FOIFT Conference: registration open

The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas? annual Open Government conference takes place on Friday, Aug. 13, at the Renaissance Hotel.

Several of the Open Government sessions are of interest to Texas broadcast newsrooms.

Individual sessions will look at social media?s influence on governmental transparency, gaining access to public records and sunshine issues the Legislature should address in 2011.

Online registration is $100 per person and includes lunch.

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott will address the group at lunch before presentation of FOIFT?s James Madison Award and the Texas Bar Association?s Gavel Awards.

The Madison award recognizes Open Government efforts while the Gavel awards honor journalistic excellence that helps foster public understanding of the legal system.

WFAA-TV  Dallas reporter David Schechter was recognized in the Gavel contest's broadcast television category.

TAB is a Gold Level Freedom Fighter donor-supporter of FOIFT and is also assisting this year?s FOIFT conference by providing meeting space.