About CPJ


About CPJ \| Membership and Donations \| Donors \| Board of Directors \| Staff
The Committee to Protect Journalists is an independent, nonprofit organization founded in 1981. We promote press freedom worldwide by defending the rights of journalists to report the news without fear of reprisal. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about CPJ. How did CPJ get started? Who runs CPJ? How is CPJ funded? Why is press freedom important? How does CPJ protect journalists? Where does CPJ get its information? When would a journalist call upon CPJ? How does CPJ investigate and classify attacks on the press? CPJ's killed list has "confirmed" and "unconfirmed" cases. What does that mean? CPJ's list of killed journalists is different from other organizations. Why? How can I become a member of CPJ? How can I get copies of publications? How do I get permission to reprint CPJ articles? How do I obtain permission to use photographs? How do I get an invitation to attend the International Press Freedom Awards? What is CPJ's Journalist Assistance Program? How do I donate to CPJ and how is the money used? How did CPJ get started? A group of U.S. foreign correspondents created CPJ in response to the often brutal treatment of their foreign colleagues by authoritarian governments and other enemies of independent journalism. back to top Who runs CPJ? CPJ has a full-time staff of 23 at its New York headquarters, including area specialists for each major world region. CPJ has a Washington, D.C., representative, and consultants stationed around the world. A 35-member board of prominent journalists directs CPJ's activities. back to top How is CPJ funded? CPJ is funded solely by contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations. CPJ does not accept government funding. back to top Why is press freedom important? Without a free press, few other human rights are attainable. A strong press freedom environment encourages the growth of a robust civil society, which leads to stable, sustainable democracies and healthy social, political, and economic development. CPJ works in more than 120 countries, many of which suffer under repressive regimes, debilitating civil war, or other problems that harm press freedom and democracy. back to top How does CPJ protect journalists? By publicly revealing abuses against the press and by acting on behalf of imprisoned and threatened journalists, CPJ effectively warns journalists and news organizations where attacks on press freedom are occurring. CPJ organizes vigorous public protests and works through diplomatic channels to effect change. CPJ publishes articles and news releases; special reports; a biannual magazine, Dangerous Assignments; and Attacks on the Press, the most comprehensive annual survey of press freedom around the world. back to top Where does CPJ get its information? CPJ has full-time program coordinators monitoring the press in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and Central Asia, and the Middle East and North Africa. They track developments through their own independent research, fact-finding missions, and firsthand contacts in the field, including reports from other journalists. CPJ shares information on breaking cases with other press freedom organizations worldwide through the International Freedom of Expression Exchange, a global e-mail network. back to top When would a journalist call upon CPJ? In an emergency. Using local and foreign contacts, CPJ can intervene whenever local and foreign correspondents are in trouble. CPJ is prepared to notify news organizations, government officials, and human rights organizations immediately of press freedom violations. When traveling on assignment. CPJ can advise journalists covering dangerous assignments. When covering the news. Attacks against the press are news, and they often serve as the first signal of a crackdown on all freedoms. CPJ is uniquely situated to provide journalists with information and insight into press conditions around the world. back to top How does CPJ investigate and classify attacks on the press? CPJ's research staff documents hundreds of attacks on the press each year. Each case identified as a violation of press freedom is corroborated by more than one source for factual accuracy, confirmation that the victims were journalists or news organizations, and verification that intimidation was the probable motive. CPJ defines journalists as people who cover news or comment on public affairs in print, in photographs, on radio, on television, or online. Writers, editors, publishers, producers, technicians, photographers, camera operators and directors of news organizations are all included. CPJ classifies cases according to the following definitions: Abducted Seized and detained by a non-governmental entity. CPJ has determined that a credible claim of responsibility has been made. Attacked In the case of journalists, wounded or assaulted. In the case of news facilities, damaged, raided, or