Board Member Ashley Kissinger Receives JFP’s First-Ever First Amendment Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Posting: Monday, November 27, 2023
On November 16, JFP Board member Ashley Kissinger was awarded JFP’s first-ever First Amendment award for her exceptional legal work on the Las Vegas Review-Journal case, as well as her unwavering dedication to First Amendment issues.
Last month, The Nevada Supreme Court moved to protect Las Vegas Review-Journal investigative reporter Jeff German’s personal devices. German was fatally stabbed outside his home in 2022 by Robert Telles, an elected official whom German had written about. (Telles was arrested and accused of killing German out of anger because of the articles produced.) Officers seized German’s cell phone and several other personal devices from both the crime scene and his home. The Review-Journal with Ms. Kissinger’s help had fought to prevent the department from searching the devices since they may have contained information about German’s confidential sources.
Ashley Kissinger addresses the court during the hearing | Bizuayehu Tesfaye Las Vegas Review-Journal
Once the ruling was declared, JFP Board Secretary Jim Boren along with the unanimous support of JFP’s Board members produced this award and plans to continue this tradition annually to recognize an individual’s commitment to protecting the First Amendment. During JFP’s latest board meeting, Kissinger was presented the award and a certificate acknowledging the hard work she had put into this case.
"Ashley Kissinger's unwavering dedication to the principles of the First Amendment is evident in her notable contributions, showcased prominently in the critical Las Vegas Review-Journal case," Boren said. "Her steadfast support for the ideals of the First Amendment is exemplified through her service on the board of Journalism Funding Partners, where she consistently champions the fundamental values of free expression and press freedom. This commitment is essential for fostering an environment where diverse viewpoints can be expressed without fear of censorship".
JFP Chairman Orage Quarles III added, “We are delighted that Ashley is the first recipient of this First Amendment award. Protecting the First Amendment is one of our core values. No one does it better than Ashley.'“
Ashley Kissinger pictured with her award and certificate.
Upon receiving the award, Kissinger said, “I am truly privileged to serve on the board of Journalism Funding Partners, an organization of people who have devoted their lives to ensuring local communities have the critical information they need to thrive and grow. JFP’s board and staff are people who have reached the pinnacle of the journalism profession, and now unselfishly offer their experience and expertise to support this nonprofit mission. Receiving JFP’s inaugural First Amendment Award from this distinguished group is one of the highlights of my career. Thank you, JFP. I am humbled and grateful!”
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Media Contact: Rusty Coats, Executive Director | rusty@jfp-local.org | (813) 277-8959
