Free Press Mourns Charles Benton

Charles Benton, the chairman of the Benton Foundation and a longtime champion of community media, public broadcasting and universal broadband access, died Wednesday.

Free Press President and CEO Craig Aaron made the following statement:

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Charles Benton. He was a pioneer in the movement for better media and a stalwart ally in countless fights to bring the benefits of technology to everyone. He dedicated his life to the public interest and shared his wisdom and passion with many of us who follow in his footsteps. We’ll miss his contributions to the vital debate about strengthening the media and our democracy. We offer our deepest condolences to his family and the staff of the Benton Foundation."

Free Press Action Praises House Passage of Fourth Amendment Is Not for Sale Act, Which Would Limit Authorities from Buying Away Americans' Privacy Rights

The bill would close a legal loophole and ensure that law enforcement and intelligence agencies can’t do an end-run around the Constitution.
Hundreds of Groups Urge Congress to Extend Funding for Essential Broadband-Affordability Program That Serves Tens of Millions of U.S. Households

If Congress doesn’t act, in a matter of days the internet bills for one out of every six homes in the country will go up.
House Votes to Extend Government Spying Authority, Violating the Privacy Rights of Everyone in the United States and Americans Abroad

No government entity should have such oppressive surveillance powers.

Free Press Action Praises House Passage of Fourth Amendment Is Not for Sale Act, Which Would Limit Authorities from Buying Away Americans' Privacy Rights

Hundreds of Groups Urge Congress to Extend Funding for Essential Broadband-Affordability Program That Serves Tens of Millions of U.S. Households

House Votes to Extend Government Spying Authority, Violating the Privacy Rights of Everyone in the United States and Americans Abroad