Jon Keller of WBZ-TV to Emcee Seventh Annual New England First Amendment Awards Luncheon

Washington Post’s Margaret Sullivan to Receive Hamblett Award; FOI, Citizenship Awards Deadline January 15

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org

Keller

Veteran WBZ-TV and NewsRadio 1030 political analyst Jon Keller will emcee the 2017 New England First Amendment Awards luncheon on February 24.

The New England First Amendment Coalition‘s seventh annual awards luncheon, from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Boston Marriott Long Wharf, will honor individuals who have advocated for the First Amendment or the public’s right to know.

Margaret Sullivan of The Washington Post will receive the Stephen Hamblett First Amendment Award, given annually to an individual who has promoted, defended or advocated for the First Amendment throughout his or her career.

NEFAC will also present the Michael Donoghue Freedom of Information Award and the Antonia Orfield Citizenship Award.

New England First Amendment Awards | February 24, 2017 | 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. | Marriott Long Wharf Hotel | Boston, Mass.

The FOI Award is given each year to a New England journalist or team of journalists for a body of work from the previous calendar year that protects or advances the public’s right to know under federal or state law. The Citizenship Award is given to an individual from one of the six New England states who has fought for information crucial to the public’s understanding of its community or what its government is doing – or not doing – on its behalf. The deadline for both awards is Jan. 15.

Keller is considered one of the top political analysts in New England. Although his reports primarily focus on politics, Keller also makes social and cultural commentary on news of the day and pop culture.

Before joining WBZ-TV, Keller served as political analyst for “The Ten O’Clock News” on WLVI-TV. Prior to WLVI, he was an op-ed columnist for The Boston Globe, a political reporter for The Boston Phoenix and was a part-time radio talk-show host on WBZ Radio. He also has held positions with the TAB Newspapers, People Magazine (Boston Bureau) and several radio stations across the region.

The New England First Amendment Awards luncheon is part of the New England Newspaper & Press Association‘s winter convention. Sponsors, table hosts and other supporters and contributors include The Boston Globe, WBUR-Boston, Northeastern University, Prince Lobel Tye, University of New Hampshire, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, The Vermont Cynic, Fox 25, Boston University, Roger Williams University and The Buffalo News.

More information can be found here. Tickets can be purchased here. Organizations interested in purchasing a table with preferred seating should email mail@nefac.org.

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NEFAC was formed in 2006 to advance and protect the Five Freedoms of the First Amendment, including the principle of the public’s right to know. We’re a broad-based organization of people who believe in the power of an informed democratic society. Our members include lawyers, journalists, historians, academics and private citizens.

Our coalition is funded through contributions made by those who value the First Amendment and who strive to keep government accountable. Donations can be made here. Major Supporters of NEFAC for this year include The Providence Journal Charitable Legacy Fund, The Robertson Foundation, The Boston Globe and Boston University.