New York Press Club Statement on the Passing of Gabe Pressman
Photo: Staton Rabin for the New York Press Club. June 5, 2017. New York Press Club Journalism Awards dinner. The Water Club, NYC
New York journalism has lost a legend and a moral compass with the passing of our friend Gabe Pressman.
A tenacious seeker of the truth, there was no greater defender of the First Amendment than Gabe Pressman. He fought ferociously for journalists’ rights. When he delivered his annual Free Press message at the Press Club’s Journalism Awards dinner on June 5 (pictured), he was crystal clear: The First Amendment is under attack, and we can’t let our guard down. We can’t give up. We have to keep fighting for our rights as journalists.
Gabe’s contributions to the field of journalism extended far beyond what his viewers saw on television. It was his hard work behind the scenes that kept the cameras rolling when some would have preferred they be turn off; he kept public meetings open, when some would have preferred they be closed.
Gabe was a mentor to countless young (and not-so-young) journalists. A compliment from Gabe meant you had done your job well.
The New York Press Club mourns the loss of our dear friend and colleague Gabe Pressman. Our thoughts are with Vera and Gabe’s extended family.
Steve Scott, President
The New York Press Club
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