Journalism Coalition Letter to L.A. Sheriff

Journalism is not a crime. Our community of journalism associations, media unions and First Amendment advocates stands in solidarity with Los Angeles Times reporter Alene Tchekmedyian and all journalists who are threatened or harassed by law enforcement.

Today, the Los Angeles County Sheriff suggested that Alene is a subject in a criminal investigation into a leaked video showing a deputy kneeling on an inmate’s head. In recent weeks, Alene has reported on claims alleging that the Sheriff obstructed justice and retaliated against whistleblowers who raised concerns about the incident. This escalation comes after a years-long history of the Sheriff harshly criticizing many local journalists just for doing their jobs, including Cerise Castle, Josie Huang, Maya Lau and others.

For over 50 years, the Supreme Court has upheld the First Amendment right to publish information of public concern received by members of the press or public. For the Sheriff to suggest otherwise is an unconscionable attempt to deter the press from exercising its long-established right to report on abuses of power.

We condemn these outrageous attacks on newsgathering, and we remain committed to supporting journalism that reports on the facts without fear or favor.

• Media Guild of the West, The NewsGuild-CWA Local 39213

• Los Angeles Times Guild

• Greater Los Angeles Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists

• First Amendment Coalition

• Radio Television Digital News Association

• Asian American Journalists Association, Los Angeles

• Online News Association Los Angeles

• CCNMA Latino Journalists of California

• Los Angeles Press Club

• National Association of Black Journalists of Los Angeles

• National Association of Hispanic Journalists

• National Press Photographers Association

• Open Vallejo / Informed California Foundation

• We Make KPBS (SAG-AFTRA) 

• SPJ San Diego

• SPJ Northern California

• ACLU of Southern California

• Susan E. Seager, Adjunct Clinical Professor of Law, Press Freedom clinic at the University of California, Irvine School of Law