RCFP: Las Vegas MPD must rescind restrictions on freelance journalists

The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press is urging the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department to stop excluding certain freelance journalists from its media distribution list and crime scene briefings.

In a letter sent to Sheriff Kevin McMahill on July 22, 2024, the Reporters Committee expressed concerns about reports that several freelance journalists, including photojournalists working for Las Vegas Live — a Nevada-based newsgathering service affiliated with the licensing company Onscene.tv — have been denied access to press briefings on a number of occasions and also have been excluded from the LVMPD’s media distribution list for press releases.

“The protections of the First Amendment apply equally to traditional and non-traditional journalists and news organizations, including freelance reporters and stringers,” the letter stated. 

The Reporters Committee’s letter also emphasized the important role stringers play in helping national media outlets report local news. 

“The Department’s policy of excluding stringers for not fitting into an unduly narrow definition of ‘press association’ ignores the crucial role such journalists play in keeping the public informed,” the letter stated.