The latest developments in digital communications were discussed at length at the Colorado Press Association annual convention Feb. 21 in Denver. While expanding modes of obtaining news continue in an extended renaissance period, it appears while more and more information is literally at hand, the information so important to the public’s right to know is not flowing so freely.

One discussion led by experts in media law focused on current challenges to obtain public records from government entities. Journalists’ heads nodded to comments that the cost of obtaining documents often remains a barrier. Heads nodded that information is sometimes being held back based on how the provider thinks the media may present it —such as putting it online — while the public’s right to know should not be limited by who wants it and how it may be used.

And heads nodded when media experts said the state appellate courts are no longer on “our” side — meaning specifically the media — thwarting our role to obtain information and be a watchdog on government.

The whys of the present climate can be contemplated, but we agree with the general notion that the impact of 9/11 turned tides to tightening of information to media and compromising privacy of the public.

We profess media is not so beloved by the masses, but when we write informative stories, we know our work is valued. For this reason, we agree with the notion that the work of maintaining strong open records laws and the public’s right to know may soon involve more effort from the public itself, perhaps even in the form of a public initiative on the ballot someday.

We have editorialized often about the importance of the First Amendment and the public’s right to know, so today we share a pitch for you to take a look at a relatively new nonprofit group in Colorado called the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition. The organization wants to serve the media and, in addition, emphasized it wants to serve those in the general public facing challenges obtaining information.  Please visit the FOIC website, which has been online less than a year. Yes, full participation involves a modest membership fee, but we strongly commend the work the coalition is doing at this early stage.

Take a moment to think about the work we do and the information you need while viewing the content at