NY "New Year's Eve" Ball Drop Will Celebrate — Freedom Of The Press?

When the ball drops on New Year’s Eve in New York City's iconic Times Square, it will be dedicated to protecting press freedom and celebrating the importance of journalism.

The Times Square Alliance and Countdown Entertainment have named the Committee to Protect Journalists -- the media watchdog group that released its annual prison census findings this month -- as this year’s charity honoree.

“On New Year’s Eve we look back and reflect on the major events of the past year, we look forward with a sense of hope, and we celebrate the people and things we value most,” Tim Tompkins, president of the Times Square Alliance, said in a statement. “This year, we're celebrating the free press and journalism and those who work to protect, preserve and practice it.”