Navigating Journalism – The Power of Information

This panel discussion explores journalists’ legal rights, and why public access to information is essential.

In this one-hour webinar presented by the NATAS Central Great Lakes and Ohio Valley chapters, panelists will discuss the Freedom of Information Act, journalists’ legal rights, and why public access to information is essential to strong communities. The session brings together legal, newsroom, academic, and community perspectives with practical insights journalists can use immediately.

Panelists

Kris Cundiff
Staff Attorney, Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (Indiana)

Kris leads the organization’s legal work in Indiana through the Local Legal Initiative. He previously spent nearly seven years with Indiana’s Office of the Public Access Counselor, advising the public, media, and government officials on public access laws. Before practicing law, Kris worked as a reporter, producer, and news director for multiple Indiana radio stations. He holds a J.D., MBA, and bachelor’s degree.

Elissa Yancey​
Executive/Creative Director — A Picture’s Worth​

Elissa is an award-winning journalist with more than 30 years of experience in storytelling and community engagement. She co-founded WordPlay Cincy and A Picture’s Worth, a nonprofit she currently leads that builds community power through story-driven interviews. Elissa has designed curriculum for The Poynter Institute and continues consulting work with the Gates Foundation.

Chip Mahaney
Media Executive-in-Residence, Southern Methodist University

Chip is a longtime newsroom leader whose career spans local and national broadcast news, major breaking stories, political conventions, and sports coverage. After 16 years with The E. W. Scripps Company, including serving as news director at WCPO in Cincinnati, he transitioned to academia at SMU, where he leads broadcast student media and revitalizes the sports journalism program. Chip has taught for Poynter and RTNDA, served more than a decade on the national RTNDA board, and is a former Emmy and Murrow Award winner.

 
This webinar was coordinated by the Central Great Lakes Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

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