Sunshine Week Spanish Language Working Group Formed

“Eight leading journalists from across the country have joined the Sunshine Week 2007 Spanish Language Working Group to promote the importance of open government in the Hispanic community.

“As Sunshine Week continues to expand its connections, its vital that we ensure the message of access to government information and meetings be communicated to everyone. Working closely with Spanish language media will enable us to reach this essential audience, not only for awareness but also for empowerment,” remarked Patrick A. Yack, editor of the Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville. Yack co-chairs the American Society of Newspaper Editors Freedom of Information Committee with David Westphal, Washington editor of McClatchy Newspapers.

Sunshine Week www.sunshineweek.org/ is an open government initiative spearheaded by ASNE www.asne.org/. Entering its third year, the program encourages newspapers, broadcasters, online content producers, schools, libraries, civic groups and others to engage in discussions about the importance of protecting public access to government information and meetings. It is supported by a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation in Miami.

The working group members are:

Gilbert Bailon, editor and publisher, Al Dia, Dallas; vice president,
ASNE
Dino Chiecchi, editor of Hispanic publications, San Antonio Express-
News; former president, National Association of Hispanic Journalists
Sallie Hughes, assistant professor, School of Communications,
University of Miami
Sergio Munoz, syndicated columnist; former editorial board member, now
contributing editor, Los Angeles Times
Mirta Ojito, author, journalist and visiting professor, Columbia
University Graduate School of Journalism, New York
Rafael Palacio, editor, El Sentinel, Orlando
Cindy Rodriguez, columnist, The Denver Post; vice president of print,
NAHJ
David Sedeno, publisher, Diario La Estrella, Star-Telegram, Ft. Worth.

The working group will further Sunshine Week efforts by publicly endorsing the initiative; working with the national, regional and state coordinators to develop and author Spanish language materials for participants; leading Sunshine Week participation at their newspaper or organization; and being available for interviews and public forums.”

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