Knight Foundation
March 15, 2017
In an important contribution to Sunshine Week, University of Arizona associate professor of journalism David Cuillier has published a report that shines a light on access to public information, both on the state and national levels. The Knight Foundation-supported report, “Forecasting Freedom of Information,” confirmed what many journalists are experiencing in the field: obtaining public records has become more difficult in the past four years – with lengthy delays, ignored requests, excessive fees and outmoded technology.
The report is based on a survey of 300 people–journalists, advocates, record custodians, technology companies, scholars and freedom of information experts, and includes recommendations of what can be done to defend the public’s right to know. Knight Foundation supports this work; we believe that informed and engaged communities are essential to healthy democracy.