, undermine CPJ's credibility by favoring empirical claims from ideologically aligned sources in contested regions, echoing broader concerns over institutional biases in .

Recent Developments and Challenges

2023-2025 Strategic Initiatives

CPJ's 2023-2025 strategic plan, approved in 2022, outlines five priorities to counter intensifying global threats to journalists, framed around the organization's core pillars of awareness (research and reporting), advocacy, and assistance. The plan's vision envisions a world where journalists report without fear of reprisal, with the mission to safeguard the free flow of information by intervening in cases of threat. Implementation began in 2023, including hiring additional staff for safety support and research roles to enhance emergency response capabilities. The first priority focuses on expanding emergency response and practical support to build journalist resilience through timely interventions. Key actions include increasing dedicated staff for safety advisories and into emerging threats, securing for an expanded assistance fund, developing predictive tools for forecasting, and revising response protocols. In 2023, CPJ reported a significant boost in assistance capacity, providing aid to more journalists amid rising risks from conflicts and digital threats. By 2025, this extended to specialized initiatives like the $1 million Climate Crisis Journalist Protection Initiative, aimed at supporting reporters covering environmental hazards. The second priority emphasizes investing in local representation by leveraging regional expertise for context-specific aid. Annual assessments identify high-risk areas, with plans to add staff or regional roles where feasible and prioritize training for local teams. This approach seeks to address gaps in remote or unsafe locales, though progress metrics remain tied to yearly reviews rather than fixed targets. Under the third priority, CPJ aims to sharpen communications and campaigning for greater public and policy impact. Initiatives involve auditing messaging strategies, launching 3-4 targeted global campaigns—such as against the criminalization of —and deploying multilingual to amplify cases. These efforts build on pillars to foster broader coalitions for press freedom. The fourth priority targets building partnerships to amplify responses, positioning CPJ's Press Freedom Center as a coordination hub. Actions include auditing existing alliances, forging ties with diverse NGOs and governments, and establishing joint protocols. In May 2025, CPJ co-launched the U.S. Journalist Assistance Network with other freedom groups to streamline domestic support amid immigration and legal challenges. Finally, the plan prioritizes organizational resilience to sustain operations, encompassing staff wellbeing programs, remote hiring policies, technology upgrades for , diversified , and enhanced monitoring of outcomes. In 2025, CPJ advanced this by initiating a U.K. legal entity to expand international operations and . Overall, the strategy responds to record-high journalist fatalities in 2024—128 confirmed deaths, the deadliest year in CPJ's records—by scaling proactive measures.

Responses to Heightened Global Threats

In response to escalating violence against journalists, particularly in conflict zones like and , the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) expanded its emergency assistance programs, disbursing over $300,000 in grants to more than 1,800 journalists in in 2024 to cover essentials such as , , and medical supplies amid the Israel-Hamas war. This initiative marked CPJ's largest single assistance effort, aimed at enabling continued reporting under dire conditions where 2024 saw 124 journalists killed globally—the highest tally since CPJ began systematic documentation—with nearly 70% attributed to actions by Israeli forces. CPJ intensified advocacy for accountability, issuing public condemnations and calls for investigations into specific incidents, such as the October 23, 2025, Russian drone strike that killed journalists Olena Hramova and Yevhen Karmazin, urging authorities and international bodies to probe potential targeting of media workers. Complementing this, CPJ released annual reports documenting patterns of impunity, with its 2024 Impunity Index identifying and as the most dangerous countries for unsolved murders, where approximately 80% of cases worldwide remain unresolved, prompting targeted campaigns to pressure governments for prosecutions. To address digital and physical risks from authoritarian regimes, CPJ bolstered safety resources, including updated guides for conflict reporting and support for jailed journalists, providing 58 prison grants in 2024 to aid those detained in countries like , , and —the top jailers that year, contributing to a near-record global total. These measures align with CPJ's 2023-2025 strategic plan, which prioritizes enhanced protection for freelancers and local reporters—often the most vulnerable—through expanded training on transnational repression and exile support for those fleeing threats. Amid rising imprisonments and killings—99 in 2023 alone, over 75% linked to the conflict—CPJ engaged multilateral institutions and coalitions to advocate for policy changes, such as improved access for reporters in war zones and legal protections against state-sponsored harassment. This multifaceted approach underscores CPJ's focus on immediate intervention while building long-term defenses against systemic threats from warfare and censorship.

