Matthew Davis, an expert in media law and an entrepreneur of the Freedom of Information Act paid the University of Winchester a visit today to tell it's journalism students a little more about what is a boon for the press in the 21st Century.
Davis claims to have held a 'cynical' view of what could be gained using the Act back in 2004 until, that same year, he was converted to believing it to be conducive to good journalism. Hitherto FOI there was much less access to authorised information in the UK.
As he mastered the art of the request, Davis was soon earning success with FOI-based data and details that he could offer to the UK national dailies at a price. Due to the nature of pursuing FOI stories, it is presumable that specific requests-cum-reports can easily be exclusive.
Notable articles Davis has provided for using this information advantage include exposed X-ray overdose, recidivism and stressed police officers being relieved of their daily duties.
Davis told students currently studying single honours journalism at UOW how "there had never been a balance of power before", referring to the conflict of interest between the press and the bureaucrats. He then added: "but now we can demand an answer".
He colourfully cited bureaucratic intervention as the "tentacles of the state...reaching into the dark corners of private lives". He also mentioned that the Act can be a double-edged sword; public sector bodies are easier to request from, leaving the private sector often unquestioned.
As well as describing FOI as a press tool overall, he went into some depth about the skills needed to utilise it to full effect. He told students: "don't be too cynical...find a target". Method is equal to the measure of an investigation.
Davis made it clear that research prior to kicking up a fuss on a particular subject is necessary as it gives you the ammunition to sustain a competent story. Again, bureaucracy found its way into the discussion as he warned students of the dangers of jargon or 'pomp language', which often complicates contact with an organisation or authority.
Other tips akin to playing the FOI field effectively included finding relevant comparisons for any statistics you use in order to fortify your statements and that specialising in a particular subject or issue can keep you in good stead.
Davis is certainly the kind of advocate of practicality the FOI Act needs to give it good exposure - for individual or organisation at fault, exposure of their shortcomings is never a good thing.
Passed in 2000 as a concession to journalists and the public on the grounds that such a tool is requisite for a trustworthy and optimal democracy, the FOI Act swiftly became the no.1 new method for securing a scoop for the press.
Matthew Davis founded his own company DataNews Ltd., which aims to extend information obtained using FOI legislation to newspaper publishers and other media outlets. He also teaches media law at Brighton Journalism Works.
No comments:
Post a Comment