Latest News
2022 OKSPJ banquet set Oct. 15 in Lawton, contest opens May 1
Oklahoma — The Society of Professional Journalists, Oklahoma Pro Chapter Board has set its 2022 awards banquet for Saturday, Oct. 15 at the Apache Casino Hotel in Lawton.
The Apache Casino Hotel is on I-44 and is owned and operated by the Fort Sill Apache Tribe of Oklahoma.
Award submissions for the contest will open by Sunday, May 1. The contest submission link and instructions will be available prior to May 1 on the OKSPJ Facebook page, www.okspj.com and @OKSPJ on Twitter.
The board voted to postpone the banquet the last two years because of COVID-19 and will continue to monitor World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control guidelines as this year’s event approaches.
The contest will be hosted by BetterBNC and entries will be due no later than Friday, June 17.
For questions, contact President Heide Brandes at: heide@heidewrites.com.
Recognizing Excellence in Journalism 2021
THE OKSPJ VIRTUAL CEREMONY WILL BE POSTED HERE, ON YOUTUBE AND FACEBOOK FRIDAY, OCT. 29 AT 7 P.M.!
OKLAHOMA — The Society of Professional Journalists, Oklahoma Pro Chapter has postponed the 2021 awards banquet set for Oct. 9 at the Apache Casino Hotel in Lawton due to rising COVID numbers worsened by the Delta Variant.
The OKSPJ board is planning a virtual ceremony with more details forthcoming.
In better news, the board congratulates the recipients of our Big 3 awards listed below. We are working on a full release with more information, including the complete 2021 contest winners’ list so stay tuned!
Here is the teaser list in case you missed it: https://tinyurl.com/2exzkbwv
Lifetime Achievement Award
Sue Hale - Senior Journalism Consultant, Inasmuch Foundation; Oklahoma Watch board of directors
Carol Cole-Frowe (posthumous) - Past OKSPJ President; Norman Transcript; Oklahoma Gazette; AP and New York Times
Teacher of the Year
Cassie Friese - Advisor, NSU ‘The Current’ student newspaper
Carter Bradley First Amendment Award
Robby Korth - Education Reporter, StateImpact Oklahoma
Big Three Winners are:
- Lifetime Achievement AwardSue Hale - Senior Journalism Consultant, Inasmuch Foundation; Oklahoma Watch board of directorsCarol Cole-Frowe (posthumous) - Past OKSPJ President; Norman Transcript; Oklahoma Gazette; AP and New York Times
- Teacher of the YearCassie Friese - Advisor, NSU ‘The Current’ student newspaper
- Carter Bradley First Amendment AwardRobby Korth - Education Reporter, StateImpact Oklahoma
Board monitoring COVID in lieu of banquet - Aug. 13 meeting candidate call - election bylaws
OKLAHOMA — It’s a busy summer for the Society of Professional Journalists, Oklahoma Chapter.
For starters, we have rescheduled our August meeting, which is usually in-person, for Aug. 13 at 4 p.m. via Zoom due to rising COVID numbers and the delta variant. We are calling for board candidacy declarations and invite those interested to attend and introduce themselves.
We also have a pending addendum to our elections bylaws change, which is intended to give us more time to polish an updated process. Per OKSPJ bylaws, we must provide at least two weeks' notice before finalizing the change so we welcome any discussion at the August meeting but will be finalizing the addendum in September.
For meeting info, contact OKSPJ Secretary Phil Todd at: philtodd@earthlink.net.
More information about the bylaws change can be viewed below.
Along with our meeting this month, the board is again monitoring COVID numbers in lieu of the 2021 banquet, which is currently set for Oct. 9 at the Apache Casino Hotel in Lawton. We are in contact with our host and have committed to a decision by Sept. 1 with an announcement to follow shortly thereafter.
Thank you to everyone who entered the 2021 OKPSJ Contest. The full results including the Big 3 will be coming shortly.
View the 2021 OKSPJ Contest teaser list.
