Denial of Access

So far in 2020, we've tracked 6 denial of access incidents

Total cases	53

MLK50 journalist files lawsuit to regain access to Memphis mayor’s media list

May 13, 2020

A journalist for a Memphis-based nonprofit news site sued the city and its mayor and communications officer on May 13, …

Florida journalist barred from governor’s COVID-19 briefing

March 28, 2020

A reporter was barred from attending a press conference held by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on the COVID-19 pandemic at …

Fresno Bee reporters barred from event with cabinet secretary, house representative

February 18, 2020

California newspaper The Fresno Bee says it was barred from attending an event with Rep. Devin Nunes and the U.S.…

Journalist barred from recording, removed from New Mexico Senate proceeding

February 6, 2020

Rachel Knapp, a reporter for dual CBS/Fox-affiliate KRQE, was barred from recording and removed from a state Senate committee meeting …

State Department removes NPR reporter from official trip

January 27, 2020

In apparent retaliation for an NPR reporter’s interview with Mike Pompeo, the State Department removed a different NPR reporter from …

Media access restricted as historic impeachment trial begins

January 16, 2020

Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Michael Stenger implemented restrictions on media access in advance of the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, which …

Search Results Summary

Total Results	6
Journalists affected	3
Institutions affected	3
Results in 2020	6

How we track Denials Of Access

Denial of access to government events that are traditionally open or attended by the press and where the denial of access either deprives the public of significant information, appears to be retaliatory, or is done without meaningful justification. Concrete changes in policy or practice to restrict or deny access may also be included in this category.

Denial of access to individuals in some cases, such as where the available space limits the number of journalists allowed to attend or where individuals arguing for access do not meet reasonable standards for credentials, can be seen as meaningful justifications and will not be included.