Who Controls What Americans See, Hear and Know? Speak Up for Justice Examines Press Freedom and the First Amendment at October 28 Forum

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Stories pulled before they air. Reporters barred from the White House. Federal scrutiny of major television networks. And court battles over journalists' access to the institutions they cover.

But who ultimately controls the news, and who holds that power accountable?

The question is at the center of a growing debate over press freedom, government power and editorial independence.

On October 28, award-winning journalist Scott Pelley, journalist and Lift Our Voices co-founder Gretchen Carlson, MeidasTouch co-founder Ben Meiselas and constitutional scholar Jeffrey Rosen will join a virtual, nonpartisan Speak Up for Justice forum, "Truth to Power: Journalism, Corporate Power & the First Amendment," to examine the forces shaping American journalism and the courts' role in protecting a free press.

Recent developments have brought these questions into sharper focus. This month, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction protecting White House access for journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politico after finding that the outlets were likely to succeed on constitutional claims challenging their exclusion. Meanwhile, disputes over editorial independence and media ownership have intensified scrutiny of who ultimately decides which stories reach the public.

The stakes extend beyond newsrooms. When journalists face restrictions or retaliation for challenging powerful institutions, the public's ability to access independent information and hold those in power accountable is at risk.

"The public cannot hold power accountable without a free press, and the press cannot protect its independence without the rule of law," said Attorney Paul Kiesel, founder of Speak Up for Justice and forum moderator. "When both come under pressure, every American has a stake in what happens next. This conversation is about more than journalism. It is about who has the power to shape the information the public receives and what constitutional protections exist to keep that power in check."

Panelists will examine the tensions between mainstream and independent media, the consequences when journalists challenge powerful institutions, and the legal battles surrounding press access, government investigations and confidential sources. They will also explore the parallels between threats to journalists and judges, what happens when government officials challenge court rulings, and whether America's system of checks and balances can adequately protect press freedom, judicial independence and the rule of law.

Event Details:

• What: "Truth to Power: Journalism, Corporate Power & the First Amendment"
• When: Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. PT / 12:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. SAST
• Where: Virtual event on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@SpeakUpForJustice 

Featured Speakers:

• Scott Pelley — Award-winning journalist and former 60 Minutes correspondent
• Gretchen Carlson — Journalist, author and Co-founder of Lift Our Voices
• Ben Meiselas — Attorney, Co-founder of MeidasTouch and co-author of WTF America?!
• Jeffrey Rosen — Constitutional scholar, author and President and CEO of the National Constitution Center

Moderator:

• Attorney Paul Kiesel – Partner, Kiesel Law LLP; Founder, Speak Up for Justice

Media members are encouraged to attend the live event and may pull quotes directly. A full video recording, key quotes, and speaker highlights will be provided after the event.

More information is available at www.SpeakUpForJustice.law.

About Speak Up for Justice

Founded by attorney Paul Kiesel, Speak Up for Justice is a nonpartisan movement of legal professionals, judges, and advocates dedicated to defending the independence of the judiciary, promoting accountability, and protecting democracy from political interference in the courts. The Speak Up for Justice Executive Committee includes Judge Beth Bloom, Judge Esther Salas, Judge Karoline Mehalchick, Judge Leo Gordon, Karl J. Sandstrom, and Paul Kiesel.

Media Contact: Kathleen Silverstein
[email protected], 410-963-2345

SOURCE Kiesel Law