Salem Journalist Jacobson Invited Back to Governor's Pressers

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, June 16, 2020

Amy Jacobson

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has invited Salem Media journalist Amy Jacobson back to his press briefings in response to a federal lawsuit filed against him and his press secretary. Jacobson, a longtime Chicago journalist, sued together with her station AM 560 The Answer after the governor barred her from attending press briefings. Pritzker had banned Jacobson from press briefings after she broke news about his family traveling to an equestrian estate in Wisconsin amid Illinois' stay-at-home order. Jacobson's press access has been restored "on the same basis as other journalists."

In a letter sent on behalf of the governor, Jacobson "is eligible to participate in the Governor's press access on the same basis as other journalists ... Jacobson may participate fully in the Governor's press access, including but not limited to press briefings and conferences, to the same extent that any other media is allowed to participate."

Liberty Justice Center President and co-founder Pat Hughes said the governor's response to the lawsuit represents a major victory for all Illinoisans who seek to hold their elected officials accountable.

"Gov. Pritzker's ban on Amy Jacobson was a complete overreach and he's right to walk it back. The governor may not like when journalists ask tough questions and he may not always agree with their coverage, but Americans have a constitutional right to hold their elected officials accountable. One of the most important ways they do this is through a free and vibrant press," Hughes said.