Elections Bylaws info:
Proposed amendments to Article III (Officers), Section II and Article IV (Board of Directors), Section II, which seek to clarify language regarding board elections, vacancies, and timely notification of the chapter membership whenever board positions may change were approved during the February meeting.
During the May meeting, the board voted to add an addendum to have the changes take place in August 2023 to allow for further review of the elections bylaws.
As provided in Article II (Meetings), Section VII, of our chapter bylaws, amendments “shall be proposed at one meeting and voted upon at a subsequent meeting, after at least seven (7) days’ notice of the subsequent meeting has been given to all members in good standing of the chapter.”
The existing language is below in bold and the amendments to be postponed are in plain text. View the current full bylaws here.
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO READ:
ARTICLE 3, SECTION 2: At least two (2) months prior to the meeting at which the annual election is to occur, the president shall appoint a committee consisting of three members in good standing to nominate officers and directors to be voted on at the annual election. Nominations may also be made from the floor at the time of the election.
ARTICLE 4, SECTION 2: The board of directors shall consist of at least 10 members, including officers.
As needed, board members shall be elected at each AUGUST meeting to serve a two-year term.
Board members may serve consecutive terms, if re-elected after serving a two-year term.
The [president / secretary] shall announce regularly anticipated vacancies at each MAY meeting, preferably at the awards banquet, and via email, and shall solicit nominations from the chapter membership to fill those vacancies.
At that time, the [president / secretary] shall identify each existing board member as either continuing an existing two-year term, eligible to seek a consecutive term, or planning to step down at the end of the present term.
The [president / secretary] shall present a full slate of board members, consisting of all serving board members as well as proposed additions, to the entire chapter membership via email no later than the JULY meeting.
Unanticipated vacancies shall be filled by a vote of the board of directors as soon as practical when such a vacancy appears. Board members so appointed shall serve until the next August, at which time they may stand for a regular two-year term.”
OKSPJ provides required notice regarding bylaws change, which pertains to board elections
OKLAHOMA — Proposed amendments to Article III (Officers), Section II and Article IV (Board of Directors), Section II, which seek to clarify language regarding board elections, vacancies, and timely notification of the chapter membership whenever board positions may change, are under consideration by the present board.
As provided in Article II (Meetings), Section VII, of our chapter bylaws, amendments “shall be proposed at one meeting and voted upon at a subsequent meeting, after at least seven (7) days’ notice of the subsequent meeting has been given to all members in good standing of the chapter.”
The existing language is below in bold and the proposed amendments are in plain text. View the current full bylaws here.
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO READ:
ARTICLE 3, SECTION 2: At least two (2) months prior to the meeting at which the annual election is to occur, the president shall appoint a committee consisting of three members in good standing to nominate officers and directors to be voted on at the annual election. Nominations may also be made from the floor at the time of the election.
ARTICLE 4, SECTION 2: The board of directors shall consist of at least 10 members, including officers.
As needed, board members shall be elected at each AUGUST meeting to serve a two-year term.
Board members may serve consecutive terms, if re-elected after serving a two-year term.
The [president / secretary] shall announce regularly anticipated vacancies at each MAY meeting, preferably at the awards banquet, and via email, and shall solicit nominations from the chapter membership to fill those vacancies.
At that time, the [president / secretary] shall identify each existing board member as either continuing an existing two-year term, eligible to seek a consecutive term, or planning to step down at the end of the present term.
The [president / secretary] shall present a full slate of board members, consisting of all serving board members as well as proposed additions, to the entire chapter membership via email no later than the JULY meeting.
Unanticipated vacancies shall be filled by a vote of the board of directors as soon as practical when such a vacancy appears. Board members so appointed shall serve until the next August, at which time they may stand for a regular two-year term.”
Watch video from our coverage of McGirt ruling webinars
OKLAHOMA — The Society of Professional Journalists, Oklahoma Pro Chapter hosted two webinars on Friday, November 20 to help journalists better understand the impacts of the recent McGirt v. Oklahoma decision. Chapter President Sterling Cosper said the seminar provided context and understanding regarding the court’s ruling and issues such as tribal sovereignty.
