Keynote speaker Bob Woodward was joined by a panel of journalists, lawyers, and government officials to examine the constricted access to public information in an age of terrorism. The discussion was moderated by Charles Eisendrath. Topics included the public’s right to know, whether quality journalism can survive the new secrecy, the controversy around the war in Iraq, abuse of power, the effects of new technology and the outpouring of information, and the legal issues. After their discussion, the participants responded to audience members' questions. 

The Knight-Wallace Fellows at Michigan program “Covering the New Secrecy: The Press and Public Policy Public Access to Public Records” was also sponsored by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation with support from the University of Michigan Law School and the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy. The event was held in the Michigan League Ballroom.