ATHENS, GA. — The National Press Photographers Association has received more than $11,000 in donations to its Legal Advocacy and Education Fund since late last week, following the news that the NPPA had lost a significant pledge from a broadcasting company.
On April 4, the NPPA issued a statement concerning Sinclair Broadcast Group’s must-read statements given to on-air journalists that accused a wide swath of the journalism industry of extreme bias. The NPPA said such actions run counter to the organization’s Code of Ethics that includes a provision to not sabotage the efforts of other journalists. The NPPA’s published statement included an official response from Sinclair.
Less than 24 hours after NPPA published its statement, Sinclair rescinded a pledge to donate $25,000 to the NPPA Legal Advocacy and Education Fund. Since then, donations have come in from more than 80 individuals. Also, the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia is making a significant contribution according to Charles N. Davis, dean of the program. The Grady College is host to the home office of the NPPA.
When Sinclair announced its decision to rescind its funding, the NPPA responded that while its leadership was disappointed, the organization will continue its commitment to advocating for First Amendment, copyright and other issues that benefit not only visual journalists but the public served by the Fourth Estate.
