cpj

We want to thank all of you who responded to the challenge set out by our chairman, Paul Steiger, calling on individuals who care about independent media to support CPJ. His e-mail has already generated an unprecedented response, but we still have a ways to go before reaching our goal. Paul has offered a $25,000 matching gift that will effectively double new or increased contributions, up to $500.  

Yesterday, CPJ received the Thomas J. Dodd Prize for International Justice and Human Rights at an outdoor ceremony at the University of Connecticut. It was one of those perfect, crisp fall mornings in New England with a strong wind blowing clouds across the sun and shaking the first leaves from the maples, which have already turned red and orange. CPJ co-founder Michael Massing and I accepted the award, selected by the national advisory board of the Dodd Center. Journalist Mariane Pearl spoke at the ceremony and described how her husband, Daniel Pearl, once told her he "loved life" but was prepared to risk it for his work. She spoke inspirationally about journalists around the world who are willing who make sacrifices to tell stories that must be told. 

In a 2006 interview, Walter Cronkite recalled how the search for missing reporters in Vietnam led him to CPJ and on to Turkey. Interview by Maya Taal

New York, July 17, 2009--The Committee to Protect Journalists recalls Walter Cronkite, the CBS News anchor and CPJ honorary co-chairman who died today, as an instrumental leader in the international press freedom movement. Throughout CPJ's 28-year history, Cronkite was active in efforts to protect local journalists working in dangerous situations around the world.

Walter Cronkite had such a profound impact in so many ways that one might overlook an important part of his legacy--his long efforts on behalf of international press freedom and his advocacy on behalf of local journalists around the world. Cronkite was a vital participant in the launch of the Committee to Protect Journalists 28 years ago and, though his title here may have been honorary co-chairman, he was an active force throughout the years.

CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon and Senior Program Coordinator Carlos Lauría co-authored an op-ed that appeared today in the Spanish-language El Universal, a national paper based in Mexico City. The piece examines the importance of protecting freedom of expression in Mexico in light of increased violence and U.S. President Barack Obama's recent meeting with counterpart Felipe Calderón.

The Nicaraguan attorney general's office has dropped a criminal investigation into a nonprofit journalism organization headed by the prominent editor Carlos Fernando Chamorro Barrios after finding no evidence of wrongdoing. A remarkable number of media groups and individuals, including CPJ, spoke out against the investigation as politically motivated. 

INTERNET ADVOCACY COORDINATOR

The Committee to Protect Journalists is creating a new position of Internet Advocacy Coordinator to meet the growing challenges to freedom of expression and privacy online. We are looking for a dynamic, articulate, tech-savvy individual to build and drive a program to defend and advocate for online journalists and bloggers worldwide. The successful candidate will have experience in journalism and blogging, will be familiar with the technologies that impact online writing, will anticipate trends and identify threats to freedom of expression online. Public advocacy on behalf of online writers will be a strong element of the job. The advocacy coordinator will work closely with research staff that report on attacks on journalists around the world and will write about Internet issues for CPJ’s Web site and blog. This is an exciting opportunity to establish a strong presence on the Web as a defender of freedom of expression. A university degree or equivalent is a requirement; a background in Internet advocacy an advantage.  Please send a resume and cover letter to jobs@cpj.org by November 30, 2009.

AMERICAS PROGRAM RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

The Committee to Protect Journalists, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the defense of press freedom, seeks a researcher for its Americas program to work full-time in our New York City office. The position entails documenting and responding to press freedom abuses in the region. Candidates should have knowledge of Latin America; Spanish-language proficiency (reading and writing news articles, and conducting telephone interviews); English-language writing and reporting skills; and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. The research associate communicates regularly with journalists and human rights activists in Latin America and with U.S. human rights groups; reviews domestic and foreign publications; drafts letters of appeal and news alerts; researches and writes reports on press freedom issues in the region; maintains research files; and assists in CPJ’s advocacy efforts throughout the region. Applicants should have knowledge of media and human rights issues in Latin America. Portuguese or French language skills are a plus. Salary is commensurate with experience. Applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and three references to jobs@cpj.org (subject line Americas Program Research Associate). Also please include a 500-word personal statement on why you consider press freedom to be important. No phone calls please.

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE, MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA PROGRAM

CPJ seeks a research associate for the Middle East & North Africa program to work in our New York office. The ideal candidate will have an interest in media and human rights issues in the Middle East and North Africa region, strong writing and reporting skills, and the ability to work independently as well as collaborate with a small team. Primary responsibilities include researching and documenting press freedom violations, regular monitoring of the news wires and of international news sources available online (in Arabic & English), and working with the program coordinator on regional advocacy efforts. In addition, the researcher will have the opportunity to write articles for CPJ’s website and publications, and also will be encouraged to write about international media issues for outside publications.

Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are essential. Expertise in the Arab world and Arabic-language fluency is required. Knowledge of French and/or Farsi is desirable, but not necessary. Salary is commensurate with experience. Please e-mail a resume, cover letter, writing samples, an essay on your personal commitment to press freedom (500 words or less), and at least three references to jobs@cpj.org. Please include “MENA Researcher” in the subject line of the email. Applications accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Early applications strongly encouraged. No Phone calls please

PART-TIME INTERN, MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA PROGRAM

CPJ is looking for a part-time (minimum of 15 hours per week), volunteer intern for its Middle East and North Africa program. The ideal candidate will be familiar with media and human rights issues in the region and know how to manage multiple tasks efficiently. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, maintaining and updating our contact network, creating a database, monitoring of the news wires and international news sites online, and researching and documenting cases. Proficiency in Arabic, Farsi or French preferred. To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to jobs@cpj.org. Please include “MENA Intern” in the subject line of the email. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.