Learn more about Tennessee’s Open Records Law

Mark your calendars for Thursday, September 6th. Its a brown bag with the queen of Tennessee open records. Every reporter in Tennessee should have Elisha Hodge on speed dial, and after the SPJ’s lunchtime workshop, perhaps a few more will.  Get to know the secret weapon that is the state’s Office of Open Records Counsel. Hodge’s job is helping you navigate the roadblocks that often keep valuable information from seeing the light of day.  Hodge is all yours for one hour. She will make a presentation on open records in the state, then spend most of the time answering your practical questions, so come prepared. Did they have the right to keep you out of that meeting? Can that data really be kept confidential? Are they supposed to charge $0.50 a page for copies?  Who: Reporters, editors and students (SPJ membership NOT required) What: Lunch with Elisha Hodge When: Thursday, September 6th, Noon Where: First Amendment Center, 1207 18th Ave. S. (corner of 18th and Edgehill) How much: Free (even the parking)  For those who want to order Panera box lunch for $10, RSVP to breisinger@bizjournals.com. A second event with Elisha Hodge is scheduled for Tuesday, September 11th on the campus of MTSU, room 104 of the Mass Comm Building at 6:30 pm. More information to follow.