Volume 82 March 2019 No. 9 INSIDE Lee vows to emphasize free speech and bring Horne: Winter Convention more transparency to Tennessee government a big hit for attendees Page 2 JOEL EBERT riences.” The Tennessean, Nashville Lee said after that experience, Daniels: We live in a February 7, 2019 he’s gotten better at what he does, world of behavioral data In his fi rst address to members while praising the media for of the Tennessee Press Associa- making public servants better by Page 3 tion while in offi ce, Gov. Bill Lee challenging them. Industry News vowed to make government more As he has often said since his transparent while stressing the election, Lee vowed to make state Page 3 importance of media. government more open and trans- “Without a free press, we parent. To that effect, he issued Lee invites comments don’t have a free country,” Lee an executive order and vowed on legislative bills said, making his remarks Feb. to make his administration’s 7 as keynote speaker at the TPA position on legislation available to Page 5 Winter Convention’s Thursday the public. Guest column: Free luncheon. Lee recalled how before launch- Lee to review open speech means free speech ing his gubernatorial campaign, records exemptions Page 6 he seldom had interactions with the media. But over the course Noting the hundreds of exemp- Featured Ad/Circ idea of the last two years, he said the tions to the state’s open records Photo by Tony Centonze, for TPA interactions have helped him. law, Lee vowed to support a Tennessee Governor Bill Lee was keynote speaker Feb. 7 at the TPA Win- Page 7 He laughingly called one of his review of the long list. ter Convention’s Thursday luncheon in Nashville, touching on govern- fi rst press events on the campaign Federal bill addresses ment transparency among other topics. one of the “most horrifying expe- See LEE Page 4 attacks on journalists Page 10 Showcase: Heavy metal Tribune’s Perry recognized among African-American leaders STACY M. BROWN African Americans of 2018 by the respected by their peers in the band cuts castle video NNPA Nashville Voice, a popular Music community; and the individuals Page 12 December 10, 2018 City publication. have made a career out of using “I feel blessed and privileged to their power and infl uence for the Rosetta Miller Perry said it’s be able to have some infl uence in greater good of the urban commu- vitally important that people this community and be an advo- nity in Nashville. recognize the signifi cance of cate for people and neighborhoods “The Tribune has been for- the Black Press and understand that have too long been over- tunate enough to be around for Perry the role Black women have long looked, ignored and excluded,” decades and is now widely dis- played in its creation, evolution said Perry, who said the honor has fi elds including to a councilwom- tributed in the state’s four largest and preservation. also meant more responsibility. an, a chairman of the board of a cities. With that comes a degree of A retired U.S. Navy offi cer and “It also means I must always prominent bank, a bishop and a exposure, acceptance and recogni- lawyer by trade, Perry has found be vigilant and aware of what’s chamber of commerce chief. tion,” Perry said. success over the past three de- happening not only in the city, but The Nashville Voice noted the “So, to that extent I am not cades as publisher of the Tennes- throughout the region and across criteria for selection to the Top 10 completely surprised my name see Tribune, an African-American the state, because there are folks list included individuals who have appears in this survey. But I see newspaper that reaches more than depending on me for information, the capacity to move the needle it more as the realization of my 150,000 people each week. and expect me and the Tribune to or make a change; those who use goal of creating a publication that Now, the Memphis State Univer- voice their concerns and effective- their power to or are responsible would have positive community sity graduate has earned a signifi - ly highlight multiple issues that for making big decisions to make impact, focus on the good things cant distinction from her peers in affect their lives,” Perry said. lasting changes that impact the and accomplishments of North Memphis – Perry has been named The publication handed out lives of local residents; those of among the Top 10 Most Powerful the honors to those from various superior character and are deeply See PERRY Page 2 Page 2 • The Tennessee Press • March 2019 TPA Winter Convention was huge success We had a very good TPA Winter Thinking back on the last 40 Convention in Nashville Feb. 6-7 OUR years, we have been blessed as (USPS 616-460) with good attendance from our Y a state with excellent governors