A Message from the CT SPJ President: July 2017

This is the July 2017 newsletter send out to CT SPJ members.

What’s new?

Greetings to all members of the Connecticut Society of Professional Journalists, and thanks for your continued support. I thought the start of a new year of business would be the great to start one of our new initiatives: A monthly memo keeping you up-to-date about all the board’s activities. We have plenty of great things happening this year, including an influx of new talent to complement the hard-working members already on the board, the announcement of some great legislation to help you in your work, and, of course, we are once again offering a grant to help one member travel to the national SPJ conference. Please click here to learn more about EIJ 2017.

Travel grant available, apply today 

One lucky member will win a grant toward a trip to Anaheim! 

We are pleased to announce that we are once again offering a grant to one member for expenses to attend the Excellence In Journalism Conference, which will be in Anaheim from Sept. 7-9. The grant will cover up to $1,100 for registration, airfare, and lodging for the duration of the conference. Applicants should indicate what they hope to gain from the conference, why they would be a worthy recipient, and how they intend to partner with CT SPJ and give back to Connecticut journalism.

Enter for your chance at a free trip to the EIJ 2017

New Year, new board

Fresh faces join your hard working board

Those who attended May’s annual dinner helped elected the board for the current year. Mike Savino, of the Record-Journal, returns as president, and Jordan Otero Sisson, of the Hartford Courant, was elected to serve a second year as vice president. Other officers positions changed hands as we continue to transition for the future. Additionally, the board welcomed Darren Sweeney, of both WVIT-TV 30 and Central Connecticut State University, and Pete Paguaga, of the Record-Journal.

See who else is serving

New legislation

Two laws will help protect the First Amendment in CT!

Soon, two laws will help protect journalists and others from lawsuits that serve as nothing more than retaliation against those who exercise their First Amendment rights. One law will make it easier to dismiss strategic lawsuits aimed at public participation, or SLAPP, by allowing defendants to argue the complaint is merely aimed at deterring the exercise of First Amendment rights, including freedom of speech, press, or to assemble. The other law will forbid the judgements in Connecticut of foreign libel claims unless the ruling occurred in a country with defamation of character standards similar to those in the U.S. Both laws will take effect Oct. 1.

See the anti SLAPP law

Learn about foreign libel protections

We’re here for you

Let us help you serve Connecticut residents

I’d like to conclude this first president’s message by offering our support to all Connecticut journalists, however you may need it. If you have a program idea or a skill you’d like to learn, please reach out to us and we’d be happy to put a program together. Questions about ethics, Freedom of Information, or other work-related issues? We have the resources to guide you to the right answers. We’re even here for you if you face the kind of harassment or threats that journalists are sadly facing on an increasing basis. We recently came to the aid of a member of the Capitol press corps after an elected official threw a toy at her over frustration with a picture she took. As president, I talked with leaders within the House of Representatives about how this is unacceptable, and similarly let the public know through a statement. Please let us know if you experience similar problems in the course of your work informing the public.

Thanks for your continued support.

Your president,

Mike Savino