By Betsy Model, President
They’re lean, they’re mean and they’re…winners.
The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico (ACLU-NM) recently announced the winner of their annual First Amendment Award and it goes to…the Albuquerque-based New Mexico Independent. The award will be presented at the Bill of Rights Celebration in October.
ACLU-NM Executive Director Peter Simonson cited several reasons for the award, including The Independent’s “critical, nonpartisan coverage of state politics; its efforts to bring legislative decision-making directly to the public through web streaming and live blogging; and its efforts to revive meaningful investigative reporting.”
Each year, ACLU-NM recognizes a journalist, author, or news outlet for outstanding commitment to transparency and honesty in reporting. The First Amendment Award is given to journalists not for agreeing with the ACLU’s positions, but for representing the highest ideals of free speech.
Three members of the New Mexico Independent staff are SPJ Rio Grande Chapter members – Editor Gwyneth Doland, Bryant Furlow and Trip Jennings – so give them a shout-out on this outstanding award.