NEW YORK – The National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) continues to build influence in the fields of entertainment, law, and publishing by adding to its board Amy Berkower, president of Writers House LLC, Jonathan Bloom, former Counsel at the law firm Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, and stand-up comedian Judy Gold.
The addition of new leadership comes at a time when free speech advocates across the country seek guidance as they address an unprecedented increase in book banning in schools and libraries and a host of other First Amendment violations eroding our democracy. The demand for NCAC resources has never been greater.
“Continuing to diversify NCAC’s leadership is driven by our profound commitment to defend free expression in all cultural fields,” said NCAC Board President Emily Knox. “We are humbled and excited to welcome Amy, Jonathan, and Judy as they lend their expertise to the fight for First Amendment rights. ”
Amy Berkower, president of Writers House LLC, began her career as a literary agent in 1979 after graduating from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She founded the company’s now thriving children’s book department and has developed a diverse client list, including bestselling authors Nora Roberts, Dav Pilkey, Laurie Halse Anderson, David Barry, and the estate of Martin Luther King, Jr. She has been a member of the board of Poets + Writers since 2006.
Jonathan Bloom, former Counsel for Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, specialized in media, First Amendment, and intellectual property law. His practice included counseling and litigation on behalf of news organizations, the Association of American Publishers, individual book publishers, entertainment companies, internet service providers, and other clients in the areas of copyright, trademark infringement, misappropriation, defamation, and a wide range of First Amendment and related issues.
Judy Gold is a stand-up comedian, actor, writer, author, producer, and podcaster. She has had comedy specials on HBO, Comedy Central, LOGO, and Netflix. She is the author of Yes I Can Say That: When They Come For The Comedians, We Are All In Trouble, a critically acclaimed book about free speech and cancel-culture. The solo show, Yes I Can Say That! directed by BD Wong and starring Judy, premiered in March 2023 at 59E59 Theaters and received rave reviews. She is also host of Kill Me Now, a weekly podcast focusing on everything that annoys her. She won 2 Emmy Awards for her work on The Rosie O’Donnell Show. Judy uses her comedy to give back to her community and supports organizations such as the Ali Forney Center, Sage, A Wider Bridge, The Hetrick Martin Institute, GLAAD, Planned Parenthood, The Ms. Foundation, Haddassah, NY Restoration Project, The ACLU, as well as Project ALS to fund research and create awareness; Women in the World Summit; and the Tory Burch Foundation.
Additional information regarding NCAC’s mission and leadership is available at ncac.org.
About National Coalition Against Censorship
Since its inception in 1974, the National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) has functioned as a first responder in protecting freedom of expression, a fundamental human right and a keystone of democracy. Representing 59 trusted education, publishing, and arts organizations, NCAC encourages and facilitates dialogue between diverse voices and perspectives, including those that have historically been silenced.