Insights from Angele Latham, The First Amendment Reporter for The Tennessean
Posting: Monday, February 27, 2023
A reporter whose beat is devoted to covering First Amendment issues has been working with The Tennessean in Nashville in a pilot program funded by the Freedom Forum through Journalism Funding Partners.
Angele Latham, who has been working with The Tennessean since October 2022, has been in charge of First Amendment reporting. In this unique role, she focuses on how all five freedoms covered in the First Amendment are at the heart of issues in speech, press, religion, assembly and petition - and how they affect the daily lives of Tennesseans.
Angele uses a variety of approaches to tackle this issue, from engaging with community members directly to covering the legislative process and its effects on free speech. She also utilizes social media draw attention to her work.
All of this has led to increased awareness of First Amendment issues, the attention of lawmakers and other news organizations, and a deeper understanding of the power of the First Amendment.
We reached out to Ms. Latham for insights on the reporting she’s done so far.
Angele Latham
First Amendment Reporter
Q. In your time with The Tennessean, what are some key takeaways when doing First Amendment reporting?
It’s really become clear to me throughout my time on this beat that First Amendment issues can be found in any story. A vast number of stories that I have covered began under another beat, but eventually found their way to my desk as aspects of the story became related to one or all of the rights endowed by the First Amendment. I think a lot of reporters and readers alike do not realize how intrinsic it is to every aspect of our lives—and how many opportunities we miss as reporters when we do not pause and think about the constitutional issues behind the stories we cover.
Q: When thinking of stories to cover, what topics do you think will have the most impact?
While all topics of the First Amendment are equally important, there’s definitely a regional preference for certain stories. I’ve found that issues of speech/assembly, as well as religion, really resonate with readers in Tennessee. There’s a huge push and pull across the state between freedom of expression and freedom of religion, and those issues really capture the public’s attention. It’s an aspect that touches a lot of people’s lives and holds so much power—from the home all the way to the state legislature.
Q. What positive or negative feedback have you received from readers?
Overall, the feedback has been largely positive, which I have been really happy to see. A lot of people have expressed that they didn’t know where to go with their stories and news tips.
regarding First Amendment issues. I’ve also received a number of heart-warming emails from people from very different political spectrums stating their appreciation for having complex legal issues spelled out in a digestible format. It’s been really encouraging to be able to share these issues with people, regardless of their persuasions, and help make these often very-large issues accessible at the local level.
The only negative feedback that I’ve received has largely been from readers who are unhappy with my focus on the First Amendment because they want to see a similar focus on other amendments, particularly the Second Amendment. I have decided to take that as positive feedback anyway, because clearly they feel that this is a worthwhile endeavor that they want to see spread to other topics.
Q: What kind of attention outside of your readers has your reporting drawn?
Similar to readers, a number of professionals and leaders in the First Amendment field have expressed serious excitement at having tangible contact for First Amendment issues. There are so many cases and impactful legal precedents that go under the radar simply because there hasn’t been someone assigned to cover them. And in our intensely polarized political world, it’s really great to have an issue that we can all agree is important and come to the table to discuss.
Q. What do you hope to see in the future in relation to First Amendment reporting? Is there anything else you would want us to know?
I hope to see a heavier focus on First Amendment issues spread to other newsrooms. Like I said previously, I think that there is potential in almost any story for First Amendment coverage. Drawing attention to all five rights endowed in the First Amendment, and how they affect our coverage and our lives as a whole is something that can only bring value to our news coverage.
About The Tennessean: The Tennessean is a daily newspaper in Nashville, Tennessee. Its circulation area covers 39 counties in Middle Tennessee and eight counties in southern Kentucky. Online: www.tennessean.com
About The Freedom Forum: The First Amendment is the cornerstone of a government by, for and of the people, yet most Americans can’t name the five freedoms it guarantees. Their vision is an America where everyone knows, understands, values and defends the freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly and petition. they believe that encouraging the broad understanding and vigorous use of these fundamental freedoms by the people is the best way to preserve and protect the First Amendment for future generations. Online: www.freedomforum.org
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Media Contact: Rusty Coats, Executive Director | rusty@jfp-local.org | (813) 277-8959
