The Gazette receives industry honor for watchdog journalism

June 5, 2009 - Editor Jeff Thomas and investigative reporter Pam Zubeck of The Gazette in Colorado Springs received an award today for their commitment to watchdog reporting and providing public access to government records.

The Jean Otto Friend of Freedom Award was presented to Thomas and Zubeck by the Colorado Freedom of Information Council (CFOIC), a group of organizations representing the news media and other community organizations with an interest in preserving open government and access to government records.

“(The Gazette) has taken an aggressive and active role in supporting reporters’ efforts to ferret out the truth and to keep tabs on government,” said CFOIC President Tom Kelley. “The direction and leadership Jeff has provided has been instrumental in the paper's efforts both inside and outside the courtroom.”

The award is named for Jean Otto, a champion of the First Amendment and founder of the Denver-based First Amendment Congress. It is considered the highest honor bestowed by the CFOIC, and has been presented to only five people in the past decade.

The CFOIC includes members from Associated Press-Colorado, the Association for Women In Communications, Colorado Bar Association, Colorado Broadcasters Association, Colorado Common Cause, Colorado Library Association, Colorado PTA, Colorado Press Association, Colorado Press Women, Colorado Springs Gazette, Colorado Springs Press Association, Journalism Educators, League of Women Voters, Press Photographers, Public Relations Society of America and Society of Professional Journalists.