Rick Blum joins Reporters Committee as policy director

On Monday, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press named Rick Blum as its first policy director. In his new role, he will oversee the Reporters Committee’s policy agenda, including on key issues like reporter’s privilege, shield laws, and freedom of information.

 

“There are myriad challenges facing journalists today, and Rick will help us push for real solutions to those challenges,” said Bruce Brown, executive director of the Reporters Committee. “Whether it’s strengthening protections for reporters and their confidential sources, or helping to improve policies for access to public records, Rick’s work is an instrumental piece of our mission to provide legal support for journalists here in the U.S.”

 

Blum previously was the coalition director of News Media for Open Government, of which the Reporters Committee is a member. He will continue to work with the coalition in his new position at the Reporters Committee. 

 

“I’ve worked closely with the team at the Reporters Committee for some time now, and I’m thrilled to be coming on board as it increasingly focuses on expanding its policy work at both the national and state levels,” Blum said. “Integrating policy solutions will help power the legal work and bolster protections for reporters who are doing important work to inform our communities.”