FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | mail@nefac.org
Program Materials
The New Massachusetts Public Records Law
What It Means to You and Your Newsroom
February 2, 2017
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
J.J. Foley’s Cafe in Boston
Free and Open to Public — RSVP Required
RSVP FOR EVENT
The New England First Amendment Coalition and the Society of Professional Journalists New England will host a panel discussion about changes to the Massachusetts public records law on Feb. 2 in Boston.
Speakers include NEFAC’s Peter J. Caruso, an Andover-based media attorney; Michael Morisy of MuckRock; Maya Shaffer, co-founder of The Bay State Examiner; Todd Wallack, a reporter at The Boston Globe; and Gavi Wolfe, legislative director at the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts.
The program is from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at J.J. Foley’s Cafe, 117 East Berkeley Street in Boston’s South End. The discussion is open to the public, but seating is limited and RSVP required. RSVP here. The event will also be live-streamed on the SPJ New England Facebook page.
Earlier this month, the state’s public records law underwent its first major update in nearly 40 years. The law was previously considered one of the worst public records statutes in the country.
“This program is a great opportunity to discuss changes to the law and where the law can be further improved,” said Justin Silverman, NEFAC’s executive director. “All our panelists have a unique perspective on access issues in Massachusetts. We look forward to an insightful and instructive conversation.”
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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 Boston Globe and Boston University. Celebration Supporters include The Hartford Courant and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.