Behind The Lens “Sunshine Week” episode 232: ‘It’s so powerful to see’

Lens reporters on the Louisiana Public Records Act and how it helps us fulfill our mission. We reflect on how records made possible reporting on Henry Montgomery, a graduation scandal at Kennedy High School and the uncovering of the state's decision to send kids in juvenile detention across state lines.

This week on Behind The Lens. The Louisiana Public Records Act, also known as Louisiana’s Sunshine Law, was enacted by the state’s legislature in 1952, assuring transparency and disclosure in government and business. At The Lens, we are celebrating Sunshine Week, highlighting the importance of this law in our ability to fulfill our mission.

We’ll take a look back at a few of the most important stories we were able to report on because of this law. Public records made possible Katy Reckdahl’s reporting on Henry Montgomery, a Louisiana man imprisoned for life as a juvenile, Marta Jewson’s work on a graduation scandal at Kennedy High School and Nick Chrastil’s uncovering of the state’s decision to send kids in juvenile detention across state lines in violation of state law. And learn more about the public records workshop we’re hosting March 21.

Our guests this week are criminal justice reporter Nick Chrastil, education reporter and Deputy Editor Marta Jewson, and Managing Editor Katy Reckdahl.

Theme music by Podington Bear. Additional music All The Ways by Podington Bear soundofpicture.com. 

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Carolyne Heldman

Carolyne Heldman Rovira has been in media for 35 years, and is currently the podcast host and producer for Behind The Lens. Heldman served as executive director at Aspen Public Radio, an NPR affiliate, where she launched four weekly news, public affairs, and cultural affairs programs. She has been a guest lecturer at Tulane University, is a frequent guest and moderator for the Aspen Institute, Rocky Mountain Institute, and the American Enterprise Institute.