Free Press

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

“Generally, an electronic copy of form 990 is distributed to members of the audit oversight committee (chair, treasurer, and assistant treasurer) who reviews it and the organization's financial statements in 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 discuss the financial management practice of the organization. This is an optional meeting designed to allow the governing body direct access to the independent auditor.”

“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 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 nonprofit compensation conducted utilizing data obtained from guidestar, regional employer associations and job postings. Management includes compensation data for all staff, including the chief executive officer 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. Midyear changes to chief executive officer's compensation, if any, must be reviewed and approved by the board of directors.”

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

“Program work includes: research, education, organizing and mobilizing nearly 1 million individuals and more than 130 organizations to advocate for better media, open technology and a healthier democracy. Free press works to preserve rights to free expression, communication and privacy online and in person. 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) growing and leading the movement for media reform and justice. Provided regular information via email and website to nearly 1 million constituents hailing from all 50 states. Our website attracted more than 310,000 unique visitors and our field events attracted 820 participants. Our educational materials were read 3,782,498 times. We interacted with 140,000 facebook fans, tweeted 7,878 times, were retweeted 52,000 times and earned more than 16 million social media impressions. Published 133 blog posts and issued 50 press releases garnering 1,100 media hits. Created and disseminated resource materials including research reports, issue briefs, factsheets, and brochures. Provided training and support to dozens of local and regional media reform groups and to hundreds of local media activists. Secured financial support from more than 250 foundations, public charities and individual donors. 2) internet freedom: promoted policies that protect consumers, ensure internet access and affordability 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. Intervened in us court appeal case to defend the fcc ruling on network neutrality and treating the internet as a communications service under title ii of the communications act. Supported fcc rulings to increase online consumer privacy protections and to modernize the lifeline program to include broadband services. Issued a report documenting that the digital divide disproportionately impacts people of color and stems from systemic racial discrimination. Worked with dozens of organizations to plan and implement high profile educational events. 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. Opposed multiple corporate merger plans. Worked with dozens of new jersey based organizations and hundreds of individuals to convene a series of calls, meetings and large public events to explore how local news can contribute to a broad, solutions-oriented effort toward democratic participation and community self-determination. Compiled research and recommendations for how to establish a public trust to fund local, public, and community media.”

“The organization's chair, treasurer and chief operating officer assume responsibility for oversight of the audit of the financial statements and selection of an independent accountant. The process has not changed from the prior year.”