This past Saturday, the Community Journalism fellows traveled to UAB’s campus in downtown Birmingham for a Watchdog Journalism Conference, hosted by the IRE (Investigative Reporters and Editors). Each of us was asked to report on one of the sessions throughout the day.
When writing a story or beat that involves something in local government or any level agencies, it is nearly impossible to not use documents or databases. This is one of the topics which Mark Horvit, executive director of the IRE, shared his expertise. Horvit described being in a “document state of mind.” Journalists and ordinary citizens have a right to see and make copies of public documents. He advised to assume that every document is public and free
Here are some of the tips Horvit suggested on becoming familiar with any agency.
1. Ask for document/data retention schedules – each place will hold items for an amount of time
2. Take blank forms – this shows what information they’re collecting. Pet registration forms are a great way to get information, people will put all of their contact information if it means getting their pet back.
3 . Take a tour of the facility and take notes.
4. Get to know the document/data clerk and the IT people. They know exactly where to find things.
5. Take a look at the FOIA/open records request log. What has been asked for in the past, and what is the precedent?
6. Always look at the financial department, annual reports for the last 3 years, budget forms, vendor information, and audits (request management letter and pay attention to footnotes!)
Other good places to look for information:
- the employees, who isn’t there that was 5 years ago?
- boards/committees – who’s making the decisions?
- Who’s on the Chamber of Commerce, and who are they eating lunch with at a function?
- lawsuits are a gold mine for information – look for trends, depositions.
- EDGAR website – stock information
Horvit’s main point was that the government collects a ton of raw data, but then does nothing with it. Every person has a right to this information and it can often lead to a good story. A reporter with a local government beat should become very familiar with the agencies above and how to get the information they have a right to see.
