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Quotable FOI Experts

Need a quote on deadline for a story about a closed meeting or records request denial? Nobody is around to speak out against the secrecy? No problem! Talk to FOI experts to get their take on things, add depth to your story, and get no-holds-barred quotes. You might not be able call your government leaders secret, fascist SOBs, but these folks just might!

SPJ FOI Committee members

SPJ's FOI committee members are ready and willing to talk to you about your problem and provide (non-legal) advice and quotes. Check out the committee contact information here. Also, SPJ sometimes issues letters on behalf of the SPJ president in support of journalists for especially egregious cases.

Your state SPJ sunshine chair

Check with your state SPJ sunshine chair, who should be able to help you or send you to someone else who can. The list is posted on the SPJ website.

Your state freedom of information coalition leaders

The National Freedom of Information Coalition, based out of the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism, coordinates coalitions in nearly every state. To find your state’s coalition contact information, go here. Also, check out the list of FOI groups compiled by SPJ.

Your state press association

Directors of state press associations often know more about access in your state than anyone else, and they are passionate about serving the public’s interest. For a press association in your state, check out this online directory of state associations.

Campus access

The Student Press Law Center advocates for campus press access to records and meetings. Contact the center for assistance, free legal advice and a quote from its director. Also, check out their helpful guides on accessing campus crime information.

Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press

This group fights hard for access and reporter rights. Contact them to let them know about your problem or get a quote. Also, if you go to the Open Government Guide for your state, read about your public records and meetings laws and then contact the expert who wrote the explanation and summary for the guide.

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Click here to contact the Project Sunshine Chair in your state.