DENVER — A group of journalists from the Capitol Press Corps sharply criticized the Colorado Press Association's decision to honor legislative leaders as "defenders of the free press," noting their role as prime sponsors of a law exempting lawmakers from the state's open meetings laws.
The letter, written by Marianne Goodland, the dean of the Capitol press, argued that the association should be "advocates for a free press."
"Sadly, some of these awards indicate something different," the letter said.
The Colorado Press Association did not respond to a request for comment.
The association, whose board members include publishers, owners and staffers of newspapers, awarded Senate President Steve Fenberg, D- Boulder, and House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D- Dillon, the "Defender of a Free Press" at its annual convention last month.
