Bookstores Sought to Host Media Lawyers, Reporters for Free Speech Talks

The American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression (ABFFE) is co-sponsoring a new program that will bring media lawyers and reporters to bookstores around the country to discuss important free speech issues, including censorship, source confidentiality, and the impact of the Internet on press freedom.

“Media lawyers and reporters are on the cutting edge of the fight for First Amendment rights,” said ABFFE President Chris Finan.  “This program gives bookstore customers the chance to hear about important free speech battles from the people who are fighting them.” 

This is the fourth round of programs that ABFFE has co-sponsored with the MLRC Institute, a not-for-profit educational organization focused on the media and the First Amendment.  Launched in 2006, the programs initially focused on the importance of confidential sources to the business of producing newspapers, books, and broadcast news.  The subject of the Internet’s impact on journalism was added in 2008.  This year, booksellers will be able to choose a third topic as well – censorship.

ABFFE is seeking bookstores interested in hosting a media lawyer and, where appropriate, a reporter.  Once a store volunteers, MLRC Institute contacts a media attorney in the area who has extensive experience in media and First Amendment law.  The attorney then often recruits a local reporter to provide additional context and share personal experiences about the topic.

These talks are part of the MLRC Institute’s First Amendment Speakers Bureau, which was created in 2005 to educate the public about the First Amendment.  It is funded by the Dow Jones Foundation.

Booksellers who are interested in participating should e-mail Chris Finan or call (212) 587-4025, ext. 4.