References

  1. [1]
    What We Do - Committee to Protect Journalists
    The Committee to Protect Journalists is an independent, nonprofit organization that promotes press freedom worldwide. We defend the right of journalists to ...
  2. [2]
    Our History - Committee to Protect Journalists
    The Committee to Protect Journalists was founded in 1981 by a group of US correspondents who realized they could not ignore the plight of colleagues.
  3. [3]
    Committee to Protect Journalists records, 1978-2009
    Biographical / historical: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) was founded at a time when violence against journalists was escalating, particularly in ...
  4. [4]
    Committee to Protect Journalists – Defending Journalists Worldwide ...
    CPJ supports journalists through timely safety information and emergency assistance, covering an array of physical, digital, and legal issues. Learn More ...What We Do · Support CPJ · 79 Journalists Killed · Committee to Protect JournalistsMissing: founding mission key
  5. [5]
    Read CPJ's annual reports - Committee to Protect Journalists
    Below are annual snapshots of our work. Each includes brief descriptions of CPJ's initiatives as well as our financial statements.
  6. [6]
    Committee to Protect Journalists | Nonprofit spotlight | Features | PND
    The long-term impact of CPJ's work is profound. Time and again, journalists whom the organizations has defended say that it was CPJ that made the crucial ...
  7. [7]
    Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) - InfluenceWatch
    History. In 1981, a group of journalists included Michael Massing and Laurie Nadel founded Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and named famed left-wing ...
  8. [8]
    Frequently Asked Questions - Committee to Protect Journalists
    We promote press freedom worldwide by defending the rights of journalists to report the news without fear of reprisal. Below are answers to some frequently ...Missing: key | Show results with:key
  9. [9]
    CPJ marks 15th anniversary - Committee to Protect Journalists
    The members of CPJ's founding triumvirate were Michael Massing, then the editor of the Columbia Journalism Review; Laurie Nadel, a CBS News producer; and ...
  10. [10]
    Committee to Protect Journalists - Wikipedia
    CPJ promotes press freedom and defends the rights of journalists. The American Journalism Review has called the organization "Journalism's Red Cross." Since the ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  11. [11]
    How CPJ began helping journalists with more than letters
    Aug 8, 2011 · By 2001, we felt we had a sufficient budget and the right person to launch a serious, ongoing Journalist Assistance program–Elisabeth Witchel.
  12. [12]
    Timeline - Committee to Protect Journalists
    2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 81 118 139 138 122 125 134 127 125 136 145 179 232 211 221 199 ...Missing: history | Show results with:history
  13. [13]
    CPJ announces leadership transition
    Jun 9, 2021 · Simon has led CPJ through a period of significant expansion, growing its global staff ... CPJ's annual budget has tripled during Simon's ...
  14. [14]
    US press freedom groups launch Journalist Assistance Network
    May 22, 2025 · CPJ provided safety training and advice to more than 950 journalists ... Its digital safety programming focuses on helping journalists ...Missing: 2001 | Show results with:2001<|control11|><|separator|>
  15. [15]
    Our Impact Archives - Committee to Protect Journalists
    When CPJ was founded in 1981, it was to defend the rights of journalists all over the world. Today, we are recognized as a leader in the global fight to ...Missing: origins | Show results with:origins
  16. [16]
    Committee to Protect Journalists Unionizes with WGA East
    Jul 17, 2019 · The staff of the Committee to Protect Journalists ... In the past few years, CPJ has grown significantly in all areas: budget, staff and ...
  17. [17]
    2024 is deadliest year for journalists in CPJ history; almost 70 ...
    Feb 12, 2025 · More journalists were killed in 2024 than in any other year since the Committee to Protect Journalists began collecting data more than three ...