The ruling, which reaffirmed the status of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation reservation in Oklahoma, is rooted in a historical background and legal framework that precedes Oklahoma statehood and its contemporary impacts continue to unfold.
10 a.m. CST
- Jonodev Chaudhuri (Muscogee Creek), attorney at Quarles & Brady and Ambassador for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation
- Stephen Greetham, Senior Counsel at Chickasaw Nation
WATCH RECORDING https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNVRhRMASK8&t=2s
12 p.m. CST
- Sarah Deer (Muscogee Creek), University Distinguished Professor at the University of Kansas
- Lindsay Robertson, University of Oklahoma professor of law and Chickasaw Nation Endowed Chair in Native American Law
WATCH RECORDING https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNl4uMp2TSo&t=9s
Angel Ellis (Muscogee Creek) a reporter with Mvskoke Media, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s independent news outlet, will moderate the event. Journalists and others who wish to attend may register for the 10 a.m. webinar here and the 12 p.m. webinar here. Registrations are limited to 100 per event. However, recordings will also be featured on the OKSPJ website.
Free Online Training
Strategies for safely covering political rallies. A webinar to help journalists prepare for and react to physical threats.
OKSPJ Contest Postpone, Cancel, Reimagine Survey
Dear colleagues,
Due to COVID-19, the Society of Professional Journalists, Oklahoma Pro Chapter Board of Directors has canceled the original date of June 6 for the 2020 awards banquet that was to be in Lawton, OK.
We would like your feedback on how to proceed with this year's ceremony. Please take a short two question survey to help us.
Thank you,
SPJ Oklahoma Pro Chapter
OKSPJ board cancels original 2020 banquet date, explores rescheduling Contest continues as planned
OKLAHOMA — Due to COVID-19, the Society of Professional Journalists, Oklahoma Pro Chapter Board of Directors is postponing its 2020 awards banquet, originally set for June 6 at the Apache Casino Hotel in Lawton.
The board is exploring options to reschedule it for a later date in accordance with guidelines set forth by the appropriate health organizations.
“While the decision to postpone the banquet at this time was difficult for the board, we are already looking at dates later this year and working with our partners and sponsors to plan an even bigger and better event.
“With all events up in the air at this time, we hope our members and fellow journalists are staying safe and healthy and will join us in the coming months,” OKSPJ banquet chair Heide Brandes said.
The 2020 contest will continue as scheduled.
The board has made two extensions to the submission deadline due to ongoing COVID-19 complications, and is now set for the end of today.
News
JOINT STATEMENT FROM OKSPJ & NAJA: Proposed MCN free press bill raises concerns Feb 2019
OKSPJ & NAJA: Proposed MCN free press bill raises concerns
The Society of Professional Journalists, Oklahoma Pro Chapter (OKSPJ) and Native American Journalists Association (NAJA) commend the ongoing efforts at Muscogee (Creek) Nation to reinstate a free press ordinance. This legal protection is vital to ensuring its informational outlet, Mvskoke Media, is free from influence by the tribal government.
However, the devil is in the details when it comes to how a bill is branded versus what it really accomplishes, as dictated in the fine print.
A new draft bill, NCA 19-031 passed in MCN legislative committee earlier this month, which states the Mvskoke Media Editorial Board will adhere to SPJ ethics. This is also stated in the original bill; however, language related to NAJA standards has been removed in the new version.
NCA 19-031 is set for a final vote Feb. 23 before it moves to signature consideration by the principal chief.
NAJA and OKSPJ are concerned with some of the new bill's language in relation to ethical standards.
Under the SPJ Code of Ethics, outlets are given the charge to act independently from political influence, as mirrored in the establishing language in the previous and proposed versions of the MCN free press laws.
However, part of what makes any government board truly independent is that its members have a set term, and clear parameters for how members may be removed before their term expires, due to issues like misconduct, etc.
While the recently proposed bill includes board term limits, it does not reseat the original board, which was dissolved by NCA 18-180. This compromises the purity of MMEB’s proper independence from the tribal government.
Tribal officials never levied any formal complaints against any members of the former editorial board or made any justification for their replacement.
