Empoderando al periodismo2021-08-30T12:55:14+02:00

EMPODERANDO AL PERIODISMO A TRAVÉS DEL DERECHO DE ACCESO A LA INFORMACIÓN

EL MANUAL ‘LEGAL LEAKS’ AYUDA A PERIODISTAS A OBTENER 
INFORMACIÓN USANDO LAS LEYES DE ACCESO A LA INFORMACIÓN

Why is the right of access to information important for journalism?

Journalists play a central role in initiating and stimulating public debates, but face constant challenges in accessing information from public bodies, particularly when that information relates to sensitive issues such as corruption, organised crime, environmental contamination, or relationships with business and lobby groups. The right of access to information and access to information laws have become a crucial tool in this context. They guarantee journalists access to information held by public bodies for their stories and investigations, enabling them to exercise their role as public watchdogs in our democracies.

A Guide for Journalists on How to Access Information

The Legal Leaks Toolkit, developed by Access Info Europe and n-ost, helps journalists access information using Access to Information laws. The Toolkit is available in a generic international version and can be adapted to the legal framework of any country. The existing national versions, translated into local languages, are available below. You can also read more below about our training programme and about how to contact
the Legal Leaks Help Desk.

Why do media experts think access to information is important?

Journalists, activists, and media experts speak about the importance of access to information in their daily work. Watch all interviews here!

That little detail in the relationship between journalists and sources, that little one, is so important that could change the way in which we tell stories.
Juan Luis Sánchez, Deputy Director of eldiario.es

It is extremely important that there is this mechanism that you can use as a journalist to say «Hang on a minute, you need to give us this, because we have a right to know».
Ana Petruševa, Managing Editor, Balkan Insight, BIRN Country Director Macedonia
It’s a great way to get stories, it’s a great way to fin out what governments in particular are doing, it’s a great way to find out where money goes, it’s a great way to prove accountability.
Gavin Sheridan, Investigative Journalist and FOI Expert

The right of access to information is very important for the journalists’ work; it’s important for everyday work, but it’s even more important for investigations.
Alexander Kashumov, Head of the Legal Team; Access to Information Programme Bulgaria
Journalism is about investigation, it’s about asking questions; but it’s about documents as well, as a proof for questions, as a proof for answers
Christian Mihr, Executive Director of Reporters Without Borders Germany

Basically, I need access to information to do my job as someone who is supposed to ensure the accountability of politicians, of public officials.
Marcus Hametner, Co-Founder, Forum Informationsfreiheit Austria

Cover photo: European Parliament via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

ÚLTIMAS NOTICIAS SOBRE EMPODERANDO AL PERIODISMO

25Ene 2010

Request Process in Montenegro

Summary: If Information Is Already Available Online, There Is No Obligation to Facilitate Further Access Request sent to Central Registry of Companies (CRPS) Commission for Securities (CfS) Outcome of request Central Registry of Companies (CRPS): Information Refused Commission for Securities (CfS): Information Refused Time taken to respond Central Registry of Companies: 8 working days (deadline is 15 working days). When

24Ene 2010

Request Process in Moldova

Summary: You Must Pay For Access to the Company Register Information Request sent to State Chamber of Registration (Click here) Outcome of request Information refused. Time taken to respond 6 working days (Deadline is 15 working days) Reason for refusal Must pay for access.   On 14 August 2013, Access Info and our partner Iurie Sanduta submitted the initial request for

24Ene 2010

Request Process in Malta

Summary: Information That Is Available For a Fee Is Excluded From the Freedom of Infomation Act Request sent to Financial Services Authority (Click here) Outcome of request Information refused Time taken to respond 1 day for initial response (Deadline is 20 working days) Reason for refusal FOI exceptions applied to registers.   On 28 August 2013, Access Info sent a

24Ene 2010

Request Process in Lithuania

Summary: You Need to Pay For Access - The Data is Sold at Cost-Price to Cover the Running Costs of the Register Request sent to Centre of Registers (Click here) Outcome of request Information Refused Time taken to respond 1 working day (Deadline is 20 working days) Reason for refusal Must pay for access. (They are charging "cost-price" for the

24Ene 2010

Request Process in Latvia

Summary: You Must Pay to Access Information Unless You Work for the Government Request sent to Ministry of Justice Outcome of request Information refused. Time taken to respond 23 working days (The deadline is 15 working days) Reason for refusal Must pay for access. Another law overrides FOI law.   On 23 July 2013 an initial request for access to

24Ene 2010

Request Process in Gibraltar

Summary: No Freedom of Information Law and You Must Pay For Access Request sent to Companies House Gibraltar (Click here) Outcome of request Information refused. Time taken to respond 25 working days from original request (No FOI law in Gibraltar) Reason for refusal Must pay for access. No access to information law.   An initial request was sent on 28