"Dark money" in politics – the ABCs of 501(c) 4s Tuesday Sept. 13

As we approach the time of year when campaign ads take over your television, the National Press Club Journalism Institute and the club’s Professional Development Committee will present a program on the so-called “dark money” that pays for some of those ads.

The program will be Tuesday, Sept. 13 starting at 6:30 in the Club's Zenger Room. Admission is $10 for the public, $5 for NPC members. Tickets are required; RSVP using this link

Along with a discussion of how top pros in campaign finance journalism cover the flood of money in politics, the program will cover why some donations and spending are disclosed and some are not; where to look to find out who pays for mysterious ads that can appear in a campaign you’re covering, and what to expect, or not, from the next Congress and president on regulation -– if the Supreme Court will let them. Bring your questions as well.

Panelists will be:

• Peter Overby, the Power, Money and Influence Correspondent for National Public Radio;


• Fredreka Schouten, Campaign Finance Reporter at USA Today; and


• Ken Vogel, Chief Investigative Reporter at Politico.

Moderating will be Thomas Burr, National Press Club president and Washington correspondent for The Salt Lake Tribune.