In recent years journalists have seen an increasing number of stall tactics being used and a lack of access to government employees and information.
These include agencies forcing reporters to go through Public Information Officers (PIOs) to speak to any employee, which often silences staff on critical matters. Then, once a PIO is contacted, there are sometimes other obstructions or monitoring that takes place. These can include, PIOs sitting in on interviews, asking to review questions or denying direct access to an employee.
SPJ and MuckRock officials gave these reasons for the project in a press release today:
“We believe a journalist’s access to direct information from government employees is important,†said Lynn Walsh, SPJ President-elect. “Lack of access, delayed access and even blocked access by a government public relations professional, communication personnel or public information officer, prevents, delays and can impede a journalist’s job: to accurately, fairly and ethically inform the public.â€
MuckRock Founder Michael Morisy agrees that giving journalists access to government officials is key to informed democracy. “The increasing trend of pushing off hard questions or even basic queries to press offices and canned statements may make public officials’ lives easier in the short term, but it robs them of the chance of truly engaging with their constituents and undermines public accountability and trust,” he said.
Journalists can submit their stories on how they are experiencing this pushback. Stories will also be shared on Twitter using the following hashtag: #AccessDenied or by Tweeting to @SPJ_Tweets and @MuckRock.
SPJ and MuckRock encourage journalists to submit the information and allow it to be shared publicly so other journalists can see what others are experiencing firsthand. It will also allow SPJ and MuckRock to share the information on social media and with government agencies.
The form also allows for anonymous submissions and the choice to keep submissions private. That information will be kept in the database and used in general terms or a broad analysis.
Inweekly may make its first submission later today.