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

18Ene 2010

Request Process in Germany

Summary: A Case of Administrative Silence - No Response to Our Request Request sent to Common register portal of the German Federal States (Click here) Outcome of request Administrative silence (Deadline for responding is 30 calendar days). Time taken to respond N/A Reason for refusal N/A   The request was sent on 31 October 2013 to the Common Register Portal

13Ene 2010

Request Process in Estonia

Summary: You Must Pay €286,000 for the Company Register Database Request sent to Ministry of Justice Outcome of request Information refused. Time taken to respond 1 day. Reason for refusal Must pay for access. Another law overrides FOI law.   The request was sent on 4 November 2013 to the Ministry of Justice by Access Info and its partner, Mikk

13Ene 2010

Request Process in Cyprus

Summary: No Right to Request, No Right to Receive Request sent to Department of the Registrar of Companies and Official Receiver (Click here). Outcome of request Information refused. Time taken to respond 9 working days (no official deadline as there is no freedom of information law) Reason for refusal No access to information law.   On 28 August 2013, Access

13Ene 2010

Request Process in Armenia

Summary: Younger Laws on Fees Prevail over Right to Information Request sent to State Register of Legal Entities (Click here). Outcome of request Information refused. Time taken to respond 3 days (deadline is 5 working days). Reason for refusal Must pay for access. Another law overrides FOI law.   The initial request, translated into Armenian, was sent to the State

6Ene 2010

Request Process in the United Kingdom

Summary: Information That Must Be Paid For Is Exempt Under the Freedom of Information Act Request sent to Companies House (Click here) Outcome of request Information refused. Time taken to respond 7 working days (Deadline is 20 working days) Reason for refusal No need to answer if info is already available.   On 17 February 2015, Access Info Europe requested

17Dic 2009

Access Info in the News 2009

News Articles from 2009   Una ley asegurará al ciudadano el control de la gestión pública Público | 13/12/09 Spanish - La prometida ley de transparencia pública obligará a las Administraciones e instituciones públicas a facilitar a cualquier ciudadano toda información oficial que no esté expresamente sujeta a reserva por razones de Estado o de protección del derecho a la