Devine to Discuss Role of Media in Justice System with Journalists

Devine to Discuss Role of Media in Justice System with Journalists

CHICAGO, Jan. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chicago Headline Club, one of the oldest and largest professional chapters of the Society of Professional Journalists, will welcome Cook County State's Attorney Dick Devine to its next Brown Bag Lunch Forum, "Justice and the Press: Balancing News and Defendants' Rights," to be held on Thursday, February 17, 2005, in the Chicago Tribune's Campbell Hall, 435 N. Michigan Ave., 7th floor, at noon.

At the forum, Devine will discuss his view of the state of contemporary news coverage of the criminal justice system and explain how the state's attorney's office handles press inquiries.

"For journalists covering important criminal cases, explaining the way a case moves through the criminal justice process is crucial for our audiences," said Chicago Headline Club President Ben Bradley, reporter for WLS-TV ABC 7. "However, this need to know must be balanced with the rights of defendants. We hope this candid discussion with Mr. Devine will help both parties understand each other's needs and result in better coverage."

The one-hour program will include an opportunity for journalists to ask questions about the criminal justice process and the role of reporters who cover criminal prosecutions. Devine will not address specific cases during the program.

The program is free and open to the public. However, for security purposes, attendees must RSVP at least 24-hours in advance. To register, call (312) 409-7997 or send an e-mail to headlineclub@earthlink.net . Please include your name, contact information and media affiliation.

For more information about the Brown Bag Lunch or other Headline Club programs, contact Andy Dunning, vice president for programming, at (773) 238-3366 ext. 25 or e-mail andrewpdunning@hotmail.com .

The Chicago Headline Club is dedicated to promoting the highest ideals of journalism. The club's purpose is to provide an effective means for Chicago area journalists to participate in programs to improve journalism standards, recognize excellence, encourage young journalists, advance the cause of freedom of information and enhance the prestige of the profession.


Source: The Chicago Headline Club

CONTACT: Andy Dunning of The Chicago Headline Club, +1-773-238-3366
(days), or +1-708-422-8730 (nights)

Web site: http://www.headlineclub.org/


-------
Profile: intent