Abstract
Despite great volume of research into press–state relations, we know little about how journalists use information that has been generated through independent bureaucratic processes. The present study addresses this gap by investigating the role of freedom of information (FOI) laws in journalism practice. By surveying journalists ( n = 164), interviewing activists and civil servants ( n = 7) and submitting FOI requests to twenty-one ministerial departments in the United Kingdom, this study explores press-state interactions and the limits of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) application to advance the media’s monitorial function. The results show that journalists perceive FOIA as an essential tool for their work. However, they often described their experience as negative. They reported refusals lacking legal ground, delays, not responding at all or differential treatment. In response to gating access, journalists might also adopt tactics that use loopholes in the law. The press-state interactions, already marked by suspicion, thus, continue to perpetuate distrust. These findings might have implications for journalism practices, FOIAs’ potential for government oversight and democracy. In particular, the differential treatment of requests undermines equality under the law, one of the fundamental democratic principles. The study concludes with several policy recommendations for FOIA reform to meet journalists’ needs better.
Highlights
Despite great volume and diversity of research into press-state relations, we know little about how journalists use information that has been generated through independent bureaucratic processes
By surveying journalists (n=164), interviewing civic activists and civil servants (n=7) and submitting freedom of information (FOI) requests to 21 ministerial departments, this study contributes to a better understanding of the FOI laws’ role in journalism practice and press-state relations. It explores how journalists interact with bureaucracies in their search for information and shows that FOI laws have the potential to contribute to influential investigative reports
This study speaks about democratic societies, truth-seeking plays an essential role across different political regimes, as Roudakova (2017) demonstrated in her excellent book - Losing Pravda
Summary
Despite great volume and diversity of research into press-state relations, we know little about how journalists use information that has been generated through independent bureaucratic processes. By surveying journalists (n=164), interviewing civic activists and civil servants (n=7) and submitting FOI requests to 21 ministerial departments in the United Kingdom, this study explores the limits of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) application to advance the media’s monitorial function It sheds light on journalists’ interactions with bureaucracies in their pursuit of information. By surveying journalists (n=164), interviewing civic activists and civil servants (n=7) and submitting FOI requests to 21 ministerial departments, this study contributes to a better understanding of the FOI laws’ role in journalism practice and press-state relations. It explores how journalists interact with bureaucracies in their search for information and shows that FOI laws have the potential to contribute to influential investigative reports. This checking value is one of the press’ greatest assets, as it allows to raise the alarm with the public if and when those in power transgress the rules
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