San Francisco, CA – ASMP (the American Society of Media Photographers) condemns the treatment of journalists covering recent protests in Minnesota, as well as the arrest of journalists such as Don Lemon and Georgia Fort, among others, as they performed their jobs of covering the newsworthy events transpiring in Minnesota and across the country. Photographers, visual journalists, and a robust, free, and open press are core pillars of U.S. democracy.
These journalists have the protections of the First Amendment to ensure that they are free to perform their critical duties of bringing issues of public concern to light. ASMP National Board Chair Kevin Brusie says, “there can be no equivocation as to the crucial need for support of the First Amendment freedoms afforded to all Americans, and this is especially critical for journalists providing in the field reporting of current events.”
In addition to the recent arrest of journalists, there has been a prolonged pattern of attempting to hamper media from performing their duties, such as the reported recent experience of photographer John Abernathy.
ASMP will stand behind all visual journalists, media, and other eyewitnesses to history, and thank them for their efforts and perseverance in performing their jobs.
About ASMP: ASMP (the American Society of Media Photographers) is the premier trade association for the most respected photographers, videographers, and new media visual content creators across the worlds of advertising, magazines, photojournalism, portraiture, sports, fashion, entertainment, nature, fine art, video/film, and beyond. ASMP is the leader in providing extensive education and resources to photographers on the best practices to run and grow a business in these fields, promoting the rights of photographers through a robust program of legal and public policy advocacy, connecting member photographers with clients, and producing business publications for photographers that set the industry standards. The organization exists because the work of these visual creators is so important to our economy and our culture. Founded in December of 1944 with a storied history that is an integral and pivotal part of the progression of photography as a profession, industry, and cultural force, ASMP is proud to stand with its more than 7,200 members, across 38 chapters and 71 countries.
Original article published on www.asmp.org