The PBA Bar/Press Committee is composed of both members of the bar and members of the media.  The committee is co-chaired by a member of the PBA and a member of the Pennsylvania Newspapers Association (PNA).

Several years ago, the committee assumed the responsibility for coordinating the William A. Schnader Print Media Awards Competition.  The goal of the competition is to recognize journalism that enhances the public�s understanding of the justice system, the courts and the people who serve them.  The efforts of the committee are coordinated with the Philadelphia-based law firm of Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP. The awards are presented by the PBA at the PNA Annual Meeting.

This past year, the committee presented an ethics program at the PBA Annual Meeting.  At the program, a dialogue took place among lawyers, members of the news media and educators about the dissemination of information and the news coverage of the post-Florida election events.

Both the PBA and PNA continue to work together to promote selective pieces of legislation that would facilitate the public�s access to public records. 

The committee also is participating in education programs developed for district justices to assist them in dealing with matters that are often both sensitive and newsworthy.  Members from both the legal profession and the media are participating in the programs at the district justice schools.