Journalists of Color, state coalitions benefit from NFOIC program funded by SPJ Foundation grant

The National Freedom of Information Coalition’s $5,000 grant from the SPJ Foundation helped 24 journalists of color sharpen their skills in acquiring public records and connected them to experts in more than 12 states.  The FOI Bootcamp for Journalists of Color provided a two-hour virtual training on records access, analyzing data, and serving disadvantaged communities. […]

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Coalition Seeks Open Government

President Barack Obama promised to create “a new era of openness” on the first day of his first term. It’s a sad irony that his administration has continued the 20-year trend of being less and less open to journalists. It has prosecuted leaks and leakers, threatened journalists with jail, denied credentials, and established policies that restrict federal officials from talking to reporters.

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Burlington Free Press reporter wins national award from SPJ

From Burlington Free Press:  Mike Donoghue, a reporter with the Burlington Free Press, has won a Sunshine Award from the Society of Professional Journalists.

“The Society’s Sunshine Award recognizes those making important contributions in the area of open government,” a news release said. “This award was the most competitive of our national honor awards.”

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SPJ honors London with FOI Award Girl Scouts elect 3 Emmys to NBC

From Hartford Business:  Sherman D. London, a consultant with the Trumbull-based public relations firm Michael J. London & Associates, has been named this year’s recipient of the Helen M. Loy Freedom of Information Award by the Connecticut Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.

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Sunshine award bestowed on open government advocate Terry Francke

From East County Magazine:

March 28, 2013 (San Diego) – When it comes to open government and public access to government records, times have changed dramatically in California. Much of that change can be attributed to the tireless efforts of Terry Francke, General Counsel of Californians Aware.

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Nominations for SPJ Honors

From The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ):

The Society of Professional Journalists annually recognizes exceptional contributions to the media industry through the SPJ Honors. Each award highlights individuals or organizations whose work upholds the pillars of ethical journalism, and we know many journalists and organizations deserve such recognition.

Help SPJ recognize the outstanding members of the journalism community. Take a look at the honors and think of whom you want to acknowledge:

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Call for nominations – SPJ presents its 28th James Madison Awards

From Society of Professional Journalists:

The James Madison Freedom of Information Awards recognize Northern California organizations and individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing freedom of information and expression in the spirit of James Madison, the creative force behind the First Amendment. SPJ NorCal presents the awards during National Freedom of Information Week near Madison’s birthday, March 16.

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