Wednesday, September 08, 2010
| More

Appleton Post Crescent and Green Bay Press Gazette

Not only does this site offer “tips and tricks” for seeking records under FOIA, it even links to a sample appeal letter for when you get turned down

image

Fort Myers News-Press

Readers are not just directed to key FOI links to help them “get involved,” they are invited to share their public records discoveries.

http://www.news-press.net/data/

image

Indianapolis Star

In addition to basic information on the state and federal laws, the site links to a state agency charged with enforcing the law and to a non-profit organization pressing for greater transparency.

http://www.indystar.com/section/NEWS03

image

Nashville Tennessean

The headings get right to the point, and include access to the courts, an area sometimes overlooked.

http://data.tennessean.com/

image

Rochester Democrat & Chronicle

Roc Docs provides URLs and e-mail addresses that can be used to submit records requests to state and local agencies.

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=rocdocs

image

The Oklahoman

Readers are reminded of the importance of open government laws in a box that opens the Right to Know page. Then there’s a separate box inviting readers to learn more, with links to state and federal records laws and open government resources.

http://newsok.com/right-to-know

image

Freedom of Information

Links to Resources and Right to Know Reminders
A number of media Wweb sites have packaged information on state and federal public records laws with their featured databases. They provide links to a variety of freedom of information resources and organizations, and to state and federal laws. The inclusion of the FOI links not only connects viewers with helpful information, it serves to boost the case for greater government transparency when readers are engaged and thinking about the utility of public records.

Here’s a look at what a half-dozen sites are doing.

Copyright 2010 by ASNE.org American Society of News Editors, 11690B Sunrise Valley Dr., Reston, VA 20191 703-453-1122