Reporters from across the state gathered in Nashville recently to learn about open meetings law, investigative journalism and more during the fifth annual Reporters Workshop program, produced jointly by the Tennessee Bar Association, the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters and the Tennessee Press Association Foundation. Participants were selected from applicants interested in developing a deeper understanding of media law issues that may affect their everyday work. Friday's programming began with a panel of veteran investigative reporters — Jennifer Krause from NewsChannel 5, Meribah Knight from WPLN News and Stephen Elliott from the Nashville Banner — moderated by Amy Mohan of Sherrard Roe Voigt & Harbison. Other speakers included Jennifer Safstrom with Vanderbilt's First Amendment Clinic, who presented on reporter's privilege; Jay Harbison from Neal & Harwell, who spoke to attendees about staying on the right side of the law in reporting; and legal media experts Paul McAdoo from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and Deborah Fisher from Tennessee Coalition for Open Government, who discussed the open records law. Saturday's session featured an overview of defamation with Ron Harris of Neal & Harwell and a panel on covering state and local government with Alex Apple from Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell's Office, Steve Cavendish from the Nashville Banner, and Holly McCall from the Tennessee Lookout. That panel was moderated by Clint Brewer from Imperium Public Strategies. The day wrapped up with a panel moderated by Robb Harvey of Holland & Knight on covering the courts with Judges Valerie Smith, Ana Escobar and Sam Coleman. Thanks to this year's sponsors Sherrard Roe Voigt & Harbison, Neal & Harwell and Holland & Knight.

2025 Reporters Workshop cohort and speakers

Left: from left, Amy Mohan, Meribah Knight, Jennifer Krause and Stephen Elliott sharing their investigative reporting experiences

Right: Paul McAdoo (left) and Deborah Fisher speaking on open records laws in Tennessee

Ron Harris presents to the group on Saturday morning

Panel discussion with, from left, Clint Brewer, Alex Apple, Steve Cavendish, Holly McCall

Panel discussion with, from left, Robb Harvey, Judge Valerie Smith, Judge Ana Escobar, Judge Sam Colemen