Contact:
Beth King, Communications Manager, (317) 927-8000, ext. 211

INDIANAPOLIS – Journalists are cordially invited to a reception and auction that will kick off the 2007 SPJ Convention & National Journalism Conference, Thursday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. on the grounds of The National Music Center, part of the Historic Carnegie Library, 801 K Street, NW, Washington, D.C.

“The SPJ Convention has become the national event for the journalism community to celebrate the profession, learn about its future and receive world class training in how to practice our craft,” SPJ National President-Elect Clint Brewer said. “This year’s convention will be one of our best filled with journalism’s best and brightest stars as well as industry decision makers and visionaries.”

Coinciding with the Opening Night Reception is the Legal Defense Fund Auction. Annually, this event raises money to assist journalists in defending the freedom of speech and press guaranteed by the First Amendment. Celebrity guest auctioneers include CBS News legend Bob Scheiffer and Radio Hall of Fame member Jim Bohannon. Both men will auction off many items, including gift certificates, jewelry and tickets to talk shows. Additionally, a silent auction will feature autographed books, photos and other memorabilia. Tickets to the Opening Night Reception and the Legal Defense Fund Auction cost $65. For a full list of live and silent auction items, please visit www.spj.org/c-ldf-auctionitems.asp.

“The fruits of this auction each year help fund the good fight to defend a free press in this country,” Brewer said. “It is a night where journalists are encouraged to vote with their wallets.”

To obtain a media credential for this event, please contact SPJ Communications Manager Beth King at (317) 927-8000, ext. 211. For more information about the 2007 SPJ National Convention & Journalism Conference — including a full convention schedule — or to register, visit www.spj.org/convention.asp.

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. For more information about SPJ, visit www.spj.org.

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