Remind citizens of Sunshine Week, March 11-17

It's important for journalists at all levels to help citizens understand how freedom-of-information statutes, or sunshine laws, protect the interests of the public, not just help journalists do news stories. So, we encourage weekly newspapers to include something in this week's editions about Sunshine Week, the annual observance to promote dialogue about the importance of open government and the public's right to know. It starts Sunday, March 11. There is plenty of information on the Sunshine Week website, including op-ed articles, ideas for events and logos like the one pictured here.

Sunshine Week is primarily coordinated by the American Society of News Editors and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. Its supporters include the American Library Association, the Center for Public Integrity, the Center for Responsive Politics, the First Amendment Center, the League of Women Voters, the National Association of Broadcasters, the National Conference of Editorial Writers, the National Freedom of Information Coalition, the National Newspaper Association, the Newspaper Association of America, the Radio Television Digital News Association and the Society of Professional Journalists, among many others.