FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition recently joined fellow press advocates to call for more transparency within the U.S. Supreme Court. In an April 27 letter, the organizations addressed the troubling trend of sealing documents in an increasing number of cases each year and suggested […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org With virtual public meetings set to expire in Massachusetts on July 15, the New England First Amendment Coalition joined several advocacy organizations today to support a new Boston proposal to permanently establish virtual participation options for public meetings. The groups — including disability rights and […]
NEFAC Classes on Public Records Continue with FOI Lessons from New England Journalists FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition is continuing its series on public record laws with new classes on how newsrooms use the appeal process in their respective states as well as the […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition recently argued against a Massachusetts libel law that prohibits the truth as a defense in certain cases. Truthful comments, the coalition explained in an April 14 amicus brief, are protected by the state’s Constitution even if they are on […]
The New England First Amendment Coalition launched last year a monthly educational series featuring short, practical lessons on journalism and the First Amendment. The goal of the program — called “30 Minute Skills” — is to provide reporters and other citizens knowledge they can use immediately in newsgathering, data collection, storytelling and other areas of journalism […]
Tara Gunnigle Used Public Records to Help Expose Town Official’s Illegal Land Purchase FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition will honor New Hampshire resident Tara Gunnigle with its 2022 Antonia Orfield Citizenship Award. The Citizenship Award is given to an individual from one of the […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org Massachusetts House of Representatives leadership and the House Reopening Working Group announced March 23 that it “will work with the Senate to formalize a hybrid hearing model that allows in-person participation at hearings while retaining the benefits of remote access.” Advocates — including the New […]
Newspaper Prevailed in Landmark Public Records Battle with City Police Department FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition will honor the Worcester Telegram & Gazette with its 2022 Michael Donoghue Freedom of Information Award. The FOI Award is given each year to a New England journalist […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition today joined a group of Massachusetts open government advocates to request that remote public access again be provided to Governor’s Council meetings. The Governor’s Council is an elected body that, among other things, makes lifetime appointments to the state’s […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition will join University of Rhode Island media literacy experts, journalists, public information officers, faculty, students and members of the public on March 22 to discuss how to limit disinformation. NEFAC Executive Director Justin Silverman will speak as part of […]