Sunshine laws and FOIA Blog Post
Investigative journalists rely on records, data, and documents for the foundation of their stories. Without the Freedom of Information Act, it would be much more difficult for investigative journalists to cover a variety of beats accurately and thoroughly. The transparency that Sunshine Laws and FOIA allow, encourages accountability and opens the door for journalists to freely examine government records.
In the same way that sunshine gives light and sustains life, journalists have a vital role in sustaining America’s democratic society by shedding light on what might be happening in the dark by those in power.
The FOIA is a law that allows citizens to request information from the federal government. While there are some limitations, this law allows for people to have access to government records.
Similarly, Sunshine Laws require transparency and disclosure from businesses and the government. Because of this law, actions, such as government and business meetings, are made available for the public to observe.
Because citizens, and journalists especially, have the opportunity to view and use government documents, the power is placed back into the hands of the people. Government officials should be using their place of power to work for their communities and country. Without accountability and transparency, how can citizens be sure that the government officials are fulfilling their duties?
In addition, having access to government documents allows for examination and scrutiny of government officials’ actions. This alone should should discourage corruption at every level of government.
The transparency that these laws provide means that journalists have access to request an abundance of information for their stories. These documented sources provide vital information for investigations that also lay out facts before involving human sources.
It is clear that without FOIA and Sunshine Laws, investigative journalism would not have the same impact that it does in society today. In the panel discussion, “Who’s Watching the Watchers? Journalists, Public Records and Investigative Reporting on Immigration and Law Enforcement,” the speakers discussed how data adds color and substance to reporting. I would also question whether quality journalism could even survive without these laws in place.
Another point from the panel discussion is that if you don’t request the records, you won’t get them. Journalists need to use what is available to them to leverage their stories. It is important to at least try and get the information even if it seems unlikely that access will be given.
Other advice that I gleaned from the panel discussion is to look at what the officials are supposed to be doing and then take a look at the public records to evaluate whether they are following their policies. Stories that come out this kind of research are another way to hold government officials accountable.
The speakers in panel discussion gave practical advice about how to request and receive records from FOIA officers. Journalists should think critically about how much time FOIA officer will take to do the request and what kind of story can they can tell the public with the information. The goal of informing the public with the records should be kept in mind when gathering records.
Aura Bogado mentioned during the panel to not be scared of data. Gathering documents and data can seem like an overwhelming process but this research phase is a valuable part of an investigation as it lay the foundation for the story and give credibility to investigations.
Because of Sunshine Laws and FOIA, journalists can complete their work accurately and create credible stories that impact the public. Without these laws, it would be difficult for journalists to be watchdogs of government agencies.
