"A free and independent press is fundamental to a functioning democracy--it differentiates democracy from dictatorship; separates a free society from tyranny."-- Gary Pruitt

June 21, 2013 (Washington D.C.) – Associated Press President and CEO Gary Pruitt, in an address to the National Press Club on June 19, warned journalists that AP and other news organizations are experiencing a “chilling effect” on news gathering due to revelations that the government had covertly accessed reporters phone records and  more.

Sources, even in law enforcement, have voiced fears over talking to reporters as a result of the surveillance, Pruitt said.

Below is the full text of his speech from a press release issued by AP: