Arizona First Amendment Coalition
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The First Amendment Coalition is a nonprofit organization committed to freedom of speech, open government and public participation in civic affairs.
The Arizona First Amendment Coalition is a consortium of organizations dedicated to advancing free speech, accountable government & public participation in civic affairs. A SHORT HISTORY
In 1981, Arizona Republic political columnist Bernie Wynn was fed up with the slow and at times non-existent response of government agencies to requests for rightful access to public records under the Arizona Public Records Law. Particularly vulnerable to this lack of proper government response were journalists working for Arizona’s smaller media, which often lacked the resources to do legal battle with such agencies just to get access to the records they were legally entitled to examine. At Wynn’s instigation and with the cooperation of several like-minded Arizona journalists, the First Amendment Coalition of Arizona was born in October 1981 by its charter members: Arizona Broadcasters Association, Arizona Cable Telecommunications Association, Arizona Newspapers Association and the Society of Professional Journalists. The new coalition established a hotline at Phoenix law firm Brown and Bain (now Perkins Coie) that any Arizona journalist, professional or student, could call with basic legal questions about access under the Arizona Public Records Law or Arizona Open Meeting Law. In 2002, the Arizona Press Club became the coalition’s fifth charter member. The coalition celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2011 noting several Arizona Supreme Court and federal court decisions guaranteeing the right of access to government by the public and the news media began with original calls to the coalition hotline. In 2012, the coalition began to accept additional members from among Arizona media, open-government groups and like-minded individuals. The coalition is a member of the National Freedom of Information Coalition (NFOIC).
10/18/2024
10/17/2024
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/14/opinion/editorials/press-act-reporters-leaks-whistleblower.html
Opinion | A Reporter’s Shield Law Is Vital to Prevent Abuses of Power The PRESS Act has unanimous support in the House, but a few senators are blocking it.
09/15/2024
What a terrific day and event! Covering elections in the age of misinformation is a real challenge. But on Saturday, we gathered some of the best journalists in Phoenix, to discuss ways to accurately inform our viewers and readers about what’s real and true - and what’s not.
Thank you to Dennis, Brahm, Lauren, Yvonne, Jessica, Mark, Garrett and Thom for sharing your experience, insight and tips.
And thanks to my co-organizers - Mark Scarp and Tim Eigo for helping to turn this from an idea into an event.
This was made possible by the collaboration of two amazing organizations. The Valley of the Sun Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and The Arizona First Amendment Coalition. Please support these groups.
08/25/2024
Arizona journalists: Seats are limited. Sign up today!
Attention Arizona Journalists! 📢
With the general election on the horizon, we’re highlighting an invaluable opportunity for you. On Sept. 14, SPJ’s Valley of the Sun chapter and the First Amendment Coalition of Arizona are hosting a FREE workshop, "Covering Elections in the Age of Misinformation." Featured speakers include top journalists and elections experts who will share their insights to help you navigate election coverage. This nonpartisan event is open to all Arizona journalists and journalism students.
📅 When: Saturday, Sept. 14, 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
📍 Where: Westward Ho Hotel, Phoenix
RSVP now to secure your spot: https://bit.ly/3AiMm5R
SPJ Phoenix
02/15/2024
Hear media law attorney Peter Limperis of Miller, Pitt, Feldman & McAnally, P.C., answer questions about public records, public meetings and other access issues journalists often ask at "Getting Access 2: More Good Journalism," a free public records workshop, Saturday, March 23, in downtown Phoenix. He will be joined by several journalist panelists who will give tips on getting access to records, meetings and hearings.
The coalition recently revived its media legal hotline, and Mr. Limperis volunteered to provide free basic legal advice to Arizona journalists on access to government matters.
His presentation at the March 23 workshop will be from 1 to 1:45 p.m. The workshop's location and other details will be posted soon at https://phoenixspj.org -- information about how to contact Mr. Limperis on the coalition legal hotline is on that site now .
Society of Professional Journalists - Valley of the Sun chapter - Phoenix, Arizona Serving journalists in the Phoenix metropolitan area since 1958
01/26/2024
The Arizona First Amendment Coalition media hotline is back! At no cost, Arizona professional and student journalists can ask a media lawyer questions re access to , , in . Arizona Press Club Arizona Latino Media Association AAJA Arizona Details:
Society of Professional Journalists - Valley of the Sun chapter - Phoenix, Arizona Serving journalists in the Phoenix metropolitan area since 1958
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