Freedom of Information - Society of Professional Journalists

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Freedom of Information

SPJ's Freedom of Information Committee is the watchdog of press freedoms across the nation. It relies upon a network of volunteers in each state organized under Project Sunshine. These SPJ members are on the front lines for assaults to the First Amendment and when lawmakers attempt to restrict the public's access to documents and the government's business. The committee often is called upon to intervene in instances where the media is restricted.

The Whistleblower Project

The Society of Professional Journalists and the Government Accountability Project have teamed up with several other whistleblowing and media organizations to inform journalists on how they can safely work with whistleblowers, and have created a comprehensive case for why those brave workers who risk everything should be praised and better protected.

Quill:
World Press Freedom Day hits home

Public information officers

Who they are, why they're a problem for journalists and the public, and what we're doing about it.

Related: Case studies: Seven attempts by PIOs to stymie journalism

SPJ Leak Seeker: Here’s how to share information with reputable news media

Some of journalism’s greatest contributions to society are built on the documents and information leaked to news organizations from employees of governments and private organizations. Many reputable news organizations offer secure pathways for people wanting to leak information, and SPJ is building a list to help facilitate the effort.

Find FOI near you

Get in touch with the Sunshine chair or chairs in your state and find FOI Centers, quotable sources, resources and more.

Get in touch with the Sunshine chair or chairs in your state and find FOI Centers, quotable sources, resources and more.

Related Links:
— Project Sunshine
— SPJ Local Connection: Find SPJ leaders in your area
— Quill: Stories About FOI
— More FOI Resources

First Amendment Forever Fund

It isn’t getting any easier to fight for press freedom. It’s getting worse. The Forever Fund is a sustained war chest to guarantee someone is always fighting for press freedom. If we don’t do it, who will?

– More information
– Frequently asked questions
– Pledge your support

Legal Defense Fund

The Society's Legal Defense Fund provides journalists with legal or direct financial assistance. SPJ collects and distributes contributions for aiding journalists in defending the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment.

— More information
— How to request an LDF grant
— LDF in action

SPJ’s Campus Access Center

Whether it’s a campus chapter, student media outlet or individual, SPJ is here to offer advice, training and up-to-date information on important freedom of information decisions.

The Society of Professional Journalists is here to support student journalists nationwide as they begin to mold their careers. Whether it’s a campus chapter, student media outlet or individual, SPJ is here to offer advice, training and up-to-date information on important freedom of information decisions.

Follow this link for resources that can help you and your chapter regarding freedom of information news and education.

SMACK: Student Media Aid, Cash & Know-how

Has your student media been censored or threatened? We want to know. We want to help. Read on to find out how SPJ defends student journalists.

– SMACK Home
– J Team: Smack some sense into your censors
– Bayonet Awards: Recognizing the nation's edgiest student journalists
– News: College Media Watchdog

FOI step-by-step guides

If you're unfamiliar with FOIA laws or just need some guidance, we can help.

– FOI for students
– FOI for pros

Unfamiliar with FOI laws? Need help submitting a records request? Request denied and don’t know what to do now? Just overwhelmed in general and need a place to start?

The Society of Professional Journalists seeks to maintain constant vigilance in protecting the First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and of the press and encouraging a climate in which journalism can be practiced freely. If you're unfamiliar with the laws or just need some guidance, these guides — for pros and students — can help.

— FOI for students: A step-by-step guide
— FOI for pros: A step-by-step guide

Introducing iFOIA

The Sigma Delta Chi Foundation provided funding to the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press to help update its Open Government Guide. That updated guide led to the development of the RCFP’s new project, iFOIA.

Access Denied: A survey of media access to public officials

In recent years journalists have seen an increasing number of stall tactics being used and a lack of access to government employees and information. To find out how often it's happening, SPJ and MuckRock are asking for your help.

FOI Guides

– Reporter’s Guide to FERPA: Family Education Rights and Privacy Act
– Covering Prisons: Policies, contacts, tips and more

Quill: Stories About FOI
– World Press Freedom Day hits home
– Student press freedom laws gain momentum
– Isolation and harassment: My life as a female journalist in Pakistan
– When journalists aren’t trusted, corruption often follows

Quill: World Press Freedom Day hits home

World Press Freedom Day hits home

FOI Guides

Quill:
World Press Freedom Day hits home