  18. [18]
    Our Advocacy - Committee to Protect Journalists
    In our pursuit of a robust free press, CPJ denounces press freedom violations, meets with heads of state and high-ranking officials, and spearheads or advises ...
  19. [19]
    CPJ and global media leaders call for urgent, unrestricted access to ...
    Jun 5, 2025 · We defend the right of journalists to report the news safely and without fear of reprisal. For media queries, please contact press@cpj.org.<|separator|>
  20. [20]
    Alarm bells: Trump's first 100 days ramp up fear for the press ...
    Apr 30, 2025 · Recommendations. The Committee to Protect Journalists makes the following recommendations in order to stem the escalating attacks on press ...Missing: lobbying | Show results with:lobbying
  21. [21]
    Haiti, Israel most likely to let journalists' murders go unpunished ...
    Oct 30, 2024 · Globally, CPJ's index found that the vast majority – 77% – of journalists' murderers have escaped with full impunity, meaning no one has been ...
  22. [22]
    CPJ recognizes fearless journalists at 2024 International Press ...
    Nov 22, 2024 · The funds raised will support CPJ's global work advocating for press freedom and providing direct assistance to journalists in distress.
  23. [23]
    US press freedom groups launch Journalist Assistance Network to ...
    May 22, 2025 · It provides free digital and physical safety training, individual advice and resources to journalists and newsrooms, as well as financial ...
  24. [24]
    Journalist Safety and Emergencies
    CPJ provides short-term, emergency support to working journalists and media workers following an incident related to their journalistic work.
  25. [25]
  26. [26]
    [PDF] CPJ JOURNALIST SECURITY GUIDE
    Staff journalists working domestically should thoroughly review any policies provided by their employers for conditions and restrictions. Contract journalists ...
  27. [27]
    The Road to Justice - Committee to Protect Journalists
    ... protection programs. Respond with detailed information on the judicial status of all cases of killed journalists and steps taken to address impunity as ...
  28. [28]
    [PDF] Summary of Pakistani government's commitments made to the CPJ ...
    Expedite the prosecution of the killers of journalists by changing trial venues and expanding witness protection programs. The prime minister told the CPJ ...
  29. [29]
    CPJ condemns proposal to abolish federal trust fund to protect ...
    Sep 29, 2020 · ... protection programs would no longer be funded by the mechanism; instead, they would be funded by the interior secretariat, a move that could ...
  30. [30]
    The Gene Roberts Fund for Emergency Assistance
    CPJ provides financial support to journalists at risk through its Gene Roberts Emergency Fund, which was renamed in 2014 in honor of Gene Roberts.
  31. [31]
    What We Do - Committee to Protect Journalists
    We provide on-the-ground advocacy and rapid response support to journalists ... CPJ board who was instrumental in the creation of the Journalist Assistance ...
  32. [32]
    How to Get Help - Committee to Protect Journalists
    To seek emergency assistance, get safety advice or report a press freedom violation, please contact us via e-mail at emergencies@cpj.org or contact us ...Missing: rapid | Show results with:rapid
  33. [33]
    Emergency Aid for Journalists
    Jan 14, 2023 · The Committee to Protect Journalists: The New York-based CPJ runs a Journalist Assistance Program which provides legal, medical, and relocation ...
  34. [34]
    MIF Member Spotlight: Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)
    Jan 29, 2025 · For more than 40 years, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), has been at the forefront of defending journalists around the globe, ...Missing: history | Show results with:history
  35. [35]
    Methodology - Committee to Protect Journalists
    CPJ has detailed records on journalist fatalities since 1992. CPJ researchers independently investigate and verify the circumstances behind each death.
  36. [36]
    Journalists Killed - Explore CPJ's database of attacks on the press
    Download CPJ's data on journalists and media workers killed since 1992 here. The dataset includes dedicated tabs for those killed in the Israel-Gaza war. Reset ...Missing: documentation | Show results with:documentation
  37. [37]
    FAQs on CPJ data - Committee to Protect Journalists
    We use rigorous methodology to distinguish between journalists who were killed because of their work and those who may have been targeted for other motives. For ...
