United States: Women Press Freedom Stands with Knock LA Against Editorial Interference and Unpaid Labor

Ground Game LA ousted Knock LA’s Cerise Castle, Ben Camacho, and Katja Schatte from the organization's Slack workspace, the newsroom's social media platforms, and administrative email accounts

Location: United States, Los Angeles

Date: April 22, 2024

Women Press Freedom stands in full solidarity with the journalists and contributors of Knock LA in their pursuit of editorial independence and fair treatment. The unfolding situation at Knock LA, as detailed in their recent public statements, raises serious concerns about the challenges faced by those in the journalism sector, particularly women and journalists of color. The alleged actions of Ground Game LA, including alleged demands for unpaid labor, editorial interference, and financial mismanagement, not only undermine journalistic integrity but also disproportionately impact those who are least able to bear them — often women and marginalized groups. The situation at Knock LA is particularly distressing given the reported lack of support for legal challenges and the financial precarity imposed on its staff. These conditions are not only unsustainable but also unethical, stifling voices that strive to uplift the marginalized and hold power to account. Women Press Freedom calls for immediate action to resolve the disputes between Knock LA and Ground Game LA in a manner that respects the rights and dignity of all Knock LA staff and contributors. We urge Ground Game LA to return all digital and financial assets to Knock LA, cease any forms of editorial overreach, and issue a formal apology to the staff and leadership of Knock LA for the hardships imposed.

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Knock LA, a Los Angeles-based news organization, has publicly declared its intent to separate from its parent entity, Ground Game LA (GGLA), citing a series of disputes and operational challenges that have reportedly hindered its journalistic efforts. This announcement comes after years of escalating tensions which culminated in a lockout of several key personnel and restricted access to crucial digital and financial resources.

Founded in 2017 by members of Ground Game LA, Knock LA initially operated as a blog before transforming into an independent newsroom in 2021, spearheaded by Cerise Castle’s widely acclaimed investigative series on deputy gangs. The platform has since been vital in addressing issues such as police corruption, governmental abuses, and the homelessness crisis in the Greater LA area.

However, recent conflicts have escalated to a critical point. In February 2024, following several alleged violations by Ground Game LA, Knock LA began taking steps toward organizational independence. This included plans to transfer digital assets and journalism grants into its own control.

The conflict intensified on April 10, 2024, when Ground Game LA removed Knock LA members Cerise Castle, Ben Camacho, and Katja Schatte from the organization's Slack workspace and deleted their accounts, further barring their access to the newsroom’s social media and administrative emails.

In a public statement, Knock LA claimed that Ground Game LA’s actions have included demands for unpaid labor, editorial interference, and a lack of support for legal challenges faced by its members. These include a defamation lawsuit filed by a landlord against freelance contributor Lisa Kwon following an investigative report on illegally operated Airbnbs in Los Angeles; and the arrests of Kathleen Gallagher and Jonathan Peltz while covering a demonstration against the displacement of a homeless encampment on March 25, 2021.  

Furthermore, Knock LA accuses Ground Game LA of racially insensitive behavior and stifling the newsroom’s potential for growth by limiting its ability to secure independent funding.

Financially, Knock LA described its situation as dire, with monthly incomes far below its operational costs, and alleged financial mismanagement by Ground Game LA, including bounced checks issued to freelancers.

The newsroom's leadership and contributors are now appealing to the public for support in their quest for autonomy, emphasizing the need for journalistic independence and fair treatment of its staff. They are urging supporters to use social media to demand action from Ground Game LA, including the return of all Knock LA properties and a formal apology.

Ground Game LA's actions raise serious concerns about the safety and rights of women journalists. The treatment of Knock LA's Cerise Castle, among others, shows a disregard for the contributions of women in journalism and highlights the ongoing struggle against sexism and discrimination within the media industry. Such behavior should be met with swift condemnation and corrective measures to ensure accountability. As an organization advocating for press freedom, we call on Ground Game LA to immediately return Knock LA's digital assets, restore its access to social media and communication tools, and cease any editorial interference. Furthermore, Ground Game LA must address the allegations of racism and discrimination within its organization, demonstrating a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Women Press Freedom supports Knock LA's call for a peaceful and fair resolution to this conflict. We urge all parties involved to respect journalistic integrity, uphold the rights of reporters, and work toward a resolution that prioritizes the independence and growth of newsrooms like Knock LA. 

Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism

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