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

24Jul 2009

Spain: Coalicion Pro Acceso

7 October 2008 Spanish President Zapatero commits to adopt an access to information law Access Info welcomed today's announcement by the Spanish Government and called for the drafting of the law to be open and transparent, with full participation of civil society. Spanish President José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero speaking today at the closing of the 64th Assembly of the Inter-American Press

24Jul 2009

European Union key problems

Access Info has identified some key problems with EU transparency: People are having problems getting access to information: the European Ombudsman’s report for 2008 says that 36% of citizens’ complaints relate to transparency and access to documents. But at the same time, most users of the EU’s access rules are businesses rather than journalists, civil society organisations or members of

23Jul 2009

Council of Europe Intro Section

Council of Europe Convention on Access to Official Documents The world’s first treaty on the right to know was adopted by the Council of Europe on 27 November 2008. This treaty, the Council of Europe Convention on Access to Official Documents, was opened for signature on 18 June. Any of the 47 member states of the Council of Europe can

14Dic 2008

Access Info en los medios 2008

Noticias de 2008 Report claims right of access to information is not fully recognised statewatch.org | 03/11/08 English - In October 2008, Access Info Europe published a report on access to information requests filed in Spain, in relation to Spanish law and the practices of public administrations, and to a set of principles drawn from international standards. It argues that

21Dic 2007

Access info in the news 2007

News Articles from 2007 España sigue sin tener una Ley de Acceso a la Información públicaConsumers International and Sector Humano | 02/10/07Spanish - Con ocasión del Día Internacional del derecho a Saber, quince ONG españolas denuncian que el gobierno no ha cumplido su promesa electoral de adoptar una ley de acceso a la información pública que garantice la transparencia del

21Dic 2006

Access Info en los medios 2006

Noticias de 2006 Freedom of info: More than a paper right Local Governance Brief | 01/07/06 English -  Freedom of information is vital to keeping finances open FOI laws have become the norm worldwide, but their inconsistent execution requires vigilance from tax payers and civil society. Read more... Info Commissioners Meet in Manchester freedominfo.org | 31/05/06 English - Delegates from