The New Mexico State University Library will host a special event in celebration of Sunshine Week. A panel discussion on crime reporting will take place on Thursday, March 23 from 4-5p.m. in the Branson Library 1st Floor Atrium (1305 Frenger Mall). The event is free and open to the public.

When information regarding criminal activity in the community is released publicly, particularly in high-profile cases and incidents, the interaction between journalists and local public information officers can play a crucial role in reporting on crime and ultimately the community’s understanding of events. A panel of journalists and public information officers will discuss how this exchange happens in the U.S.-Mexico borderlands. After a moderated discussion by the panelists, a question-and-answer period will follow.

Panelists include:
• Joshua Bowling, Searchlight New Mexico
• Justin Garcia, Las Cruces Sun-News
• Robert Moore, El Paso Matters
• Dan Trujillo, Las Cruces Police Department

Sunshine Week is a national initiative held each March to promote the importance of open government and the dangers of excessive and unnecessary secrecy. Launched in 2005 by the American Society of News Editors, now News Leaders Association, the week features published articles, opinion columns, and public seminars and forums held across the country that argue government operates in the interest of its citizens when it does so in the open. While Sunshine Week normally coincides with National Freedom of Information Day on March 16, however, due to NMSU spring break, this event is pushed back one week to allow for student participation.

This program is made possible by generous financial support from Tim Parker, and sponsored by the New Mexico State University Library and the Department of Journalism & Media Studies. For information regarding parking at NMSU, visit park.nmsu.edu.