CONTACTS:
Mac McKerral, SPJ president-elect and convention chair, 813/342-2472, mmckerral@spj.org
Robert Leger, SPJ president, 417/836-1113, rleger@spj.org

INDIANAPOLIS -- Author and columnist Carl Hiaasen will speak at the Society of Professional Journalists National Convention, scheduled for Sept. 11-13, in Tampa, Fla.

Hiaasen is began his journalism career at Cocoa Today (now the Melbourne-based Florida Today) and joined The Miami Herald in 1976. As a reporter there, he worked on the general assignment desk, Sunday magazine and investigative team. Hiaasen is currently metro columnist for the paper where his award-winning columns on rapacious development, egregious business practices, and corrupt politicians have helped clarify issues for the Florida citizenry.

Hiaasen also is a best-selling fiction writer. His novels include Tourist Season, Double Whammy, Skin Tight, Native Tongue, Strip Tease, Stormy Weather, Lucky You, and Sick Puppy.

Hiaasen will speak Saturday, Sept. 13, from 3:45-4:45 p.m. during a Headliner session at the convention. More than 600 professional journalists and college journalism students are expected to attend the program at the Hyatt Regency Tampa.

For more convention information including a complete schedule and registration information, visit http://www.spj.org/convention.asp. For information about covering the convention, contact SPJ at spj@spj.org or 317/927-8000 ext. 216.

The Society of Professional Journalists works to improve and protect journalism. SPJ is dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior. Founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi, and based in Indianapolis, 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.