Monthly Archives: January 2019

Column: Obey law on public employee records

Larry Gallup The behavior of public employees on the job is subject to public scrutiny in nearly every circumstance under Wisconsin law. That means the public has a right to see disciplinary records of all employees. The right doesn’t just apply to the records of elected or appointed officials. It doesn’t just... - MORE -

Be careful covering cold weather

From jeanneg on Morguefile If you’re wondering how a newsroom can cover a weather event without being able to go outside, you’d be a journalist in Wisconsin this week, and you wouldn’t be alone. Poynter is here to help with this article about how to cover a story about how dangerous it is to... - MORE -

Nominations sought for 2019 Opee Awards

FOIC President Bill Lueders and Co-Vice Presidents Christa Westerberg and April Barker The Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council, a nonprofit group that works to protect access to public meetings and records, is now accepting nominations for its annual Openness in Government Awards, or Opees. Awards are given in six categories: Popee (political openness award): Recognizes extraordinary service to the cause of open... - MORE -

Documents released in Racine open records case

From mconnors on Morguefile A judge this week unsealed most of the records related to an open records case in Racine County. The case involves Racine City Attorney Scott Letteney and Racine Alderperson Sandy Weidner. Last August, the city attorney sought an ethics violation sanction against the alderperson for sharing allegedly confidential communications from... - MORE -

RTDNF recognizes those defending First Amendment

RTDNA The Radio Television Digital News Foundation is recognizing those journalists and First Amendment leaders who exemplify responsible journalism and who practice their constitutionally guaranteed duty to seek and report the truth. The RTDNF today announced the honorees for its 29th annual First Amendment Awards Dinner. The list of honorees is ... - MORE -

Newsrooms don’t get snow days

While much of Wisconsin enjoys a snow day today, broadcast newsrooms are not only open and staffed, but a snowstorm makes for one of their busiest days of the year. Thank you to all the radio and TV professionals who reported to work today to serve their communities. This is... - MORE -

Broadcasters take on snowstorms

snow plow Weather is a common experience, which is why coverage of snow storms is so important for broadcasters. When winter weather arrives, there are few people who aren’t interested in what’s going on in their communities. To all the Wisconsin newsrooms covering this week’s storm or any other storms this winter,... - MORE -

WISN-TV makes changes to emphasize breaking news

Eden Checkol and Cherney Amhara Milwaukee TV station WISN-TV is making changes to bring more focus to breaking news. Eden Checkol, the weekend anchor of “WISN 12 News This Morning,” is moving to mornings five days a week to take on an enhanced role as Breaking News desk anchor/reporter. Checkol will also take over anchoring... - MORE -

Groups get behind federal Shield Law

A number of groups supporting journalists are getting behind an effort to get Congress to pass a federal Shield Law to better protect journalists. The News Media for Open Government coalition includes the National Association of Broadcasters. “NMOG is committed to promoting and advocating for policies on Capitol Hill that... - MORE -