Join Maine SPJ for a law discussion, lunch

Media attorney Sig Shutz, of Preti Flaherty, will meet with Maine SPJ on Wednesday, April 8 at 12 p.m. Shutz will talk about Freedom of Access issues, recent libel cases and review how the fair reporting doctrine affects reporters’ work.

The discussion will take place at Preti Flaherty’s office, at the top of One City Center, and there’s a $5 per person charge. Maine SPJ will provide lunch — sandwiches and wraps from City Deli — and parking stubs from the City Center garage can be validated.

Please RSVP by Friday, April 3 to Irwin Gratz at igratz@mpbn.net. Checks can be made out to “Maine SPJ” and sent to Gratz at MPBN, 323 Marginal Way, Portland, Maine, 04101.

Register now for SPJ Region 1 conference

The SPJ Region 1 spring conference is from April 17-18 at Hofstra University, in Hampstead, New York. The Press Club of Long Island and the Hofstra University student SPJ chapter are hosting the event. Details about accommodations, registration and the conference schedule are available at http://www.spjr1c.org.

Save the date: Maine law discussion

The Maine Pro Chapter will host a lunchtime discussion with media attorney Sig Schutz on Wednesday, April 8. Details will be coming soon.

Peering Through the Dark: Reporting On Campaign Finance

Maine SPJ and the Maine Association of Broadcasters are hosting Peering Through the Dark” Reporting On Campaign Finance In the 2014 Elections on Saturday, May 17 at the University of Southern Maine Abromson Center from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The seminar will feature Kim Barker of ProPublica, Eve Byron of the Institute on Money in State Politics and Jonathan Wayne of the Maine Commission on Government Ethics and Election Practices. As we move into Campaign 2014, find out how to track contributions and expenses in federal and state campaigns. Our speakers know the law, where to find information and tips on how best to report it.
The fee is $20 for members of SPJ Maine and Maine Association of Broadcasters stations, $40 for non-members.
Checks can be made out to “Maine Pro Chapter, SPJ.” They can be sent to Irwin Gratz, c/o MPBN, 323 Marginal Way, Portland, ME 04101.
R.S.V.P. by Monday, May 12 to igratz@mpbn.net.
Questions? Call 329-6203

Save the date

Maine SPJ and the Maine Association of Broadcasters are partnering to offer a workshop on how to track campaign spending and turn that information into compelling stories. The morning workshop is set for May 17.
Details are coming soon.
Look forward to seeing everyone there.

SPJ’s Region 1 conference is right around the corner

The SPJ Region 1 Conference will be held at Boston University April 25-26. The two-day conference will feature NPR’s Robin Young, former ABC anchor Carole Simpson, a host of professional development sessions and the Boston Typewriter Orchestra.
Registration is now open and early-bird prices are available through March 31.
Additional information on registration, the schedule and accommodations is available at http://www.spjr1c.org.

Upcoming meetings in Portland and Augusta

What could be better than one SPJ gathering?

How about two on the same day?

Join us Tuesday, March 4 in either Portland or Augusta  We will bring you up to date on efforts to ease the remaining prohibitions on camera and microphone use during criminal trials and discuss other chapter business.

In Portland, we will gather for lunch at noon at Sonny’s Restaurant 83 Exchange Street.

Or, join us at the Senator Inn in Augusta for libations at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. (In case you’re wondering, my dictionary defines libation as “an act of pouring a liquid as a sacrifice (as to a deity).)

From those of you who are members, we will be seeking approval of an interim leadership team to succeed Jeff Inglis.  From those of you who are not members, we will be seeking your membership.  Please join us on the 13th.

To RSVP, contact Irwin Gratz at igratz@mpbn.net.