The Document Divide: Public Record Requester Demographics, Efficacy and Those Left Behind
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-2025
Publisher
SAGE
Source Publication
News Research Journal
Source ISSN
3049-7841
Original Item ID
DOI: 10.1177/30497841251345067
Abstract
Democratic theory suggests that people require accurate information, often via newspaper journalists, to make informed decisions and adequately self-govern. A survey of 330 U.S. public record requesters found that they skew heavily toward being White, male, non-Hispanic, educated, older, and affluent, compared with the U.S. population and the journalism community. Implications are discussed for journalism and society, particularly in light of newspaper layoffs and closures and heightened government secrecy.
Recommended Citation
Cuillier, David and Wagner, A. Jay, "The Document Divide: Public Record Requester Demographics, Efficacy and Those Left Behind" (2025). College of Communication Faculty Research and Publications. 709.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/comm_fac/709
Comments
News Research Journal, Vol. 46, No. 3 (September 2025): 346-365. DOI.