In “When a Reporter Calls, Don't Hang up!” a joint presentation of the ISBA and Illinois Judges Association, a panel of journalists will explain the guidelines they use to determine whether a story is newsworthy.

The Midyear Meeting program from 9:15 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 8, at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel is designed to help legal and news media professionals deal with often conflicting goals in trying to present fair and balanced portrayals of facts.

The speakers are Bruce Dold of the Chicago Tribune editorial board, executive editor Roland Martin of the Chicago Daily Defender, NBC-5 anchor/reporter Anita Padilla and Chicago Sun-Times legal affairs reporter Abdon Pallasch. The moderator is television commentator Paul M. Lisnek, author of “The Hidden Jury.”

Among the issues that the panel will explore are:

• Reluctance of judges and lawyers to talk to the media for fear of inaccurate reporting.

• Why playing it safe by avoiding the media does little to bridge the gap between the two professions.

• Benefits of working cooperatively to convey to the public the complex workings of the legal system.

• How greater interaction between the news media and legal community can help gain public support for independence of the judiciary.

ISBA President Irene F. Bahr and Cook County Associate Judge Jesse G. Reyes, president of the IJA, also will participate in the discussions.