AMP celebrates Sunshine Week with talk by NFPW president and pledge to support Journalist Protection
NFPW President Marianne Wolf-Astrauskas (left) and AMP President Mary Wimberly present a cake honoring James Madison, who drafted the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. Sunshine Week coincides with Madison's birthday (Photos From the Event)
Sunshine Week, a national initiative to promote dialogue about the importance of open government and freedom of information, was the theme of Alabama Media Professionals March 14 meeting.
During the meeting, members voted to support the Journalist Protection Act, which was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in early February and reintroduced March 12. Marianne Wolf-Astrauskas, president of the National Federation of Press Women (of which AMP is a state affiliate), spoke about her platform, the First Amendment, as well as the history of NFPW. AMP members and guests shared a cake as part of a birthday celebration for James Madison, who drafted the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. Sunshine Week coincides with Madison's birthday and National Freedom of Information Day.
The Journalist Protection Act would make certain attacks on those reporting the news federal crimes. Here is more information about the bill: Journalist Protection Act.
NFPW has expressed support for the bill, and Wolf-Astraukas said the national organization could send AMP’s statement of support to the bill's sponsors. The statement will be released to AMP members soon.