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 1.4 million individuals and more than 230 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 network neutrality, online privacy, corporate and government surveillance, journalism, public media, media consolidation and media diversity, 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 1.4 million constituents hailing from all 50 states. Our website attracted more than 4 million unique visitors and our field events attracted thousands of participants. We interacted with 125,000 social media followers and earned 3,000 press 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 thousands of local media activists. Filed public comments, and participated in several federal communications commission proceedings. Worked with dozens of organizations to plan and implement high profile educational events. Secured financial support from 1,084 foundations, public charities and individual donors. 2)internet: 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. Promoted efforts to defend network neutrality and treat the internet as a communications service under title ii of the communications act. Issued groundbreaking report demonstrating the title ii rules were fostering innovation and investment. Testified before congress to defend the lifeline program. 3)journalism: encouraged public broadcasters to invest in local news and information needs. Exposed the negative impact of marginalization and suppression of independent voices. Promoted freedom of the press. Monitored and exposed incidents where members of the press are harassed while doing their jobs. Worked with dozens of new jersey and north carolina based organizations and hundreds of individuals to explore how local news can contribute to a broad, solutions-oriented effort toward democratic participation and community self-determination. Promoted the creation of the new jersey civic information consortium to help bolster public-interest journalism, civic information and media innovation for decades to come. 4) media control: worked to prevent further consolidation of media ownership and to promote policies that support pluralism and diversity. Promoted competitive, diverse and independent local media. Opposed multiple corporate merger plans. Promoted regulation that provides media ownership opportunities for underrepresented communities. Encouraged media outlets to adopt business policies and practices to diversify newsrooms.”

“Other consultants: program service expenses 430,540. Management and general expenses 10,500. Fundraising expenses 42,464. Total expenses 483,504. Payroll service: program service expenses 3,895. Management and general expenses 148. Fundraising expenses 578. Total expenses 4,621.”

“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.”