searched; non-journalist employees attacked because of news coverage or commentary. Censored Officially suppressed or banned; editions confiscated; news outlets closed. Expelled Forced to leave a country because of news coverage or commentary. Harassed Access denied or limited; materials confiscated or damaged; entry or exit denied; family members attacked or threatened; dismissed or demoted (when it is clearly the result of political or outside pressure); freedom of movement impeded; detained for less than 48 hours. Imprisoned Arrested or detained by a government entity for at least 48 hours. Killed Murdered in retribution for, or to prevent, news coverage or commentary. Also includes journalists killed in crossfire or while covering dangerous assignments. Killed (Motive Unconfirmed) The motive for a journalist's murder is unclear, but there is reason to believe it may be related to his or her professional duties. CPJ continues to research the reasons for the crime and encourages local authorities to pursue their investigations. Legal Action Credentials denied or suspended; fined; sentenced to prison; visas denied or canceled; passage of a restrictive law; libel suit intended to inhibit coverage. Missing Vanished. No group has taken responsibility for the journalist's disappearance; in some instances, feared dead. Threatened Menaced with physical harm or some other type of retribution. back to top CPJ's killed list has "confirmed" and "unconfirmed" cases. What does that mean? CPJ investigates each report of a journalist killed to determine whether the journalist was targeted because of his or her work. We do not classify a case as "confirmed" until we are reasonably certain that the death was related to the victim's journalistic work. When the motive for a murder is unclear—but there is reason to suspect that it may be related to the journalist's profession—CPJ classifies that death as "motive unconfirmed" and continues to investigate. With regard to both lists, CPJ continues to press for official investigations into the killings, as well as for the apprehension and punishment of the perpetrators. We also document cases of media support workers killed for their work, and journalists reported missing in the line of duty. back to top CPJ's list of killed journalists is different from other organizations. Why? When CPJ publicizes journalists killed on duty, it cites only those cases in which the motive has been "confirmed." (Please see classifications and definitions above.) Lists compiled by other organizations may include journalists whose killings CPJ has not connected to their work with reasonable certainty. Other organizations may also list media support workers, such as drivers and interpreters. CPJ maintains a separate list of media support workers killed on duty. back to top How do I become a member of CPJ? A basic membership costs US$45. Each donation helps CPJ raise money to defend journalists. Members receive Dangerous Assignments, CPJ's biannual magazine; CPJ's annual book, Attacks on the Press; and the CPJ e-newsletter, CPJ Update. back to top How can I get copies of publications? Please send an email to info@cpj.org, stating the articles or publications in which you are interested, as well as your mailing address. back to top How do I get permission to reprint CPJ articles? CPJ grants reprint permission on request. Material must be reprinted as it was first published by CPJ. Please send an e-mail to info@cpj.org, identifying the material you wish to reprint, and describing the publication or Web site where you intend to have the material appear. back to top How do I obtain permission to use photographs? While we occasionally use our own photographs, we usually rely on photos from The Associated Press, Reuters, Agence France-Presse, and other news organizations. We cannot give permission to reproduce photographs taken by other news organizations. Permission to use CPJ photos may be granted on request by writing to info@cpj.org. back to top How do I get an invitation to attend the International Press Freedom Awards? The annual awards dinner is a benefit that raises funds for CPJ's operating needs. Attendance is by purchase of tables or tickets. Tickets cost between US$500 and US$1,000 each. Checks are payable to the Committee to Protect Journalists, and must be paid in U.S. dollars. Please note that the invitation from CPJ is an invitation to participate as a donor. For more information, please contact development@cpj.org. back to top What is CPJ's Journalist Assistance Program? CPJ maintains a small assistance program to help journalists in dire situations as a result of their work. The program is intended to aid journalists who have been physically assaulted and need medical attention; those who need to go into hiding or exile to escape threats; and those in prison who have specific, material needs. The program also refers journalists to other resources such as grants, fellowships, and awards. back to top

