The Buzz 12.28.23

FREE SPEECH

There were many stories from around the world about struggles and risks to safety, and even life, for journalists in 2023. The U.S. Press Freedom Tracker monitors threats to press freedom here in the United States. (The Tracker launched in 2017 and is managed by a coalition of partners including the Freedom of the Press Foundation, Committee to Protect Journalists and Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, among others.) According to a summary of 2023, the Tracker reports that at least 12 journalists in the U.S. were arrested or faced dubious charges this year in connection to their work. Among the examples are Hank Sanders in Illinois, who received three citations for “interference/hampering of city employees” in connection to emails and calls for comment on flooding. In addition, at least 30 news organizations were summoned to court and pressured to identify sources or turn over reporting materials. “The criminalization of routine journalism this year shows authorities either do not understand newsgathering practices or, more alarmingly, do and use prosecutions as a cudgel to chill future reporting,” according to the Tracker.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Medical debt has placed a significant burden on households.” - Dr. Steven Packer, CEO of Montage Health, announcing the forgiveness of all medical debt incurred by patients from 2020-2022. The move impacts 29,000 patient accounts and totals $40 million in patient responsibility (see story, mcweekly.com).

GOOD WEEK / GREAT WEEK

GOOD:

Given the way that technology underpins our lives, digital literacy is a key 21st-century skill. And good news for spreading digital literacy in Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties comes thanks to a grant from the California Public Utilities Commission’s Communications Division to Salinas-based nonprofit Loaves, Fishes & Computers. The CPUC awarded the organization $139,999 to advance its efforts to improve digital equity in the tri-county region. LFC provides low-cost computers and computer literacy classes to local low-income families and individuals, helping people get not only the hardware they need to stay connected, but also the knowledge necessary to use it effectively. Since 2009, the nonprofit has distributed around 14,000 devices and served 50,000 families and individuals.

GREAT: