KUPCHELLA KEYNOTES FREEDOM OF INFORMATION DAY EVENT
Listen to John R. Finnegan talking about the roots of Minnesota’s approach to access to government information
Rick Kupchella, investigative reporter and anchor man at KARE 11 News, will offer the keynote talk at the 20th annual Freedom of Information Day recognition event sponsored by the Minnesota Coalition on Government Information (MNCOGI). The event is scheduled for Monday, March 16, 2009, 1:00 p.m. in Pohlad Auditorium at Minneapolis Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall.
Kupchella is best known in recent times for taking a lead position in support of cameras in the courts. In his recent appearance on Minnesota Public Television’s Almanac news program, Kupchella explains the campaign and his commitment to the goal.
A KARE 11 newsman for over 20 years Kupchella has a history of grappling with journalism issues, including the often-invoked Shield Law which has been on the books for a decade.
Outside the world of TV news Rick has authored children’s books, including a Girls Can! Make it Happen, written in collaboration with 
retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, astronaut Sally Ride, and Olympian Jackie Joyner Kersee. His journalism honors include the award as “Outstanding Professional Member” of the Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists.
The Minnesota Coalition on Government Information will also present the 2009 John R. Finnegan Freedom of Information Award at the Freedom of Information Day event.
Freedom of Information Day is commemorated each year on March 16, the birth date of James Madison, champion of access and transparency in government. The day is a highlight of Sunshine Week, a major national campaign to focus attention on open government as a fundamental tenet of a democracy.
MNCOGI is a coalition of individuals and organizations committed to the public’s right to know. Members of the Coalition include attorneys, government employees, librarians and public citizen advocates for open government.
For additional information contact:
Mary Treacy, Executive Director
Minnesota Coalition on Government Information
mtreacy@onvoymail.com 612 781 4234