About CPJ | Membership and Donations | Donors | Board of Directors | Staff

The Committee to Protect Journalists is an independent, nonprofit organization founded in 1981. We promote press freedom worldwide by defending the rights of journalists to report the news without fear of reprisal. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about CPJ.

How did CPJ get started?
Who runs CPJ?
How is CPJ funded?
Why is press freedom important?
How does CPJ protect journalists?
Where does CPJ get its information?
When would a journalist call upon CPJ?
How does CPJ investigate and classify attacks on the press?
CPJ's killed list has "confirmed" and "unconfirmed" cases. What does that mean?
CPJ's list of killed journalists is different from other organizations. Why?
How can I become a member of CPJ?
How can I get copies of publications?
How do I get permission to reprint CPJ articles?
How do I obtain permission to use photographs?
How do I get an invitation to attend the International Press Freedom Awards?
What is CPJ's Journalist Assistance Program?
How do I donate to CPJ and how is the money used?

How did CPJ get started?
A group of U.S. foreign correspondents created CPJ in response to the often brutal treatment of their foreign colleagues by authoritarian governments and other enemies of independent journalism.

back to top

Who runs CPJ?
CPJ has a full-time staff of 23 at its New York headquarters, including area specialists for each major world region. CPJ has a Washington, D.C., representative, and consultants stationed around the world. A 35-member board of prominent journalists directs CPJ's activities.

back to top

How is CPJ funded?
CPJ is funded solely by contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations. CPJ does not accept government funding.

back to top

Why is press freedom important?
Without a free press, few other human rights are attainable. A strong press freedom environment encourages the growth of a robust civil society, which leads to stable, sustainable democracies and healthy social, political, and economic development. CPJ works in more than 120 countries, many of which suffer under repressive regimes, debilitating civil war, or other problems that harm press freedom and democracy.

back to top

How does CPJ protect journalists?
By publicly revealing abuses against the press and by acting on behalf of imprisoned and threatened journalists, CPJ effectively warns journalists and news organizations where attacks on press freedom are occurring. CPJ organizes vigorous public protests and works through diplomatic channels to effect change. CPJ publishes articles and news releases; special reports; a biannual magazine, Dangerous Assignments; and Attacks on the Press, the most comprehensive annual survey of press freedom around the world.

back to top

Where does CPJ get its information?
CPJ has full-time program coordinators monitoring the press in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and Central Asia, and the Middle East and North Africa. They track developments through their own independent research, fact-finding missions, and firsthand contacts in the field, including reports from other journalists. CPJ shares information on breaking cases with other press freedom organizations worldwide through the International Freedom of Expression Exchange, a global e-mail network.

back to top

When would a journalist call upon CPJ?
In an emergency. Using local and foreign contacts, CPJ can intervene whenever local and foreign correspondents are in trouble. CPJ is prepared to notify news organizations, government officials, and human rights organizations immediately of press freedom violations.

When traveling on assignment. CPJ can advise journalists covering dangerous assignments.

When covering the news. Attacks against the press are news, and they often serve as the first signal of a crackdown on all freedoms. CPJ is uniquely situated to provide journalists with information and insight into press conditions around the world.

back to top

How does CPJ investigate and classify attacks on the press?
CPJ's research staff documents hundreds of attacks on the press each year. Each case identified as a violation of press freedom is corroborated by more than one source for factual accuracy, confirmation that the victims were journalists or news organizations, and verification that intimidation was the probable motive. CPJ defines journalists as people who cover news or comment on public affairs in print, in photographs, on radio, on television, or online. Writers, editors, publishers, producers, technicians, photographers, camera operators and directors of news organizations are all included. CPJ classifies cases according to the following definitions:

Abducted
Seized and detained by a non-governmental entity. CPJ has determined that a credible claim of responsibility has been made.

Attacked
In the case of journalists, wounded or assaulted. In the case of news facilities, damaged, raided, or searched; non-journalist employees attacked because of news coverage or commentary.

Censored
Officially suppressed or banned; editions confiscated; news outlets closed.

