Charles D. Tobin to be honored at First Amendment Awards
The RTDNA Foundation is thrilled to announce that Charles D. Tobin, Practice Leader of Ballard Spahr’s Media and Entertainment Law Group, will be among the honorees at the 34th annual First Amendment Awards.
The ceremony will take place in Washington D.C. at the Watergate Hotel on March 6, and honors individuals and organizations for their efforts to promote responsible journalism and preserve the constitutionally guaranteed rights to do so.
The RTDNA Foundation selected Tobin for this honor, stating: “Chuck Tobin has dedicated his life’s work to defending and protecting journalists and journalism, ensuring a vibrant future for both. He continues to lead the charge for press access and press freedoms, a fight that is as important now as it has ever been. RTDNA and the RTDNA Foundation are lucky to consider Chuck a friend, and our democracy is lucky to have him as an advocate.”
As Practice Leader of Ballard Spahr’s Media and Entertainment Law Group, Tobin defends the media in libel and privacy lawsuits and advises on critical issues such as prepublication review, access and privilege matters, and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. He also represents businesses in unfair competition, false advertising and digital media matters, including takedown requests and anonymous poster subpoenas.
Before joining Ballard Spahr, Tobin served as in-house counsel for Gannett, where he supported print and digital outlets, including USA TODAY. A former journalist, Tobin reported for The News-Press in Fort Myers, Florida, before earning his law degree. He has also taught media law and ethics at George Washington University and the University of North Florida, further contributing to the development of future media professionals.
Register Now for the 2025 First Amendment Awards
The RTDNA Foundation will be announcing all First Amendment Award honorees over the next couple weeks. The First Amendment Awards will be held March 6 at The Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C.