Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2001

ATTENTION:
News editors, Business editors, Feature editors,
Photo editors, Assignment desks, Calendar listings

CONTACTS:
Sarah A. Shrode, SPJ Director of Communications,
317/927-8000 or sshrode@spj.org

WHAT
Opening Session – “A New Kind of Freedom,”
presented by the First Amendment Center

WHEN
9-10:15 a.m., Friday, Oct. 5

WHERE
DoubleTree Hotel – Bellevue
300 112th Ave., S.E.
Bellevue, WA 98004
Room: Evergreen Ballroom – Idylwood, Fairweather, Bellefield

EVENT DESCRIPTION
The SPJ National Convention’s Opening Business Session sets the pace for a program-packed weekend with the First Amendment Center’s live concert series, “A New Kind of Freedom.” The program, which explores free expression and First Amendment issues, is an energetic and innovative multi-media production involving live music, film clips, recordings and narration. The program illustrates past and possible future restrictions on the most basic fundamental right – the freedom to express yourself creatively.

ABOUT THE FIRST AMENDMENT CENTER
The First Amendment Center works to preserve and protect First Amendment freedoms through information and education. The center serves as a forum for the study and exploration of free-expression issues, including freedom of speech, of the press and of religion, the right to assemble and petition the government.

The First Amendment Center, with offices at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., and in New York City and Arlington, Va., is an independent affiliate of The Freedom Forum and is associated with the Newseum. Its affiliation with Vanderbilt University is through the Vanderbilt Institute for Public Policy Studies.

ABOUT SPJ
The Society of Professional Journalists works to improve and protect journalism. The organization is the nation’s largest and most broad-based journalism organization, dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior. Founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi, SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to a well-informed citizenry; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and protects First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press.

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MEDIA PASSES: Media passes for events at the Oct. 4-6 2001 SPJ National Convention in Seattle/Bellevue, Wash., may be obtained at the convention's onsite SPJ Office at the DoubleTree Hotel – Bellevue, 300 112th Ave., S.E., Bellevue, Wash.

For more information or to obtain a media pass, contact Sarah A. Shrode, SPJ Director of Communications, at sshrode@spj.org or at the convention's onsite SPJ Office.


Society of Professional Journalists
Eugene S. Pulliam National Journalism Center
3909 N. Meridian St.
Indianapolis, IN 46208-4045
317/927-8000
fax: 317/920-4789
spj@spj.org
www.spj.org