Expelled
Forced to leave a country because of news coverage or commentary.

Harassed
Access denied or limited; materials confiscated or damaged; entry or exit denied; family members attacked or threatened; dismissed or demoted (when it is clearly the result of political or outside pressure); freedom of movement impeded; detained for less than 48 hours.

Imprisoned
Arrested or detained by a government entity for at least 48 hours.

Killed
Murdered in retribution for, or to prevent, news coverage or commentary. Also includes journalists killed in crossfire or while covering dangerous assignments.

Killed (Motive Unconfirmed)
The motive for a journalist's murder is unclear, but there is reason to believe it may be related to his or her professional duties. CPJ continues to research the reasons for the crime and encourages local authorities to pursue their investigations.

Legal Action
Credentials denied or suspended; fined; sentenced to prison; visas denied or canceled; passage of a restrictive law; libel suit intended to inhibit coverage.

Missing
Vanished. No group has taken responsibility for the journalist's disappearance; in some instances, feared dead.

Threatened
Menaced with physical harm or some other type of retribution.

back to top

CPJ's killed list has "confirmed" and "unconfirmed" cases. What does that mean?
CPJ investigates each report of a journalist killed to determine whether the journalist was targeted because of his or her work. We do not classify a case as "confirmed" until we are reasonably certain that the death was related to the victim's journalistic work.

When the motive for a murder is unclear—but there is reason to suspect that it may be related to the journalist's profession—CPJ classifies that death as "motive unconfirmed" and continues to investigate.

With regard to both lists, CPJ continues to press for official investigations into the killings, as well as for the apprehension and punishment of the perpetrators. We also document cases of media support workers killed for their work, and journalists reported missing in the line of duty.

back to top

CPJ's list of killed journalists is different from other organizations. Why?
When CPJ publicizes journalists killed on duty, it cites only those cases in which the motive has been "confirmed." (Please see classifications and definitions above.) Lists compiled by other organizations may include journalists whose killings CPJ has not connected to their work with reasonable certainty. Other organizations may also list media support workers, such as drivers and interpreters. CPJ maintains a separate list of media support workers killed on duty.

back to top

How do I become a member of CPJ?
A basic membership costs US$45. Each donation helps CPJ raise money to defend journalists. Members receive Dangerous Assignments, CPJ's biannual magazine; CPJ's annual book, Attacks on the Press; and the CPJ e-newsletter, CPJ Update.

back to top

How can I get copies of publications?
Please send an email to info@cpj.org, stating the articles or publications in which you are interested, as well as your mailing address.

back to top

How do I get permission to reprint CPJ articles?
CPJ grants reprint permission on request. Material must be reprinted as it was first published by CPJ. Please send an e-mail to info@cpj.org, identifying the material you wish to reprint, and describing the publication or Web site where you intend to have the material appear.

back to top

How do I obtain permission to use photographs?
While we occasionally use our own photographs, we usually rely on photos from The Associated Press, Reuters, Agence France-Presse, and other news organizations. We cannot give permission to reproduce photographs taken by other news organizations. Permission to use CPJ photos may be granted on request by writing to info@cpj.org.

back to top

How do I get an invitation to attend the International Press Freedom Awards?
The annual awards dinner is a benefit that raises funds for CPJ's operating needs. Attendance is by purchase of tables or tickets. Tickets cost between US$500 and US$1,000 each. Checks are payable to the Committee to Protect Journalists, and must be paid in U.S. dollars. Please note that the invitation from CPJ is an invitation to participate as a donor. For more information, please contact development@cpj.org.

back to top

What is CPJ's Journalist Assistance Program?
CPJ maintains a small assistance program to help journalists in dire situations as a result of their work. The program is intended to aid journalists who have been physically assaulted and need medical attention; those who need to go into hiding or exile to escape threats; and those in prison who have specific, material needs. The program also refers journalists to other resources such as grants, fellowships, and awards.

back to top