WASHINGTON, Sept. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In an
unprecedented collaboration, hundreds of news websites published an
op-ed today by Jacob
Tice calling for the release of his brother, journalist
Austin Tice, in time for
Thanksgiving. Austin Tice traveled
to Syria in 2012 to report on the
unrest there for McClatchy and other news organizations and
has been detained ever since -- 2,965 days, more than eight
years.
"Every second he stays in captivity cuts a deeper wound in the
hearts of my family, and we can wait no longer… As we approach a
ninth holiday season with an empty chair at our family's
Thanksgiving, a ninth Christmas spent wondering if Austin can see
the stars, my brothers and sisters and I implore you from the
depths of our hearts: Please help," writes Jacob Tice, in an excerpt from the op-ed.
In collaboration with the National Press Club Journalism
Institute, McClatchy enlisted the support of the media industry to
elevate the call for Austin's release so that Americans can urge
their elected officials to make his safe return a top priority.
News publishers representing hundreds of news outlets have joined
the effort, including, Gannett, Tribune, Hearst, CNN, Fox News,
Time, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Military Times and many
others.
"I'm proud to join with the Tice family, the National Press Club
Journalism Institute and media industry leaders to combine forces
to work for Austin's long overdue freedom," said Tony Hunter, CEO of McClatchy. "I am grateful
for the outpouring of support among our industry peers and hope
that together, we are able to create a groundswell of awareness and
action that will allow Austin to join his family for
Thanksgiving."
As part of this coordinated campaign, the National Press Club
Journalism Institute is mobilizing people around the
country to urge their Members of Congress to send a letter to
President Trump reminding him to keep Austin's safe return a top
priority. The Institute has asked the 173 members of Congress
who signed a letter to President Trump last year on Austin's
behalf, to send another message urging the administration to bring
Austin home by Thanksgiving.
"No journalist should be detained for doing their job, and no
family should have to suffer as the Tices have, worrying about when
they will see their child again," said Angela Greiling Keane, president of the National
Press Club Journalism Institute and managing editor, States and
Canada, POLITICO. "We join the
Tices in urging the White House and State Department to continue to
use every diplomatic resource to secure Austin's safe release and
return by Thanksgiving."
For media outlets interested in joining the campaign to
#FreeAustinTice and publishing Jacob
Tice's op-ed, please contact jmoos@press.org or
jsegal@mcclatchy.com.
McClatchy
We help people and communities thrive.
Through our deeply-rooted commitment to the role of local
journalism, McClatchy is a catalyst for informed
engagement, greater understanding, and deeper community
connections. We ensure delivery of news and information essential
to enhancing individual lives and improving the 30 distinct
communities that are home to our journalists and iconic brands,
including the Miami Herald, The Kansas City Star, The Sacramento
Bee, The Charlotte Observer, The (Raleigh) News and Observer, and the Fort Worth
Star-Telegram. We extend our unique local and regional reach,
relevance and resources to our advertising partners through
fully-integrated marketing solutions. McClatchy is privately held
by the investment firm, Chatham Asset Management. #ReadLocal
National Press Club Journalism Institute
The National
Press Club Journalism Institute promotes an engaged global
citizenry through an independent and free press, and equips
journalists with skills and standards to inform the public in ways
that inspire civic engagement. The Institute is proud to be the
nonprofit affiliate of the National Press Club.
Contacts:
Jeanne Segal
jsegal@mcclatchy.com
1+202-271-8880
Julie Moos
jmoos@press.org
1+727-656-3059
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SOURCE McClatchy