The Committee to Protect Journalists promotes press freedom worldwide and defends the right of journalists to report the news safely and without fear of reprisal. CPJ protects the free flow of news and commentary by taking action wherever journalists are under threat.

Our Values

As an organization founded by journalists, we use the tools of journalism to protect those engaged in acts of journalism. Our credibility rests on a bedrock of accuracy, transparency, fairness, accountability, and independence. Journalist safety is our top priority.

We believe freedom of expression is the foundation for all other human rights. Violations of press freedom often occur in a broader context - including discrimination and oppression based on political beliefs, race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, and socio-economic standing. As enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, every person has the right to freedom of opinion and of expression, regardless of their nationality or identity. Access to independent information enables all people to make decisions and hold the powerful to account.

CPJ is committed to values of equity and free expression in our internal practices as well. As an organization headquartered in the United States, we aspire to build a diverse workplace, and to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment. As an international organization, we strive for our people to be representative of the global community on which we report, and to equip them with the opportunities and resources they need to learn and succeed.

Our History

The Committee to Protect Journalists was founded in 1981 by a group of U.S. correspondents who realized they could not ignore the plight of colleagues whose reporting put them in peril on a daily basis.

The idea that journalists around the world should come together to defend the rights of colleagues working in repressive and dangerous environments led to CPJ’s first advocacy campaign in 1982. At the time, three British journalists - Simon Winchester, Ian Mather, and Tony Prime - were arrested in Argentina while covering the Falklands War. A letter from CPJ Honorary Chairman Walter Cronkite helped spring them from prison.

Today, CPJ’s networks are made up of journalists, researchers, and advocates, working together to support journalists and press freedom around the world.