May 5th, 2024
The Idaho First Amendment Alliance announces the launch of its efforts to fight for government transparency in the Gem State.
Formed by a group of Idaho journalists and government observers frustrated by poor transparency practices, the nonprofit will focus its work on protecting the right of the free press and citizens to access public records.
The First Amendment Alliance is dedicated to making state and local government more transparent by empowering journalists to challenge public records and open meeting violations through education, litigation, and other means.
Though Idaho's public record and open meeting laws are clear in favoring openness, the only way to challenge denials, exorbitant fees, and over-redactions is to sue - a process that takes time and money that most journalists don't have.
"The news organizations that have traditionally guarded public access to government face increasing challenges in that role. Those hurdles are especially high in Idaho's rural newsrooms," said Melissa Davlin, First Amendment Alliance board president. "By pooling our resources and seeking outside funding, Idaho's press corps can accomplish much more to keep state and local agencies open and accountable."
The First Amendment Alliance plans to use donations to train Idaho journalists on their rights, and, when necessary, for legal fees.
Donating is simple. Visit idahofirstamendmentalliance.com to give and to learn more about the group's work.
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