Sunshine Week panel features Goddard

Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication marks Sunshine Week, a national initiative encouraging dialogue about open government and freedom of information, by offering what promises to be a free-wheeling exchange on public records access featuring Attorney General Terry Goddard and other leading voices from media, government and public relations.

“Sunshine Week Scenarios: Examining Open Government,” which is free and open to the public, will take place March 18 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Cronkite School’s First Amendment Forum.

The panel also features: Jeanine L’Ecuyer, former press secretary for Gov. Janet Napolitano who is now director of communications for Ziemba Waid Public Affairs; Teri Hayt, managing editor of the Arizona Daily Star in Tucson; and David Bodney, a partner in the Phoenix law firm of Steptoe & Johnson LLP and a leading authority on media and constitutional law.

Moderated by Steve Elliott, print news director for Cronkite News Service, the discussion will take participants through various scenarios to explore the rights and responsibilities each has when it comes to government records and proceedings.

“Access to the workings of government is an issue for the public, not just the news media,” Elliott said. “We hope this discussion, as part of a national dialogue, will lead to greater public participation in government and stronger communities.”
 
Sunshine Week, March 15-21, is a nonpartisan initiative encouraging dialogue about the importance of open government and freedom of information and encouraging public participation in government. Led by the American Society of Newspaper Editors, the national effort is funded primarily by a challenge grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. More information is available at www.sunshineweek.org.

The Cronkite School’s new building on ASU’s Downtown Phoenix Campus is located at 555 N. Central Ave. The First Amendment Forum is on the second floor.