Task Force to highlight local media for Human Rights Day

By Lyndsie Kiebert
Reader Staff

Representatives of the local journalism community will take center stage Sunday as the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force acknowledges the 70th anniversary of Human Rights Day.

This year’s theme is based on the right to “seek, receive and impart information and ideas through media,” as outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Director of the BCHRTF Education Committee Linda Navarre said the theme was chosen in response to a trend of “journalistic slams” happening not only globally, but also locally.

“I would like people to understand the true meaning of journalism, as well as (be reminded to) check your sources. Don’t just go to one source, perhaps,” Navarre said.

Sunday’s event, held at 1 p.m. in the Sandpoint High School auditorium, will feature a panel of local journalists slated to discuss the role of journalism and the freedom of the press both locally and on a larger  scale. Cameron Rasmusson of the Reader, Keith Kinnaird of the Daily Bee, Chris Bessler of KRFY, Mike Brown of KPND and Corinne Capodagli of the Cedar Post will make up the panel.

Once each panelist gets a chance to speak, there will be a question and answer session followed by beverages, snacks and a chance to mingle with the panelists and ask any other questions.

BCHRTF Treasurer Sharon McCahon said she hopes attendees walk away from Sunday’s event with a better understanding of the press’ importance.

“(The task force is) trying to be proactive and supportive of our local journalists … We want to keep educating people on being vigilant about not letting the freedom of press go by the wayside,” McCahon said. “Understanding what journalism is is part of that education. Journalists aren’t making things up — they’re just reporting on what’s happening.”

The Human Rights Day panel is free to attend. The event is co-hosted by BCHRTF’s sister organization, The Foundation for Human Rights Action and Advocacy. 

Those interested in learning more about the task force’s mission and future events can find them online at www.bchrtf.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bonnercountyhumanrights.