In addition to protecting the business interests of newspapers before the Indiana General Assembly, the Hoosier State Press Association (HSPA) devotes untold hours in protecting the public's right to know.

It wasn't the original concern for founders of HSPA, but one that has strengthened over time and resulted in the creation, at HSPA's urging, of the state's Open Door Law and Access to Public Records Act.

But why the continued level of vigilance when I've never heard a state legislator say he or she is opposed to the Open Door Law or Access to Public Records Act?

It's an acknowledgement of human nature. While everyone supports the concept of an open government, the interests of a particular legislator, industry or government agency may raise an argument as to the need for confidentiality when it comes to a particular government discussion, record or process.

Without HSPA's presence, the public's right to know would die the death of a thousand cuts.

Obviously, it's in the self-interest of newspapers to maintain a high level of transparency when it comes to government action. Reporters need the right to attend meetings and inspect records to report accurately on government proposals and actions.

HSPA has always fought for not only the right of reporters, but for the right of any citizen to be present during meetings of government bodies and inspect the records of state and local governments.

This belief is supported by the number of inquiries the state's Public Access Counselor office receives from the public compared with inquires from the media during its last reporting year - 1,329 public inquiries to 310 media inquiries, or four to one.

Arguments for government transparency must combat a wide range of arguments for secrecy; homeland security, identity theft protection, privacy concerns in an Internet world and economic development competition among states and communities.

It's often an uphill battle as some legislators believe government can be trusted without public oversight: distrust a media they believe is only interested in selling newspapers with sensationalism; or worry about what publicity will do to a citizen or business involuntarily caught up in government action or regulation.

There are also legitimate questions as to what's in the best interest of the public when it comes to balancing the public's right to know with another government interest that would argue for secrecy.

It's a point of pride that legislators often contact HSPA when a question concerning public access emerges or that they ask fellow legislators what the Hoosier State Press Association thinks about a proposal impacting the public's right to know.

I hope that never changes.

This was taken from the 75th anniversary edition of The Indiana Publisher, with permission from Steve Key, HSPA general counsel.