Published monthly by the members as well as the 78 stu- PRESIDING who have worked hard for the dents who attended the convention public, been open and honest and TENNESSEE PRESS ASSOCIATION, INC. luncheon on Feb. 7. We had good REPORTER avoided scandal. Actually, that’s 412 N. Cedar Bluff Road, Suite 403 updates from the Tennessee Press an amazing thing given what has DOUG HORNE Knoxville, Tennessee 37923 Service (our advertising arm) and happened in other states, some of Telephone (865) 584-5761/Fax (865) 558-8687/www.tnpress.com the Tennessee Press Association which are close by and which will Foundation, and a lengthy TPA It’s always good to have the remain nameless in this column. Subscriptions: $12 annually board meeting to discuss many governor speak at our luncheon. Our recent governors - Lamar Periodicals Postage Paid At Knoxville, TN issues. We also had three newspa- Since Bill Lee had just been Alexander, Ned McWherter, Don pers approved to join the Tennessee elected, it was really good for us to Sundquist, Phil Bredesen and Bill POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Tennessee Press, Press Association: the Portland Sun, get to know more about him. He Haslam - have been exemplary 412 N. Cedar Bluff Road, Suite 403, Knoxville, TN 37923 the Cheatham County Exchange said his main focus and emphasis public servants and have set fi ne and the Murfreesboro Post. So we would be criminal justice reform, examples of leadership while mov- The Tennessee Press is printed by The Standard Banner in Jeff erson City, Tenn. are growing as an association. economic development (partic- ing Tennessee to being one of the The highlight of the Winter ularly focusing on the 15 rural top states in the country. It looks Carol Daniels ..................................................................................................................................... Editor Convention was the legislative re- counties that need the most help), like we have another fi ne governor Mike Towle .................................................................................................................. Managing Editor ception the evening of Feb. 6, with increased focus on technology and in Bill Lee who will continue the Robyn Gentile .......................................................................................... Production Coordinator many legislators as well as Gov. vocational training, continued recent progress and elevation of Bill Lee in attendance, with Gov. secondary and higher level educa- Tennessee to a top-tier state. Lee returning for the luncheon the tional progress, better health care All the best to you and our 129 The Tennessee Press next day as keynote speaker. Also, for Tennesseans, and an open and member newspapers and our is printed on recycled paper the presidents of Middle Tennessee transparent government. Gov. Lee strong and growing association. and is recyclable. State University, Tennessee Tech is very open and friendly, a man of University, Austin Peay University great faith, a very experienced and Doug Horne TENNESSEE PRESS ASSOCIATION and Volunteer State Community successful business man, a cattle Doug Horne, Republic Newspapers, Knoxville ...................................................................President College, and the vice president of rancher and a devoted family Doug Horne, owner of Repub- Chris Vass, Chattanooga Times Free Press .................................................................Vice President the University of Tennessee at- man. We were all impressed with lic Newspapers, Knoxville, is the Daniel Richardson, Carroll County News Leader, Huntingdon .........................Vice President tended the luncheon and spoke to him and will help him be a very President of the Tennessee Press Joseph Hurd, Th e Courier, Savannah .................................................................................... Secretary us about their priorities and plans. successful governor. Association for 2018-19. Darrell Richardson, Th e Oak Ridger .......................................................................................Treasurer Eric Barnes, Th e Daily News, Memphis .................................................Immediate Past President Carol Daniels .................................................................................................................Executive Director PERRY from Page 1 the National Newspaper Publish- houseboat. ers Association’s 2019 Publisher She’d become an avid reader DIRECTORS Nashville and the Black commu- Lifetime Achievement Award. In of newspapers and magazines, Scott Critchlow, Union City Daily Messenger ..................................................................... District 1 nity, and combat the negative announcing