By Stephenie Overman
Lobbying to support the First Amendment is “part of our role as journalists,” Lynn Walsh, assistant director of the Trusting News project and former SPJ national president, said during a Sept. 3 session at the virtual national SPJ21 Journalism Conference. “If we don’t do it ourselves, we aren’t going to have others doing it.”
Walsh concentrated on lower case “l” lobbying, talking about informal approaches such as writing letters supporting open records fee reform or issuing statements condemning assaults on journalists. Trusting News is a project of the American Press Institute and RJI, Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute.
Be transparent, Walsh said. “Be open and honest.” If asked to cover a bill that SPJ has supported, for example, “ideally, you pass that on to someone else. If that’s not possible and you think you can cover it, disclose that you are part of the organization.”
Tell personal stories, she added. “If we want the public and potentially lawmakers to get on board we have to relate it to what it means for the public.”
In the case of fee reform for open records, for example, she said the SPJ Oregon Pro Chapter showed how the issue related to public access and transparency, not just to the press. “It’s important to talk about connection.”
Panelist Joe Cohn focused on upper case “L” lobbying, outlining the components of an effective state lobbying plan. Cohn is legislative and policy director at the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, or FIRE, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that focuses on university student rights, including free speech.
The most common mistake in lobbying is being unfamiliar with the dynamics, according to Cohn. “Know who is going to decide. Are you in a super-majority state or is it closely divided? Do you have the majority mostly with you? Identify how far you can make concessions.”
An effective lobbyist is a good communicator who concentrates on important issues and behaves ethically, Cohn said. “The most important thing you have is your credibility. You can only lose it once.”
An effective lobbyist is a good communicator who concentrates on important issues and behaves ethically.
Joe Cohn, legislative and policy director, FIRE
“Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill. Conduct your research, make sure you have a reasonable position. Always assume good faith on the part of your adversaries. Address their strongest positions, not a strawman,” he said.
Be able to give good personal examples, but never make it personal, Cohn continued. Criticize an opponent’s argument but “never criticize them as individuals. Give people room to move closer to your position. You don’t want them to dig in their heels. I’ve never heard of a person who has been persuaded by the argument that they are an asshole.”
Partner with allies to get broader consensus. “Don’t be afraid of strange bedfellows,” he advised. Pay attention to what’s happening in other state legislatures. “Talk to journalists in those states and meet with key allies so you’re not caught flat-footed.”
And, Cohn said, before engaging in advocacy, “be sure your day-to-day journalism is fair. That will go a long way.”
Stephenie Overman is Region 2 coordinator.