Press Freedom Center at National Press Club Announces New Additions to Advisory Board

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a critical moment for press freedom around the world, the Press Freedom Center at the National Press Club today announced the addition of three new members to its Advisory Board. This distinguished group of journalists, attorneys, and experts guide the organization as it works tirelessly to protect journalists in crisis, uphold press freedom, and provide essential support to those at risk for their work.

The new members are journalist Paul Beckett, who led the Wall Street Journal's effort to free Evan Gershkovich; Sam Feist, President of C-Span, and Caoilfhionn Gallagher, a London-based lawyer who fights for jailed journalists including Jimmy Lai, Jose Ruben Zamora and Mzia Amaglobeli.

The Advisory Board plays an integral role in shaping the Center's initiatives, ensuring it remains at the forefront of defending independent journalism and supporting the vital work of reporters facing dangerous conditions. Through its emergency assistance programs, legal and immigration support, and advocacy, the Press Freedom Center is committed to standing with journalists — whether they're in the field, facing imprisonment, or forced into exile.

Following is the full roster of the Press Freedom Center Advisory Board:

• Yamiche Alcindor, White House Correspondent, NBC News
• Mike Balsamo, President, National Press Club; U.S. Law Enforcement Editor, Associated Press
• Paul Beckett, former D.C. Bureau Chief, The Wall Street Journal
• Jeff Eller, Founder and President, The Eller Group and Former Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Media Affairs
• Sam Feist, President, C-Span
• Caoilfhionn Gallagher, Attorney Doughty Street Partners, London
• Tiffany Harness, Foreign Policy Editor, The New York Times
• Kathy Kiely, Lee Hills Chair in Free Press Studies, Missouri School of Journalism
• Alsu Kurmasheva, Press Freedom Advocate, Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty
• Fred Ryan, Chairman, Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation; Former Publisher, The Washington Post
• Jim Sciutto, Anchor and Chief National Security Analyst, CNN
• Caroline Scullin, Global Communications Strategist, Concordia
• Madhulika Sikka, VP and Executive Editor, Crown Books; Former Executive Producer of Audio, The Washington Post and Executive Editor, National Public Radio
• Erik Sunde, Attorney at Law, Houston, TX; Counsel and Advocate for Austin, Marc, and Debra Tice
• Edward Wong, Diplomatic Correspondent, The New York Times
• Jason Rezaian, Director, Press Freedom Initiatives, The Washington Post; Board Chair, Press Freedom Center at the National Press Club
• William McCarren, Director, Press Freedom Center at the National Press Club; Former Executive Director of the National Press Club

Launched in November 2024, the Press Freedom Center serves as a lifeline for journalists who face immediate threats to their safety, liberty, and ability to report freely. With initial funding from the National Press Club and the National Press Club Journalism Institute, the Center provides critical services such as emergency assistance, immigration and legal support, and press freedom advocacy on a global scale.

"The work of the Press Freedom Center has never been more urgent," said National Press Club President Mike Balsamo. "Journalists are facing unprecedented threats, and the Center's efforts to provide both immediate relief and long-term advocacy are vital to ensuring that the press remains free and independent. Our commitment to these journalists is not just about defending press freedom; it's about defending democracy itself."

The Press Freedom Center's work is made possible through the generous support of foundations, corporations, and individuals who recognize the importance of an independent press in a free society. For more information on the Center's work or to get involved, visit http://press.org/freedom-center

Contact: Bill McCarren, 202-725-7787 or [email protected] for the Press Freedom Center at the National Press Club

SOURCE National Press Club