  38. [38]
    Deadliest year on record for journalists; 70% killed by Israel
    Feb 12, 2025 · CPJ researchers independently investigate and verify the circumstances behind each death. CPJ considers a case “confirmed” as work-related only ...Missing: research | Show results with:research
  39. [39]
    Our Research - Committee to Protect Journalists
    CPJ's work is based on its research, which provides a global snapshot of obstructions to a free press worldwide.
  40. [40]
    Reports Archive - Committee to Protect Journalists
    2024 is deadliest year for journalists in CPJ history; almost 70% killed by Israel ... At least 124 journalists and media workers were killed last year ...
  41. [41]
    CPJ's 2024 International Press Freedom Awards
    CPJ's 2024 International Press Freedom Awards. International Press Freedom Awards ... Our EIN is 13-3081500. Committee to Protect Journalists. The John S. and ...Missing: first | Show results with:first
  42. [42]
    CPJ's 2025 International Press Freedom Awards
    CPJ's 2025 International Press Freedom Awards. International Press Freedom Awards ... Our EIN is 13-3081500. Committee to Protect Journalists. The John S. and ...
  43. [43]
    CPJ to honor tenacious journalists with 2025 International Press ...
    Sep 12, 2025 · This year's awards program will feature a tribute to journalists killed in the Israel-Gaza war. CPJ has repeatedly called for accountability for ...
  44. [44]
    Gwen Ifill Press Freedom Award - Committee to Protect Journalists
    The award is presented annually to an individual who has shown extraordinary and sustained achievement in the cause of press freedom.<|separator|>
  45. [45]
  46. [46]
    Free the Press - Committee to Protect Journalists
    CPJ's #FreeThePress campaign is designed to bring awareness, build support, and inspire action on behalf of journalists imprisoned for their work.
  47. [47]
    Campaigns Archive - Committee to Protect Journalists
    CPJ supports the rights of journalists to protect confidential information when submitting to customs and border control protocols worldwide, and is therefore ...
  48. [48]
    RCFP, CPJ launch nationwide campaign to protect press freedom
    Nov 7, 2019 · The “Protect Press Freedom” campaign to mobilize the public to stand up for press freedom and actively protect their right to be informed.
  49. [49]
    Board of Directors - Committee to Protect Journalists
    Board of Directors ; Diane Brayton. The New York Times ; Sally Buzbee ; Susan Chira ; Sheila Coronel. Columbia University School of Journalism ; Caoilfhionn ...
  50. [50]
    CPJ welcomes new board chair, Jacob Weisberg - LinkedIn
    Jun 8, 2023 · CPJ announced today that Jacob Weisberg has been elected chair of its board of directors. His term will run from 2023 to 2026, ...
  51. [51]
    CPJ welcomes newsroom and human rights leaders to board of ...
    Mar 12, 2024 · CPJ's board of directors is composed of journalists, media executives, and leaders from related professions in the United States and around the ...
  52. [52]
    CPJ welcomes new vice board chair and 4 prominent newsroom ...
    Dec 7, 2023 · CPJ's board of directors is composed of journalists, media executives, and leaders from related professions in the United States and around ...
  53. [53]
    Committee To Protect Journalists Inc - Nonprofit Explorer - ProPublica
    Committee To Protect Journalists Inc. New York, NY; Tax-exempt since Feb. 1982 ... Officers and Staff · Diversity · Jobs and Fellowships · Media Center · Reports ...
  54. [54]
    Jodie Ginsberg - Committee to Protect Journalists | LinkedIn
    Accomplished media professional with more than two decades of experience as a journalist,… · Experience: Committee to Protect Journalists · Location: New ...
  55. [55]
    Our People - Committee to Protect Journalists
    ... staff for general HR matters. With a strong background in HR administration ... Committee to Protect Journalists. The John S. and James L. Knight ...
