Gabby Pogel
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Legal Hotline: Sunshine Act Quasi-Judicial Deliberation
Q: A board of supervisors heard testimony on a zoning application, took public comment, and then announced that they would “meet privately to discuss the application and public comment.” After the private discussion, the board voted publicly to approve the application. Can they do that? A: Yes, they can, but the board is not required to conduct these…
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Meet PNA and the PNA Foundation’s new Board of Directors Chairwomen: Sharon Sorg and Cate Barron
The Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association proudly welcomes Sharon Sorg as Chairwoman of the PNA Board and Cate Barron as Chairwoman of the PNA Foundation Board of Trustees. Both bring decades of leadership, vision and dedication to advancing Pennsylvania’s news industry. Sharon Sorg: PNA Board of Directors Chairwoman In the role of Chairwoman of the Pennsylvania NewsMedia…
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Journalism training focuses on keeping journalists safe in hostile environments
This month’s session of the PNA Foundation Journalism Training Certification Program provided practical advice for journalists working in high-risk environments such as protests and other volatile situations. Moderated by Paula Knudsen Burke, senior supervising attorney, Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, the session’s speakers included Molly Eichel, deputy managing editor for live and breaking news for The Philadelphia…
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Legal Hotline: Prizes in Bingo and Small Games Ads
Q: Can bingo and small games of chance ads include specific prizes and dollar amounts of prizes? A: Pennsylvania’s Bingo Law allows prizes and dollar value of prizes to be awarded in each game and in a single day to appear in ads, but the Small Games of Chance Act does not permit prizes or dollar values…
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Essential Tips for Staying Safe on the Job
Best practices for journalists On January 12, PNA hosted the eleventh session of the PNA Foundation Journalism Training Certification Program. Attendees gained safety best practices, including managing interactions with public officials, navigating potentially volatile situations, and protecting themselves while covering events. Explore the list of safety suggestions below. Moderated by Paula Knudsen Burke, senior supervising…
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Legal Hotline: Organizational Meetings 2026
Q: A local borough council member told me they won’t be holding an organizational meeting in January, and they are the only borough in my area not holding one. Aren’t boroughs required to hold an organizational meeting every year, and are these organizational meetings public? A: Boroughs are required to hold an organizational meeting in even-numbered…
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Sunshine Act Regular Meeting Notice
Q: Does the Sunshine Act require agencies to provide a general meeting notice at the beginning of the year, and if so, what are the requirements? A: Yes. The Sunshine Act requires agencies to provide public notice of its regular meeting schedule. Section 709 of the Act requires agencies to “give public notice of its first regular…
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Herald-Standard’s Give-A-Christmas campaign raises funds for local Salvation Army programs
For 40 years, The Herald-Standard (Uniontown) has conducted its annual Give-A-Christmas campaign to support Salvation Army service centers in Fayette County. The campaign’s goal this year is to raise $10,000, with all donations remaining in the local area to help fund the Salvation Army’s many community programs. The holiday fundraiser began four decades ago when…
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Wayne Lowman is the new publisher at the Gettysburg Times
Wayne Lowman was named publisher of the Gettysburg Times in August, officially taking the reins in September. Lowman spent the previous seven years as the general manager for the Daily Collegian, the print and digital student-run newspaper at Penn State University – Main Campus. Lowman has previous experience covering Adams County. He was the editor…
