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normal.dot Deborah Fisher President, Middle Tennessee chapter, Society of Professional Journalists P.O. Box 22248 Nashville, TN 37202 The Honorable Gov. Bill Haslam 1st Floor, State Capitol Nashville, TN 37243 Bill Gibbons Commissioner, Department of Safety and Homeland Security P.O. BOX 945 Nashville, TN 37202 October 31, 2011 Governor Haslam and Commissioner Gibbons: The Middle Tennessee Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and the undersigned members of its board of directors write in protest to the unlawful arrest and detention of Nashville Scene reporter Jonathan Meador. The conduct of state police in this matter was outrageous, interfered with legitimate newsgathering, and clearly violated Mr. Meador’s rights as a journalist under the U.S. and Tennessee constitutions. Mr. Meador was there on assignment to cover a matter of great public interest – an event made even more newsworthy by previous actions of the state and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Video evidence proves Mr. Meador clearly and repeatedly identified himself as a member of the news media. Working journalists should not have to risk being harassed and arrested in the course of doing their job. We respectfully request that all charges against Mr. Meador be withdrawn and that he receive an apology from the Department of Safety and Homeland Security. We also respectfully request an independent investigation of the conduct of officers involved in Mr. Meador’s arrest and that THP personnel receive training on the constitutional rights of the media and those involved in newsgathering so that similar situations can be avoided in the future. A prompt response to our concerns will be greatly appreciated. Respectfully, Deborah Fisher, president; senior editor of news, The Tennessean Frank Gibson, treasurer; director, Tennessee Coalition for Open Government Joe Morris, secretary; writer/editor, Parthenon Publishing Sharon Fitzgerald, newsletter chair; instructor, School of Journalism, MTSU Rhori Johnston, board member; news anchor, News Channel 5 Brian Reisinger, board member; reporter, Nashville Business Journal Blake Farmer; board member; reporter, Nashville Public Radio Nate Rau, board member; reporter, The Tennessean Caroline Moses, board member; investigative reporter WSMV-TV Steve Cavendish, board member, editor, Nashville City Paper Thom Storey, board member; chair, Media Studies Department, Belmont University Gene Policinski, board member; executive director, First Amendment Center Milt Capps, board member Jimmy McCollum, board member; associate professor, Department of Communication and Journalism, Lipscomb University