Members of the media who cover the Iowa Statehouse have formed an organization to promote public access and transparency. The creation of the Iowa Capitol Press Association was announced Monday in a news release. In the release, the group said its purpose is to “support robust coverage of Iowa state government for the benefit of the public and to promote policies that encourage transparency and access.” The association will also advocate for conditions that allow Statehouse journalists to conduct their work safely and effectively. The group is led by an executive committee that includes Erin Murphy from Lee Enterprises as president; Kathie Obradovich from the Iowa Capital Dispatch as vice president; and Katarina Sostaric, from Iowa Public Radio, as secretary.