  56. [56]
    Who Makes It Happen - Committee to Protect Journalists
    Board of directors. CPJ's board of directors is primarily comprised of some of the world's most influential and respected journalists and business leaders.<|control11|><|separator|>
  57. [57]
    [PDF] Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax
    Nov 11, 2024 · Part XII Financial Statements and Reporting. 990. X. COMMITTEE TO PROTECT JOURNALISTS, INC. 13-3081500. 11,232,703. 11,850,831. -618,128 ...
  58. [58]
    Committee to Protect Journalists - MacArthur Foundation
    CPJ's emergency program provides rapid response funding and support to journalists in crisis. ... Safety Kit Helps Journalists Prepare for Risks. September ...
  59. [59]
    114215 - Committee to Protect Journalists - Ford Foundation
    General support to promote press freedom worldwide by defending the rights of journalists to report the news without fear of reprisal.<|separator|>
  60. [60]
    CPJ and the IWMF Thank Forbes for Donation of $250K+ in NFT ...
    CPJ and the IWMF Thank Forbes for Donation of $250K+ in NFT Proceeds. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the International Women's Media Foundation ...<|separator|>
  61. [61]
    Form 990 - Committee to Protect Journalists
    Form 990 CPJ's financials are available as PDF downloads. 2023 Form 990 Audited Financial Statement 2022 Form 990 Audited Financial Statement
  62. [62]
    Rating for Committee to Protect Journalists - Charity Navigator
    Rating 4/4 · Review by Charity NavigatorFinancial Statements - Audit and Oversight Committee ... Charity Navigator looks for a website on the IRS Form 990 as an accountability and transparency metric.
  63. [63]
    Committee to Protect Journalists | Charity Ratings | Donating Tips
    To promote press freedom worldwide and defend the right of journalists to report the news without fear of reprisal.<|separator|>
  64. [64]
    Supporters of Press Freedom - Committee to Protect Journalists
    This list includes donors who made gifts during the period from January 1 to December 31, 2016. We also extend our gratitude to the many contributors who ...
  65. [65]
    Hundreds of journalists jailed globally becomes the new normal
    Dec 13, 2018 · In the past year, CPJ advocacy helped lead to the early release of at least 79 imprisoned journalists worldwide. CPJ's list is a snapshot of ...
  66. [66]
    Detention of Evan Gershkovich in Russia: RSF and CPJ call on the ...
    May 2, 2023 · Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) call on the UN to intervene with the Russian authorities to ...
  67. [67]
    Released Archives - Committee to Protect Journalists
    Kashmiri journalist Sajad Gul released on bail after more than 2-year detention. October 8, 2024 2:26 PM EDT ; Belarusian journalist Andrei Tolchyn released ...
  68. [68]
    How CPJ helps jailed journalists
    Jan 16, 2025 · CPJ regularly provides prison support grants, one of many forms of financial support accessible through CPJ's journalist assistance program.
  69. [69]
    Journalist jailings near record high in 2024 as crackdown on press ...
    Jan 16, 2025 · Tackling journalist imprisonment is a key focus for CPJ, which provides journalists with financial support to cover the cost of legal fees, as ...Missing: successful | Show results with:successful
  70. [70]
    Report: 67 journalists jailed for their work across Africa - VOA
    Jan 17, 2025 · At least 67 journalists are imprisoned across Africa, reflecting the continent's ongoing struggle for a free press, according to a report released Thursday.
  71. [71]
    Attacks on the Press in 2024 - Committee to Protect Journalists
    Jan 16, 2025 · CPJ's database of journalists killed in 2022 includes capsule reports on each victim and filters for examining trends in the data. CPJ ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  72. [72]
    Campaign Against Impunity - Committee to Protect Journalists
    Since 2008, CPJ has published its Global Impunity Index, an annual tally of countries where perpetrators of journalists' murders continue to evade justice.
  73. [73]
    CPJ 2024 Impunity Index: Haiti and Israel top list of countries where ...
    Oct 30, 2024 · CPJ's Global Impunity Index calculates the number of unsolved journalist murders as a percentage of each country's population. For the 2024 ...
  74. [74]
    [PDF] 2022 Global Impunity Index - Committee to Protect Journalists
    Nov 1, 2022 · CPJ's Global Impunity Index calculates the number of unsolved journalist murders as a percentage of each coun- try's population. For this ...
