The Associated Press has been honored with the John Aubuchon Press Freedom Award from the National Press Club.
In a strong affirmation of journalistic independence and integrity, the National Press Club (NPC) in Washington, D.C., has announced that it will honor The Associated Press (AP) with its John Aubuchon Press Freedom Award—the Club’s highest distinction for press freedom.
This recognition celebrates AP’s enduring commitment to truthful, unbiased, and courageous reporting around the world. For over 175 years, the Associated Press has been a trusted source of verified information, often operating in some of the world’s most challenging environments to ensure that facts reach the public unfiltered and free from political influence.
Unanimous Decision of the NPC Board
The National Press Club board unanimously chose to recognize the AP for its leadership in defending press freedom and advocating for the right of all Americans to speak freely.
“The right to speak freely without government control or retaliation is a fundamental principle of America that must be upheld,” stated Julie Pace, Senior Vice President and Executive Editor of the Associated Press.
“The Associated Press maintained its position for a simple reason: journalism must be independent to be truly free,” remarked Mike Balsamo, President of the National Press Club.
“The Aubuchon Award honors those who defend the line between power and the press,” Balsamo said. “The Associated Press reminded the world that independence is not inherited — it’s exercised. Every generation of journalists must defend it anew.”
Championing Press Freedom Worldwide
The National Press Club highlighted the Associated Press’s (AP) crucial role in defending media freedom, particularly at a time when journalists are facing growing threats, censorship, and disinformation campaigns. By prioritizing transparency and accuracy, the AP illustrates why a free and independent press is essential to democracy.
The John Aubuchon Press Freedom Award, named after a former president of the National Press Club, is presented annually to journalists and news organizations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to press freedom. Past recipients have included reporters and institutions that have taken both personal and professional risks to reveal the truth.
Award Ceremony
The National Press Club will present the 2025 Aubuchon Awards, alongside the Neil and Susan Sheehan Award for Investigative Journalism, during its annual Fourth Estate Award Gala on December 9, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
A Legacy of Integrity
Receiving this award reinforces the Associated Press’s long-standing reputation as a global leader in responsible journalism. Its reporters and editors, working in more than 100 countries, uphold the principle that information should serve the public interest rather than the interests of power or profit.
As disinformation spreads rapidly in the digital age, the Associated Press’s commitment to fact-based reporting is a vital defense for public trust and informed democracy.
Quick Facts
- Award: John Aubuchon Press Freedom Award
- Honored Organization: The Associated Press (AP)
- Presenter: The National Press Club, Washington, D.C.
- Purpose: Recognizes outstanding commitment to press freedom and journalistic integrity
About the Associated Press (AP) and the National Press Club (NPC)
The Associated Press (AP) is a global, non-profit news cooperative known for its factual and unbiased reporting. Founded in 1846, it is one of the oldest and largest news agencies, supplying news reports, photos, and videos to newspapers, broadcasters, and digital publishers worldwide. The AP serves as a trusted source, enhancing local reporting and providing comprehensive global coverage.
The National Press Club (NPC) in Washington, D.C., was founded in 1908 and is the world’s foremost professional organization for journalists and communications professionals. This historic institution serves as a lively forum for news events and acts as a social hub for the media community in the U.S. capital.
Source: National Press Club, Washington, D.C.
— The editor of CitiTimes is a member of the National Press Club.
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