Here's what Sandhya Kambhampati, data reporter at ProPublica Illinois, has learned from submitting 1,018 FOI requests
In her first six months working at ProPublica, data reporter Sandhya Kambhampati sent more than 1,018 Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to government bodies, from the US Department of Transportation to the state lottery.
In this article on ProPublica, Kambhampati outlines what she's learned about FOI in the process, and provides three tips for reporters seeking to obtain information in the public interest. Although she works in the US, her advice can be applied by journalists working with FOI in the UK and elsewhere as well.
She recommends thinking about how an agency might respond and what objections they might raise to each request, being prepared by knowing the exemptions to the law that would allow them to withhold information, as well as creating a system for monitoring the requests you've submitted.
One important point she makes: journalists should remember "there's a human being behind every record and document", so being nice helps, and so does coming up with specific tactics for reaching out to various departments.
If you like our news and feature articles, you can sign up to receive our free daily (Mon-Fri) email newsletter (mobile friendly).
Sign up to receive job alerts of your choice by email, or manage your subscription
Featured recruiter: click to view its vacancies
One of the largest enterprise tech news websites seeks a reporter with a track record covering tech industry sectors to join its European editorial team
Subscribe to our newsletter for latest news, tips, jobs and more
End that deadline stress today and find help in our freelance directory
Personal trainer James Hilton has launched a podcast 'Jim's Gym - Inspiring Movement'. James, a specialist in biomechanics and injury recovery from the Cotswolds, runs Jim's Gym, a virtual online space supporting people over 55 to be more active
Our 35th Newsrewired conference will be held 13 May 2025, News UK, London.
Our community of experts gives a heads-up on the most important shifts your newsroom needs to prepare for this year
Conferences and study weeks are fantastic opportunities to get the latest updates on the industry and network with your peers
If you find your social feeds a tad too heavy on men's voices, follow and connect with these fantastic women experts on indie media
How do you move print readers to digital? Are there other ways to hold on to subscribers besides a last-ditch deal?
