Group Tackles First Amendment Mix Of Media, Public Officials Discuss Privacy, Access Issues

Privacy, public information access and First Amendment issues are the focus of a new statewide educational group.

The Idaho First Amendment Council was launched recently by news media representatives and public officials. The group, which has counterparts in other states, now is seeking to broaden its membership.

The nonprofit corporation lists its aim as stimulating understanding of the free speech and free press provisions of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

“This is not an attempt by the state’s collective media to sue people or badger public officials against their will,” said council President John Costa, executive editor of The Idaho Statesman.

Members from all walks of life are sought to participate in discussions of First Amendment issues “so that Idaho is a better and more progressive place to be,” he said.

The initial board of directors is composed of eight radio, TV and newspaper representatives and two non-media members - Lynn Melton, Boise Public Library director, and Pam Ahrens, director of the Idaho Department of Administration. But the board could be expanded to 15 members, making room for more non-media participants.

“It should go a long way toward cooperation of groups that have traditionally been at odds with the media, like law enforcement,” said Lindsay Nothern, KBCI-TV news director and a council board member.

The council will not file lawsuits against government officials who refuse to turn over public records to reporters, Costa said.

“We really want to serve as a facilitator, a catalyst for resolving disputes between the media and public officials over application of First Amendment values,” said Boise lawyer Roy Eiguren, counsel to the group.

The council plans to sponsor forums and other educational programs and conduct surveys. It will conduct its first annual meeting in October.