Why the First Amendment is important it and why it's my beat
My name is Angele Latham, and I am the First Amendment reporter at The Tennessean — a first-of-its kind beat created through a partnership with The Tennessean, the Freedom Forum and the Journalism Funding Partners.
I cover a wide variety of fascinating topics throughout the state, including protests, lawsuits over free speech and religious liberty, investigations, books bans and extremism, just to name a few. Anything that impacts your freedoms enshrined in the First Amendment, I'm there.
The First Amendment contains five freedoms: religion, speech, press, assembly and the right to petition the government. The importance of these rights cannot be overstated.
These rights transcend our work as reporters — they shape the lives of everyday Americans and how they interact with the world around them.
This beat has surprised even me with how well it has been received. Since this is the first dedicated First Amendment beat in the nation, I have a consistent onslaught of story tips coming in from across the country. There is a massive untapped well of First Amendment issues that need coverage, and I am honored to be at the helm.
A recent example: The fight over TikTok and how to balance the free speech rights of those who use the social media app and the national security interest of the United States and its relations with China. I also recently wrote about a nonprofit with Tennessee connections and its First Amendment rights to send aid to Israeli settlers in the West Bank.
Consistent inspection of legislative bills often reveal new First Amendment issues. As do lawsuits, such as a recent one where a Smyrna man won the right to protest outside a business wearing a chicken mask. I also keep close watch on school boards for any book removals, and keep my ear to the ground on social media for brewing problems.
The best way to find stories, however, is simply by talking to people. The First Amendment is inherently about the people's speech, and well, that means I need to talk to people. Making connections and listening will always be the best way to report stories that matter and make an impact.
Got a First Amendment issue you want to let me know about? Don't hesitate to reach out. I'm at alatham@tennessean.com.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Why the First Amendment is important it and why it's my beat
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