  75. [75]
    2023 Global Impunity Index [EN/AR/RU/SO] - World | ReliefWeb
    Oct 31, 2023 · The 2023 index examines journalist murders that occurred between September 1, 2013, and August 31, 2023, for which no convictions have been obtained.
  76. [76]
    Violence Is a Growing Threat to Press Freedom Worldwide
    Oct 1, 2025 · Violence against the press is a rising trend worldwide—whether in the line of fire in fierce conflicts, or on the front lines of covering ...
  77. [77]
    Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) | Organizations - CAMERA.org
    The Committee to Protect Journalists falsifies that Israeli journalists murdered by Hamas while sheltering at home or enjoying themselves at a dance party were ...
  78. [78]
    Investigation explodes myth that Israel targets journalists - JNS.org
    Feb 28, 2024 · Media reports claiming vast numbers of journalists have died in the Gaza conflict are based on nothing more than Hamas propaganda, report reveals.
  79. [79]
    Reporters without Borders, Committee to Protect Journalists ...
    Dec 10, 2013 · The Committee to Protect Journalists appears to have the same problem—some of the “journalists” it would protect work for the enemies of a free ...
  80. [80]
    The Financial Times Relies on CPJ Lies, Hamas-Linked Journalist ...
    Jul 31, 2025 · The Financial Times Relies on CPJ Lies, Hamas-Linked Journalist To Demonize Israel. “Palestinian journalists in Gaza 'Being starved', media ...Missing: accused | Show results with:accused
  81. [81]
    Latest Gaza slander accuses Israel of 'deliberately' killing journalists
    Sep 4, 2025 · Israel targets terrorists, not journalists. CPJ describes the current Gaza war as the deadliest conflict for journalists since it began keeping ...
  82. [82]
    Israel-Gaza War - Committee to Protect Journalists
    CPJ calls on the international community to hold Israel to account for its unlawful attacks on journalists; ensure international media is given immediate, ...
  83. [83]
    How the CPJ Redefines International Law to Designate Terrorists as ...
    Feb 13, 2025 · When it comes to defining which journalists are eligible to be included in its database of killed media workers, the CPJ writes that it does not ...
  84. [84]
  85. [85]
  86. [86]
    A Reporter by Any Other Name: Qualifying for Reporter's Privilege in ...
    Feb 27, 2019 · Reporter's privilege is the legal doctrine that allows reporters to refuse to reveal their confidential sources or, in some cases, nonconfidential material.
  87. [87]
    Gaza Through Whose Lens? - CSIS
    According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, as of March 27, 95 journalists and media workers were confirmed dead, including 90 Palestinians, with ...
  88. [88]
    Israel is responsible for 95% of journalist and media worker killings ...
    Oct 14, 2025 · Israel is responsible for 95% of journalist and media worker killings in the Middle East since October 7, 2023, according to CPJ data.
  89. [89]
    Committee to Protect Journalists - Bias and Credibility
    Mar 29, 2024 · We rate The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) as Least Biased and High for factual reporting due to free speech and journalism advocacy.Missing: allegations | Show results with:allegations
  90. [90]
    Our Plan - Committee to Protect Journalists
    With the 2023 – 2025 Strategic Plan, CPJ can continue to defend press freedom principles and our collective right to information globally. Our Vision. Our ...
  91. [91]
    CPJ Insider: July 2023 edition - Committee to Protect Journalists
    Jul 5, 2023 · CPJ welcomes new staff to support our 2023 – 2025 strategic plan. Cassandra Barragan (left) and Casey Bauer (right). CPJ is excited to be ...
  92. [92]
    [PDF] Annual Report 2023 - Committee to Protect Journalists
    Oct 18, 2023 · In line with our strategic plan, CPJ significantly boosted its capacity to provide assistance—recognizing that more journalists are at risk ...
  93. [93]
  94. [94]
  95. [95]
  96. [96]
  97. [97]
    Resources for journalists covering conflict
    CPJ has compiled a set of resources intended to help journalists prepare for conflict assignments.