C of C Hosts Open Government Conference

Jailed New York Times reporter Judith Miller and nationally known First Amendment attorney Floyd Abrams were speakers at the annual Open Government Conference hosted by the College of Communications on campus in November.

The conference, sponsored by the California First Amendment Coalition and various newspapers and law firms in California, featured panels and speakers that discussed the rights to access public records and meetings, the role played by emerging reporting from bloggers, how to use government databases and updates on laws impacting free speech and press.

Miller, who was just released from jail prior to attending the conference, discussed her refusal to reveal her sources and the consequences of not doing so and then stressed the importance of the First Amendment in protecting a democracy. Abrams, who represented Miller, stressed the importance of protecting sources and that a law to permit reporters to withhold sources was being discussed.

During an awards luncheon, Mark Felt, aka “Deep Throat,” was honored for his role in opening
up government to public scrutiny. His grandson accepted the award on his behalf. Dean Rick Pullen served on the planning committee and was a moderator of one of the panels.

Free press: (left) Attorney Floyd Abrams; (right) “Deep Throat’s” grandson, Nick Jones, with former New York Times reporter, Judith Miller.