{"id":494,"date":"2017-08-09T16:49:14","date_gmt":"2017-08-09T16:49:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/training.wkustudentpubs.com\/?page_id=494"},"modified":"2024-04-30T20:05:46","modified_gmt":"2024-04-30T20:05:46","slug":"foia","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/training.wkustudentpubs.com\/index.php\/foia\/","title":{"rendered":"FOIA"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a beautiful thing for us journos. It\u2019s how we investigate, hold governments and institutions accountable, promote transparency and how we sometimes get ourselves sued. (Because stingy governments\/institutions say \u2018I\u2019m never gonna give you up\u2019 to the records hiding out in their filing cabinets)<\/p>\n

You should make FOIA requests a ritual. Bring on the FOIA Friday. Be curious. There\u2019s so much information you can FOIA.<\/p>\n

A little how-to:<\/p>\n

STEP 1:<\/strong> Determine what you want to know. Do you want personnel files, emails, complaints, etc.?<\/p>\n

STEP 2: <\/strong>Write up your request. (Using our template below) and send the magic email to Andrea Anderson, WKU\u2019s general counsel. Be sure to attach your request, fill out the subject line including the words – FOIA Request.<\/p>\n

STEP 3: <\/strong>Wait. In Kentucky, institutions have 3 days to respond. But it could take longer for you to actually get the records. In the meantime, hike up your sleeves and do some more research on your topic, and get ready to rumble when the records are finally in your hands.<\/p>\n

STEP 4: <\/strong>Digest. Once you have the records, take it all in. Read each word carefully and schedule additional interviews if necessary.<\/p>\n

STEP 5: <\/strong>Write your story! Once you have your records, interviews and the right attitude, get to work. Stories relying on documents as sources can be tedious, so take the time to do it right and quadruple-check your facts.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s some tips:<\/p>\n