Are you a reporter having trouble getting records from your local government, school board or the United Way? Are you a private citizen interested to know how you can keep track of the latest zoning … more

FINDING COMMON GROUND Some of you remember Governor Cooper before he was governor - even before he was attorney general - back when he was Senator Cooper.  In 1995, then Sen. Cooper … more

School’s out! I am fresh off teaching media law at the UNC School of Media and Journalism over the 2017-2018 academic year. I loved it and loved my students! I am happy, though, to now have time to … more

Most reporters can likely relate to this scenario. Someone speaks up at a public meeting to unleash criticism about an individual or organization. Reporters have little difficulty presenting a … more

Reporting on child fatalities is difficult. It presents a collision between the need for a thorough and orderly investigation against intense public concern and, sometimes, outrage. Medical records … more

FFR received an inquiry about the specifics of the statement in last week’s post that “The law is very narrow with regard to what personnel information is public. However, almost all personnel … more

Please see the attached guide as a reference to frequent questions on media law and reporting in North Carolina. If you still have questions contact the NCPA legal hotline (919) 833-3833 or NCPA … more

NC Guide to Open Government and Public Records more

The News & Observer began a five-part investigative series, Jailed to Death, that exposes dozens of deaths in which North Carolina jails failed state supervision requirements for the safety and … more

The High Country PIO Network is sponsoring a Media Summit on August 1. To strengthen relationships with local and regional media outlets, the Network has opened registration to the event to members … more

An exchange in an editors’ hotline probed a familiar topic: When is a business announcement considered news, and when is it an ad? The item in question was a new employee at an auction and … more