Justin Silverman

NEFAC Report

News EN ↓ 6 episodes

First Amendment freedoms and government transparency. This is the foundation to a healthy democracy. Welcome to the NEFAC Report where we discuss your rights to free speech, freedom of the press and an open, accountable government. This program is produced by the New England First Amendment Coalition in partnership with Roger Williams University’s Communities of Hope .

Be sure to visit the podcast's website and support the creator: www.nefac.org

Author

Justin Silverman

Episodes

Student Journalism and ICE Detentions 14.05.2025 23:13

Meghan Irons, NEFAC mentor and Boston University professor, describes the state of student journalism and its vital role in our communities. Mike Hiestand, senior legal counsel for the Student Press Law Center, discusses the detainment of a student op/ed writer by federal immigration authorities… and why this should alarm us all. Guest Bios and Contact Information Meghan Irons | mirons@bu.edu Mike...

FOI Trends and Online Court Systems 17.04.2025 26:24

Megan Rhyne at the National Freedom of Information Coalition describes troubling freedom of information trends throughout the country. Bangor Daily News reporter Sawyer Loftus discusses online access to Maine court records and how a promise made 10 years ago remains unfulfilled. Guest Bios and Contact Information Megan Rhyne | mrhyne@opengovva.org Sawyer Loftus | sloftus@bangordailynews.com Additi...

CivDoc and Search Warrants 03.04.2025 20:33

Melanie Plenda, a NEFAC advisor and director of the Granite State News Collaborative, speaks about Civic Documenters, a program she launched with the coalition that supports newsrooms in New Hampshire. WBUR investigative reporter and NEFAC advisor Todd Wallack discusses search warrant records in Massachusetts, how the public’s access to them can be limited, and why that’s a problem. Guest Bios and...

Public Commentary and Court Records 20.03.2025 23:23

NEFAC President Gregory V. Sullivan describes speech ordinances at open meetings in New Hampshire. He explains why such restrictions often conflict with our First Amendment rights and what NEFAC is doing in response. Attorney Harrison Stark discusses our lack of online access to court records in Vermont and how that frustrates the public’s right to know. Guest Bios and Contact Information Gregory...

Shield Laws and Connecticut FOIA 06.03.2025 23:45

Attorney Jonathan Albano discusses a little-known controversy in the high-profile Karen Read murder trial and what reporter confidentiality protections exist in Massachusetts. Former NEFAC legal fellow Lindsey Vickers describes the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act and her experience trying to obtain public records under the law. Guest Bios and Contact Information Jonathan Albano | jonathan.a...

Scanner Encryption and Police Reports 20.02.2025 20:56

Investigative reporter Tim White discusses encrypted police scanners and how this growing practice is making it difficult for communities in Rhode Island to stay informed. Journalist Norah Hogan describes a tragedy in Bath, Maine, and how police there are keeping certain details about the investigation secret. Guest Bios and Contact Information Tim White | twhite@wpri.com Norah Hogan | norah.hogan...