Entries for the 2025 Brechner Freedom of Information Award are being accepted through Jan. 10, 2025, to recognize outstanding records-based news reporting aired or published during 2024. 

The award has been presented annually since 1986 by the Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Project at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications to reward excellence in reporting that draws on government documents and data, shedding light on official secrecy. The first-place winner will receive $3,000. It is free to enter. 

Non-academic stories or series of stories related to freedom of information or based heavily on public records, and published in a general circulation news medium (print, online or broadcast) will meet contest eligibility. Successful contestants will showcase how their reporting drew on documents and data to spotlight previously under-appreciated issues or otherwise used the power of transparency for the public’s benefit against untoward secrecy in powerful institutions.

To apply, email to the Brechner FOI Project (brechnerreport@jou.ufl.edu) one PDF that includes, in order: 

1. A cover letter explaining the inception of the story, how it was produced, use of records, and how it led to more transparency using government documents and data. 
2. Links to any multimedia or video work. If it is behind a paywall, include a login and password. 
3. The print versions of the stories. 

Joint or collaborative efforts among new organizations are welcomed. Articles that have won the award in the past have appeared in The Associated Press, Reuters, The Oregonian, Miami Herald, The Washington Post, Dallas Morning News, Houston Chronicle, Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Kaiser Health News. Read more about the past winners. 

For more information, contact Sydney Sims, sydney.sims@ufl.edu.

Posted: November 22, 2024
Category: Brechner News
Tagged as: Brechner Awards, Brechner FOI Project, Brechner Freedom of Information Project