Archive for March 17, 2010

The city of Greensboro has not always been viewed among journalists as the most open and accessible, but despite past transgressions, Greensboro is attempting to change and bring more sunshine to its proceedings.

How should journalists go about getting a story using public records? Is it ethical to cover the hospitalization of a public figure? And who should shield laws protect--are bloggers to be given the same rights as professional journalists?

Andy Curliss, Dick Barron and Ames Alexander will tell you some of the largest stories in journalism require open access to records so reporters can gather information.

Public records are just that--public. Every citizen is entitled to view records of an arrest warrant and go to certain government meetings--and they should be allowed to do so. Protecting and celebrating these rights is what the Sunshine Center and the North Carolina Open Government Coalition does annually during its Sunshine Day events.