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Spanish Language Working Group Established

Published: January 09, 2007
Last Updated: January 09, 2007

Contact:
Debra Gersh Hernandez
Coordinator, Sunshine Week
dghernandez@asne.org
(703) 807-2100

En español

For immediate release: Jan. 9, 2007

WASHINGTON— 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, it's 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 is an open government initiative spearheaded by ASNE. 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 Día, 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 Muñoz, 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 Sedeño, 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.

About Sunshine Week: Sunshine Week is a national initiative to open a dialogue about the importance of open government and freedom of information. Participants include print, broadcast and online news media, civic groups, libraries, non-profits, schools and others interested in the public's right to know. Sunshine Week is led by ASNE and is supported by a grant from Knight Foundation.

About Knight Foundation: The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation promotes excellence in journalism worldwide and invests in the vitality of U.S. communities where the Knight brothers owned newspapers. For more information about Knight Foundation, go to www.knightfdn.org.