Join the fight — Uplink Archive

IRE has formed an Access Committee to help reporters fight for public records access across the country, developing resources like FOIA templates and advocacy letters to combat growing restrictions on documents needed for in-depth investigations.

Twenty years ago, a group of reporters came together to share resources on important investigations, and IRE was formed. Today, groups of reporters are joining to maintain and open access to public records.

Some of those examples include a group of Arizona reporters fighting potential changes in their state's Open Records Act; reporters in New York who put in a joint request for speeding tickets in order to review the impact of the 65 mph speed limit enacted last year - they were refused access to the database; and in several states, reporters are fighting for DMV records.

In response to those access issues, IRE recently formed a committee dedicated to helping reporters fight these battles. If we are to continue working toward in-depth reporting, we must continue to have access to the documentation necessary for such reporting. The Access Committee has set the following objectives so far:

Nearly every day, the IRE and NICAR listservs see postings about more problems with access to records.

Develop a set of letters to be sent on behalf of news organizations fighting for access to particular records. This puts an organization of thousands of journalists behind such news organizations. Develop templates for FOIA letters and contacts for use at news organizations around the country. Develop a list of story examples where using particular types of data has been in the public's interest. This includes providing slides or videos of stories for presentations. Develop a list of resources for reporters fighting for access. Track access issues around the country at federal, state and local levels. Develop a list of examples where citizens themselves have used particular records. Seek out access problems of interest to IRE. A large part of the committee's work is access to electronic records across the country and to help members gather ammunition for records fights. The work of this committee doesn't just help that one news organization; it helps everyone by setting precedents to open records.

Jennifer LaFleur can be reached at (408) 920-5728, or send e-mail to jenster@sjmercury.com