Free Press Action Fund

“The organization has no committees that are authorized to act on behalf of the governing body.”

“Generally, an electronic copy of the form 990 is distributed to all members of the audit oversight committee (chair, treasurer, and assistant treasurer) which reviews it and the organization's financial statements during a meeting with the certified public accountant retained to prepare these documents. Once the audit oversight committee is satisfied with the accuracy of the information presented, a copy of the form 990 is sent to all board members prior to filing. Each year the entire governing body is offered the opportunity to meet with the organization's certified public accountant to review the audited financial statements and to discuss the financial management practices of the organization. This is an optional meeting designed to allow the governing body direct access to the cpa.”

“All officers, directors, trustees, and key employees are required to disclose annually interests that could give rise to conflicts. Signed documents are collected at the annual meeting of the governing body. If a real or perceived conflict is reported the procedures in the policy are followed.”

“Each position at free press action fund has a pay range. Ranges are determined after review of comparability data, including compensation information received directly from peer organizations, compensation data from the federal government pay scale, and research on non-profit compensation conducted by guidestar, regional employer associations, and job postings. Management includes compensation data for all staff, including the executive director and key employees, in the annual budget that is reviewed and approved by the board of directors in advance of each fiscal year. A detailed memo outlining the organization's values around compensation, the highest and lowest paid employee and how compensation changes within any fiscal year is provided along with the budget. The board approves the budget in advance of each fiscal year. Compensation changes during any fiscal year are at the discretion of management, and must remain within the board approved budget. Mid-year changes to the ceo's compensation, if any must be reviewed and approved by the board of directors.”

“Free press action fund will provide copies of governing documents, conflict of interest policy and financial statements upon request and within 10 business days of any request.”

“Program work includes: education, organizing and mobilizing our members to advocate for better media, open technology and a healthier democracy. Areas of focus include internet freedom and network neutrality; journalism and public media, media consolidation and media diversity, press freedom; privacy, surveillance, and government transparency and accountability. Accomplishments include: 1) continued to build a strong citizen movement for better media in the u.s by providing education, resources and networking opportunities and adding 70,000 new activists. Secured financial support from 4,594 unique donors. Provided regular and timely information to members via email, website, social media and direct mail. Held more than 125 meetings and events with senators, representatives and their congressional staffs, delivering messages from a diverse group of advocates both inside and outside the beltway. Organized more than 50 rallies and events. Convened a congressional internet drop-in day with 1,200 participants. More than 4 million people took action during the year, with 7,500 phone calls and nearly 1 million petition signatures. Organized 11 meetings with members of congress and their staff in lawmakers' home districts. 2) internet freedom: promoted policies that protect consumers, ensure universal access and encourage competition and innovation in the broadband marketplace. Educated consumers about pricing, competition, and service practices in the cable and wireless services industry. Exposed unfair trade practices and violations of net neutrality. Worked to defend the fcc's network neutrality rulings in the courts, in congress, and in the media. Urged congressional leaders to pre-empt statewide bans on community broadband networks. Advocated for a more comprehensive approach to restoring americans' privacy. Opposed the cybersecurity information sharing act. Supported expiration of section 215 of the patriot act. Launched the internet2016 tech policy platform. Supported expansion of the lifeline program to include broadband. 3) press freedom: worked to prevent further consolidation of media ownership and to promote policies that support pluralism and diversity. Exposed the negative impact of marginalization and suppression of independent voices. Promoted competitive, diverse and independent local media. Advocated for policies that sustain journalism. Exposed threats to journalists and freedom of expression. Advocated for fair and transparent standards for law enforcement's use of body-worn cameras. Opposed riders in the omnibus budget bill that would promote practices that allow media companies to evade the fcc's media ownership limits.”

“Neither the oversight process nor the selection process has changed from the prior year.”