NEFAC Announces Journalism Fellows for Sixth Annual New England First Amendment Institute

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org

The New England First Amendment Coalition is pleased to announce its incoming class of fellows for the 2016 New England First Amendment Institute.

This three-day institute is open each year to 25 New England journalists and provides the support and training necessary to become accomplished investigative reporters, well-versed in the freedom of information laws that govern today’s difficult reporting landscape.

NEFAC provides the institute — held this year from Oct. 16-18 in Dedham, Mass. — at no cost to those who attend. The Marshall Project’s Bill Keller, former executive editor at The New York Times, will provide the keynote address. Featured speakers also include Jodi Upton, a former data journalist at USA Today who is now serving as Syracuse University’s Knight Chair in Data and Explanatory Journalism, and Gene Policinski, a nationally known First Amendment advocate and chief operating officer of the Newseum Institute in Washington, D.C. A full list of faculty members and speakers can be found here.

“We received many qualified applicants this year for a limited number of seats,” said Justin Silverman, NEFAC’s executive director. “The selection process is always very difficult, but I’m excited to announce this incoming class and eager to begin this year’s program.”

 

This year’s NEFAI fellows are:

Topics covered by the institute include state public records and open meeting laws, database reporting, source development, writing strategies, investigative techniques, and accuracy and responsibility in reporting.

Sponsors and supporters of this year’s institute include The Providence Journal Charitable Legacy Fund, the Robertson Foundation, The Boston Globe, the New England Newspaper & Press Association, and the Academy of New England Journalists.

As pictured above: (from left to right, row one) Elizabeth Murray, Burlington Free Press; Tom Relihan, The Recorder; Zeninjor Enwemeka, WBUR-Boston; Gerry Tuoti, Gatehouse Media; Jordan Frias, Boston Herald; (row two) Anna Bisaro, New Haven Register; Ella Nilsen, Concord Monitor; Matthew Daigle, Sun Journal; Mikaela Porter, Hartford Courant; Joshua Moore, Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting; (row three) Stephanie Gorin, NBC5-Vermont; Tim Camerato, Valley News; Phil Marcelo, Associated Press; Jess Aloe, Burlington Free Press; Susan Spencer, Telegram & Gazette; (row four) Colin Flanders, Essex Reporter and Colchester Sun; Katie Jickling, The Herald; Allie Morris, Concord Monitor; Peter Biello, New Hampshire Public Radio; Stephanie Grinnell, The Republican Journal; (row five) Julia Bergman, The Day; Kyle Jones, WMTW-Portland; Marina Villeneuve, Associated Press; Jacqueline Tempera, The Providence Journal; Meghan Foley, The Keene Sentinel

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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.