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

7Ene 2018

Solo el 40% de la información que impulsa las decisiones políticas es transparente

El Boletín| 07/01/2018 Español - La organización por el derecho de acceso a la información Access Info pide al Defensor del Pueblo europeo que exija al Consejo de la UE un aumento “significativo” de la transparencia en el proceso legislativo, con especial hincapié en lo que atañe a las posiciones de cada estado miembro en las negociaciones sobre leyes comunitarias.

3Ene 2018

Access Info calls for greater transparency of Council of the EU in submission to European Ombudsman

Madrid, 3 January 2018 – Access Info has recommended that the Council of the European Union significantly increase transparency of the legislative process, in particular by providing the public with details on the positions that EU Member States take in negotiations on legislation. These recommendations were submitted to the European Ombudsman’s consultation held as part of her enquiry into transparency

20Dic 2017

European Ombudsman Decision: Commission should stop requiring requesters to provide postal addresses

Madrid, 20 December 2017 – In response to a complaint by Access Info Europe, the European Ombudsman has concluded that the European Commission’s practice of verifying the identity of persons making requests for access to documents by asking for their postal addresses is “disrespectful of citizens and their fundamental rights under the EU Charter” and constitutes "maladministration". The Ombudsman's formal

11Dic 2017

Las Actas del Consejo de Ministros publicadas por primera vez en España

Madrid, 11 de diciembre de 2017 – Tras varios meses de investigación y solicitudes de acceso a la información, Access Info Europe, en colaboración con el periodista Jesús Escudero, publica la práctica totalidad de las Actas del Consejo de Ministros entre 1996 y 2017; una información de gran relevancia para saber cómo se toman las decisiones y que facilita la

30Nov 2017

Un vídeo de 15 minutos y PowerPoints: así entrena la UE a los «guardacostas» libios

El Confidencial | 30/11/2017 Español - Técnicas de interrogación, análisis de documentos o recomendaciones sobre cómo informar de un incidente. La Unión Europea ha reiterado la importancia del respeto a los derechos humanos con los refugiados en el marco de la operación Sophia, actuación que pretende desmantelar las redes de tráfico de inmigrantes en el mar Mediterráneo. En cambio, la