This action effectively bypasses these tenure requirements that are included in both bill versions and creates an inherit conflict in NCA 19-031.
A board is not truly independent if a legislative body can rescind the free press law in its entirety and introduce a new one that removes all sitting members, without regard to any official stated process for removal.
The previous law established board guidelines for hiring the Mvskoke Media manager, ensuring further operational independence.
NCA 19-031 lacks language dictating the manager selection process and personal conduct of the day-to-day Mvskoke Media leader. So while the law states editorial content must be free of influence by the tribal government, does the lack of parameters for the manager leave an opportunity for this position to be directly chosen by the government?
Without any free press law, the department currently sits under the Secretary of the Nation and Commerce, an executive branch employee. The proposed bill would still allow the executive branch official to be directly involved in drafting policies and managing the department budget.
OKSPJ and NAJA acknowledge the struggle of all media outlets to maintain a separation between fiscal and editorial operations.
In this instance and with many tribal outlets, we recognize the complexity of an independent entity that still receives tribal funds, but also believe that editorial and fiscal oversight are not mutually exclusive as it pertains to this structure.
The former Mvskoke Media manager was accountable to the board for budget and policy oversight and the department budget was subject to the same approval process of any other tribal program - submitted annually to the chief and Council for approval.
Our respective organizations are concerned that the direct and more specific involvement of another government official leaves the potential for this oversight to spill into editorial operations and control.
This concern is increased when looking at the shield law portion of the act, which relates to how the department’s editorial sources are protected. The Secretary of the Nation and Commerce is listed as a protected employee under this section.
Why would this official need protection regarding editorial sources if they are not involved in editorial operations?
The Secretary of the Nation in Commerce is tasked with establishing ad policies, which also have bearing on meeting editorial deadlines.
There were avenues to address many of the stated fiscal concerns without such brash actions and the previous leadership has not been allowed to formally respond to any of these specific complaints.
This denies any due process, which is important to the true independence of the department’s leadership as well as true transparency for the tribal citizens regarding how their would-be independent media outlet is being operated.
Finally, we believe the actions taken in relation to Mvskoke Media set a precedent for tribal news throughout Indian Country and urge the MCN government to take this into consideration as they move forward with this process.
OK SPJ Stands in Solidarity with Mvskoke Media Nov 2018
UPDATE Muscogee (Creek) Nation votes to repeal Free Press Act, citing need for ‘more positive’ coverage http://journalrecord.com/2018/11/08/muscogee-creek-nation-votes-to-repeal-free-press-act-citing-need-for-more-positive-coverage/?fbclid=IwAR2RCXmCeT2j87R5Cle_gs3F2IzeoB36Ct69y2mjpK22ilgcuqsZBQux1XA
To the honorable members of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council, The Oklahoma Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and FOI Oklahoma stand in solidarity with our colleagues at Mvskoke Media and strenuously oppose NCA 18-180.
The Muscogee (Creek) Nation is one of three tribes in Oklahoma and one of a handful nationally with codified protections for its media outlets. When the tribe’s Independent Press Act was signed into law just three years ago, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation was hailed for taking such a huge step forward and giving its own people a chance to tell the tribe’s stories.
The potential adoption of NCA 18-180 represents not just a step, but a leap backwards in an era where journalists nationwide are already struggling with public misconceptions about the relationship between reporters and government officials. Under the current law, Mvskoke Media’s editorial board serves as a crucial buffer between the newsroom and the tribe’s government. The elimination of that safeguard opens the door for potentially reckless interference in the public’s right to know. Even if the current Secretary of the Nation has no interest in exercising day-to-day editorial control, there is no guarantee that his successors may follow suit.
We fully acknowledge that reporters are human and make mistakes occasionally, but those concerns should be addressed in civil conversations rather than through punitive legislation.
The Mvskoke Media staff has received state and national recognition for their fair, unflinching coverage of the good, the bad and the ugly within their communities. They must be given every opportunity to continue that work without fear of censorship attempts -- or worse -- from elected officials.
Respectfully, The officers of the Oklahoma Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and FOI Oklahoma