This week on New Mexico in Focus, producer Matt Grubs talks to a panel of journalists about public access to government. As politicians increasingly pick which media outlets will have access—or choose to bypass the media as much as possible—what’s the impact on the public? The group also discusses access to public data and how to make the best use out of the information the government gathers on behalf of its citizens.

On Earth Day, NMiF photojournalist Robert McDermott traveled to Santa Fe, where a landlocked, life-sized blue whale made out of recycled plastic highlights the toll humans are exacting on the planet’s oceans.

Host Gene Grant and the Line explore goings-on at the New Mexico/Mexico border, including the arrest of a militia leader whose group is accused for unlawfully detaining migrants. The Line opinion panelists also look at the promise PNM has made to be carbon-free five years earlier than required, and the problems some schools face with changes to the Public Education Department’s expanded K-5 Plus program.

New Mexico PBS’ one-hour public affairs show New Mexico in Focus regularly airs Fridays at 7 p.m. and repeats Sundays at 7 a.m. on Channel 5.1, and Saturdays at 5 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. on Channel 9.1, except during pledge drives.

Guests
Marisa Demarco, reporter, KUNM
Laura Paskus, environmental journalist, NM Political Report
Jeff Proctor, investigative reporter, New Mexico in Depth
John Roby, data journalist, Hoodline.com

Correspondents
Matt Grubs
Robert McDermott

Line Panelists
Adrian Carver, executive director, Equality New Mexico
Dan Foley, former NM House minority whip
Stephanie Maez, executive director of ProgressNow New Mexico
Kristelle Siarza, CEO, Siarza Social Digital

Host
Gene Grant

New Mexico in Focus is New Mexico PBS’ prime-time news magazine show covering the events, issues and people that are shaping life in New Mexico and the Southwest.

NMiF takes a multi-layered look at social, political, economic health, education, and arts issues, and explores them in-depth, with a critical eye to give them context beyond the "news of the moment."

The producer of New Mexico in Focus is Matt Grubs, with Kathy Wimmer, associate producer. The NM PBS Public Affairs executive producer is Kevin McDonald.

Funding for New Mexico in Focus is provided by the McCune Charitable Foundation and viewers like you.

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