Tale of Two Requesters: How Public Records Law Experiences Differ by Requester Types

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-2025

Publisher

Sage

Source Publication

Journalism

Source ISSN

1464-8849

Original Item ID

DOI: 10.1177/14648849241242988

Abstract

The journalism industry was central to the materialization of U.S. freedom of information (FOI) laws, yet journalists frequently voice dissatisfaction with the state of FOI laws. The study surveyed 330 public records requesters on their experiences with FOI laws, finding public-interest requesters (journalists, academics, nonprofits, and private individuals) reported a significantly different experience, including a lower likelihood of receiving records, than for-profit requesters (commercial requesters and lawyers). For-profit requesters were less likely to believe FOI laws positively impact government accountability or improve society. The findings suggest reassessing whom the laws serve and whether they meet their original democratic objectives.

Comments

Journalism, Vol. 26, No. 2 (February 2025): 325-344. DOI.

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