You want access. They've got answers

From NINA's Spring 2010 newsletter:

Two of the state’s foremost experts on the Illinois Freedom of Information Act will headline NINA’s April 23 Spring Conference at NIU-DeKalb.

The conference kicks off a year of NINA training with emphasis on journalists’ access to public information.

Cara Smith, public access counselor for the Illinois Attorney General’s office, and Beth Bennett, governmental relations director for the Illinois Press Association, will talk about Illinois’ Freedom of Information Act. They’ll help journalists understand recent changes – and challenges – to the law.

“Too often, officials build walls so that the public can’t get the information it deserves,” said Wally Haas, NINA first vice president and editorial page editor of the Rockford Register Star. “Beth Bennett and Cara Smith will tell you how to break those barriers and get the information you and your readers are entitled to.”

Registration is just $10 for NINA members and journalists from member newspapers.

Smith joined Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s staff in 2003. Most recently serving as Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Communications, she has been integrally involved in the development and implementation of many initiatives, including spearheading the rewrite of the State’s FOIA. Previously, she served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Governmental Representation Division of the office, from 1992 to 1997.

Bennett has held her IPA post since joining the association in 1987. Prior to joining the IPA, she served for four years as the Legislative Liaison for the Illinois General Assembly’s oversight committee, the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. Her responsibilities at the IPA include lobbying on behalf of Illinois newspapers, as well as, working with IPA members on issues of industry concern. Those issues include: employment and environmental regulation, access laws, public notice requirements, advertising law and tax issues specific to newspapers and commercial printers.

Bennett also serves as the Illinois Freedom of Information (Sunshine) Chair for the Society of Professional Journalists.

Spring Conference Details

When: Friday, April 23, 2010


Time: 9 a.m. to noon

Where: Holmes Student Center, Room 305, NIU-DeKalb

Cost: $10 for NINA members and employees of member newspapers. $20 for nonmembers. Light breakfast will be provided.

Parking: $5. Use the NIU visitor lot off Lincoln Highway (Illinois 38).

To register: Contact Jim Killam, 815-753-4239. Registration deadline is Friday, April 16. Pay at the door on the day of the workshop.