New England First Amendment Coalition

Subscribe | Archives

October 2026

If you enjoy reading this newsletter, please forward it to a colleague or friend. If someone forwarded you this newsletter, please subscribe!

We Want to Hear From You!

As a member of the NEFAC Community, you are in the company of journalists, academics and other fans of the First Amendment and open government. We look forward to seeing you at our events and hearing from you about our programs.

Discussing Journalism, Federal Regulation with FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez

NEFAC and the Nackey S. Loeb School of Communications recently hosted Commissioner Anna Gomez as part of her nationwide First Amendment Tour.

Gomez joined Brendan Nyhan, professor of government at Dartmouth College, for a conversation about free speech, a free press and the FCC’s role in the communications landscape. They explored the relationship between government and the news media, the FCC’s regulatory role, press freedom and the importance of an independent press in a democracy.

Coalition Helps Spotlight Importance of Community Support for Local Newsrooms

Former editor Martin Baron and Indira Lakshmanan at WBUR led a discussion earlier this month in Ashfield, Mass. focusing on freedom of the press and the contributions of local newsrooms in upholding democratic accountability.

NEFAC Visits Emmanuel College to Discuss Free Press with Faculty, Students

NEFAC President Gregory V. Sullivan recently visited Emmanuel College as part of the campus's Social Justice Series. The conversation focused on the importance of a free press and the constitutional rights that shape our democracy.

▶ Request a Speaker for Your Next Class or Event

The State of the First Amendment

November 17 | 6:30 p.m. ET | In Person and Livestream

The Westport Library | Westport, Conn.

The Westport Library and CT Mirror, winner of the 2026 Pulitzer Prize for Local Reporting, present a panel exploring the First Amendment. Connecticut Superior Court Judge Daniel Klau will sit down with Emily Bazelon, staff writer at The New York Times, and Justin Silverman, executive director of the New England First Amendment Coalition. Together, they will discuss challenges faced by local journalists, First Amendment issues on campuses of public universities, the impact of AI and more.

30 Minute Skills

Metadata 101

Instructor: Davis Erin Anderson | Freedom of the Press Foundation

Metadata is the hidden information embedded in digital files, such as photos, documents, and videos, that can reveal details about when, where, and how they were created. For journalists, understanding metadata is an essential skill for verifying information and uncovering details that aren't immediately visible.

By attending this class, you'll learn:

• What is metadata?

• Why should we care?

• Where can we find it and where can we scrub it?

Now Available to View

Climate Reporting 102

Instructor: Mara Hoplamazian | The Washington Sun

As severe and extreme weather patterns become more common, climate-related issues are an increasingly important part of all local news coverage. 

In this follow-up lesson to Climate Reporting 101, we discuss what data can be used to tell stories about climate change and how you can gather and vet that data.

By viewing this lesson, you will learn:



• Where to find data from federal agencies.

• Which reports are most helpful for adding context to weather and climate stories.

• What local data you might be able to get from your state or municipality.

▶ View All Previous Lessons

Register for Upcoming Classes

November 10

Metadata 101

December 3

Starting a Solo Newsletter

The NEFAC Community can be seen throughout the region with expert speakers regularly presenting in classrooms, town centers and on college campuses. Schedule a guest speaker for your event and view our full calendar.

Where you can find us:



▶ Oct. 26 | The Huntington News | Northeastern University

▶ Nov. 10 | 30 Minute Skills: Metadata 101

▶ Nov. 13 | Court Records: From the Salem Witch Trials to PACER

▶ Nov. 17 | The State of the First Amendment | Westport Public Library (Conn.)

▶ Dec. 3 | 30 Minute Skills: Starting a Solo Newsletter