Journalism chapter wins national honors

The Utah Headliners chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists won two National Circle of Excellence awards at the national SPJ convention.

It won for "First Amendment and Freedom of Information" education and for "Chapter Communications." Only six of the awards are given out nationwide.

SPJ President Clint Brewer praised the Utah Headliners for its work with the League of Women Voters and the Utah Foundation for Open Government during Sunshine Week, which celebrates open government and public access of government records. The chapter also sponsored a forum at the Salt Lake City Public Library where local officials who championed the cause for open government records were honored.

"Utah has led the cause in defending the public's right under the First Amendment," Brewer said.

The chapter was also honored for its communication efforts via blog, board meetings, as host of SPJ regional conferences and other activities.

"We feel honored to be recognized nationally as one of the most proactive chapters in SPJ," said chapter president Allison Hess. "We believe our efforts as journalists and communicators are in the best interest of the public."

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