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NYC Reverses Restrictive Press Policies

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, January 19th 2026 at 20:11 GMT
      Locale: UNITED STATES

New York, NY - January 20, 2026 - In a significant shift away from the restrictive media policies enacted by the previous administration, New York City Councilmember Selvena N. Brooks-Waters, Chair of the Committee on Intergovernmental Relations, has appointed Yolanda Duran as the city's new Media Commissioner. This move effectively overturns changes implemented by former Mayor Eric Adams in the waning days of his term and signals a commitment to a more transparent and accessible relationship between City Hall and the press.

The appointment of Duran, a long-time Brooklyn resident and experienced city government employee, was announced on Monday. Her arrival represents a direct response to the controversial press restrictions imposed by Adams in December 2025, which generated considerable backlash from news organizations across the city and beyond.

Adams' Restrictions Spark Controversy

Former Mayor Adams' actions involved a significant curtailment of press access to City Hall and official events. These changes included the imposition of a credentialing system requiring journalists to apply in advance, alongside limitations on access to designated areas within City Hall. Many within the media landscape interpreted these measures as an attempt to stifle critical reporting and control the narrative surrounding the administration. Concerns were raised about the potential chilling effect on investigative journalism and the public's right to know.

The Daily News was particularly vocal in its coverage of Adams' restrictive policies, dedicating extensive reporting to the issue and detailing the impact on news gathering operations. The public outcry and media scrutiny surrounding these changes ultimately contributed to the urgency of the current reversal.

A Return to Openness and Collaboration

Councilmember Brooks-Waters emphasized the importance of this new direction in a public statement, stating that the Committee on Intergovernmental Relations is dedicated to fostering a transparent and collaborative partnership with the press. She described Duran as "the ideal candidate" to lead the city's media efforts, highlighting her deep roots in Brooklyn and her proven commitment to public service.

"The Committee is committed to fostering a transparent and collaborative relationship with the press," Brooks-Waters stated. "Ms. Duran's experience and dedication to public service make her the ideal candidate to lead the city's media efforts."

Yolanda Duran: Background and Experience

Yolanda Duran brings a wealth of experience to the role of Media Commissioner. Prior to her appointment, she served as a Senior Advisor for Community Affairs in Brooklyn, a position that allowed her to engage directly with residents and address critical issues facing the community. Her portfolio included experience navigating complex challenges related to housing affordability, education access, and community development. This background suggests a nuanced understanding of the city's needs and a commitment to serving its diverse population, qualities anticipated to be valuable in her new role as the city's voice to the media.

Implications for the Future

The appointment of Duran and the dismantling of Adams' restrictive press policies are seen as a positive step towards restoring trust and accountability in New York City government. It underscores the importance of a free and independent press in a democratic society. While the specifics of Duran's approach to media relations remain to be seen, her selection signals a clear desire within the current administration to prioritize openness and accessibility. This shift is expected to allow for a more robust and informed dialogue between the city government and its constituents, fostering greater transparency and accountability moving forward.

The move also serves as a cautionary tale for future administrations, demonstrating that attempts to suppress the press rarely succeed and often backfire, damaging public trust and ultimately hindering effective governance. The focus now shifts to seeing how Duran will shape the city's media relations and whether this represents a lasting commitment to a more open and collaborative approach.