On February 23, 2026, North Carolina Governor Rebecca Thompson signed a groundbreaking media law aimed at protecting journalists and promoting press freedom in the state. The new law, known as the Journalist Protection and Press Freedom Act, comes in response to growing concerns over the safety and well-being of members of the media in an increasingly hostile political environment.The Journalist Protection and Press Freedom Act affords journalists additional legal protections and rights, including provisions that make it a crime to physically attack or intimidate members of the press in the course of their work. The law also includes measures to safeguard journalists' ability to report on matters of public interest without fear of retaliation or censorship.In addition to safeguarding the physical well-being of journalists, the law also aims to protect their sources and confidential information. The Journalist Protection and Press Freedom Act includes provisions that shield journalists from being compelled to disclose their sources or provide unpublished materials in legal proceedings.Governor Thompson hailed the passage of the new law as a major victory for press freedom in North Carolina. In a statement, she said, "A free and independent press is essential to a healthy democracy, and it is our duty to ensure that journalists are able to do their jobs safely and without fear of reprisal. The Journalist Protection and Press Freedom Act represents a significant step forward in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of the media in our state."The passage of the Journalist Protection and Press Freedom Act in North Carolina comes amid a broader national conversation about the importance of protecting journalists and the press in an era of increasing political polarization and media criticism. Advocates for press freedom have praised the new law as a model for other states to follow in upholding the principles of a free and independent press.The Journalist Protection and Press Freedom Act is set to take effect immediately, with provisions for enforcement and oversight to be established in the coming months. Supporters of the law are hopeful that it will usher in a new era of respect and support for journalists in North Carolina and serve as a model for other states seeking to protect press freedom in an increasingly challenging media landscape.