Events: NPC Spotlights Dangers Faced by Reporters in Russia

The National Press Club is holding a March 20 screening of a film that depicts the dangers journalists face in Vladimir Putin’s Russia. “Anna” tells the story of Russian journalist and human rights activist Anna Politkovskaya, who reported on political and social events in Russia, particularly the Second Chechen War. Politkovskaya survived poisoning, detention and beatings, but was ultimately killed in 2006, becoming one of more than 1,800 journalists killed in Russia so far this century. Her story serves as a reminder of the dangers that journalists face and the importance of protecting journalists' right to report the truth without fear of death or reprisal. Bob Woodward, Sean Penn, U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA), CNN anchor Sara Sidner, and former CIA Director John Brennan will host a 7 p.m. screening of the film, followed by a discussion on the dangers journalists face in the 21st century.

News platform Semafor, in partnership with Gallup, will present an exclusive first look at its 2024 World Happiness Report on March 20 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. (doors open at 8:30 a.m.). The report will share survey data and share key insights that are intended to change the ways in which global leaders in business, tech, politics, and beyond perceive “happiness,” and how they can promote wellbeing. A panel moderated by Semafor founding editor-at-large Steve Clemons and senior editor Gina Chon will discuss the data and look at how economic development, global affairs, and political attitudes can affect national wellbeing and help ensure a well-lived life through all its stages. Among those set to appear are Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT), Gallup Organization CEO Jon Clifton, World Happiness Report editor Lara Aknin and Swiss Ambassador to the U.S. Jacques Pitteloud.

Muriel Fox

The Museum of Public Relations is sponsoring a March 14 event that looks at the role communicators played in gaining equal rights for women. “PR Women Who Changed History” will feature Muriel Fox, who co-founded the National Organization for Women in 1966 and was named the “top-ranking woman in public relations” by Business Week in 1976, being interviewed by Dr. Caryn Medved of Baruch College. That discussion will be followed by Hill & Knowlton Strategies global chairman and CEO AnnaMaria DeSalva presenting her perspective on where things stand for women today. The 6 pm event will be recorded before a live audience and will also be available via Zoom. A networking reception will follow.