Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press - Spring Summit

Journalists are invited to attend the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press Spring Summit on April 30 at Illinois State University in Normal, IL, co-hosted by WGLT, Bloomington-Normal’s Public Media and part of the NPR Network.

RCFP Spring Summit
April 30 – 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Illinois State University Bone Student Center
Normal, IL

There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. Lunch will be provided, and a group hotel rate is available for those traveling to Normal on April 29.

Agenda

9 a.m. Coffee hour and registration in the Prairie Room/second floor

10 a.m. Welcome from R.C. McBride, WGLT/NPR and Welcome/About RCFP from Gabe Rottman

10:30 a.m. Panel 1: Reducing legal risk: Libel insurance and pre-publication review
Mitigating legal risk is critical to news organizations’ viability. Hear from Reporters Committee attorneys about the importance of obtaining libel insurance, and how to apply common vetting principles that can help assess and reduce legal risk throughout the reporting process. The session will also cover tips on data retention and sharing resources when collaborating with other journalists.

11:45 a.m. Lunch presentation to be announced

1 p.m. Panel 2: Newsgathering protections for sensitive and high-risk reporting
Reporting on sensitive topics or in high-risk situations can create increased legal exposure for journalists and news organizations. This session will discuss ways to better protect sources and newsgathering materials, as well as best practices to stay safe and avoid arrest when covering events with a law enforcement presence, like protests.

2 p.m. Panel 3: Legal rights and risks when covering immigration enforcement
Reporting on immigration enforcement and deportation actions can present specific challenges at the local level, where law enforcement agencies and courts may have less experience engaging with members of the news media. Reporters Committee attorneys will discuss legal issues journalists may encounter when it comes to accessing immigration records and proceedings, and covering the actions of immigration enforcement officers.

3 p.m. Event concludes

All sessions presented by Kris Cundiff and Gabe Rottman from RCFP unless otherwise noted.