Description
Book SynopsisFreedom of Information: A Practical Guide for UK Journalists is written to inform, instruct and inspire journalists on the investigative possibilities offered by the Freedom of Information Act.
Covering exactly what the Act is, how to make FOI requests and how to use the Act to hold officials to account, Matt Burgess utilises expert opinions, relevant examples and best practice from journalists and investigators working with the Freedom of Information Act at all levels.
The book is brimming with illuminating and relevant examples of the Freedom of Information Act being used by journalists, alongside a range of helpful features, including:
end-of-chapter lists of tips and learning points;
sections addressing the different areas of FOI requests;
text boxes on key thoughts and cases;
interviews with leading contemporary journalists and figures working with FOI requests.
Supported by the online FOI Directory (w
Trade Review
Excellent concept... The topics look right, and the order of presentation makes sense... I am curious why the author doesn’t seem to list journalists associated with the Guardian or the Independent, both of which have made considerable use of FOI. – Jane Kirtley, Silha Professor of Media Ethics and Law at the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Minnesota, USA
The outline looks fully inclusive and suitable for the identified target audience. It might be important to sales, and placement of the book, that the title somehow reflect that it is U.K. specific. – Shannon Martin, School of Journalism, Indiana University, USA
FOI is a useful tool for journalists and one increasingly accepted and acknowledged. A guide would be useful and attractive to a wide audience... Throughout I would ensure that there are plenty of case studies and quotes-I would recommend using in- text boxes to give small vignettes and cases throughout the book. Each chapter should end with tips...I would use the interviews to inform the vignettes/cases throughout.– Benjamin Worthy, Department of Politics, Birkbeck College, London, UK
I would suggest including Heather Brooke as one of the interviewees for the book, even if she’s written a competing book. Brooke is one of the most effective users of FOI in the UK. – Johan Lidberg, Senior Lecturer in Journalism, School of Journalism, Australian and Indigenous Studies, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
There is good detail on the possible competition from other books. I know all of these and I regard this proposal - if it succeeds - in being potentially better for journalists. – Dr Eamonn O’Neill, Director, MSc in Investigative Journalism, Strathclyde University, UK
Table of Contents1. The Act 2. FOI in the media’s view 3. Accessing other information 4. The FOI exemptions 5. How to write a successful FOI request 6. How to utilise FOI 7. Case studies 8. Know your rights 9. Appeals 10. Journalistic considerations 11. FOI Around the World 12. The rise of open data Appendix: Request templates
