Brechner News

Sara Ganim, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Brechner Center for Freedom of Information Hearst Journalism fellow, discussed her new independent film, “No Defense: The U.S. Government’s War on Water” on “First Friday Focus on the Environment: New PFAS Film to Open in Ann Arbor” on WEMU 89.1…

Journalism published during 2019 that draws on public records, or highlights secrecy in government, is eligible for a $3,000 cash prize. The Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Award is presented annually to recognize outstanding news coverage that promotes transparent, accountable government. Applications are due Feb. 28, and details about how…

A paper by the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Brechner Center for Freedom of Information was referenced in “Gag Clauses for California State Workers, Public Employees Might Violate First Amendment Rights” published in The Sacramento Bee on Jan. 6. The article focuses on how California agencies are…

Sara Ganim, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Brechner Center for Freedom of Information Hearst Journalism fellow, was featured in “It’s All Journalism: Lead Reporter in Sandusky Case Now Investigating Barriers in School Data Reporting” published on the Association of Alternate Newsmedia website on Dec. 12. In her…

Is the public entitled to request documents kept by state legislators? Can a requester be sued by the government just for filing a freedom-of-information request — and is there a way to get such harassing litigation easily dismissed without spending a fortune on legal fees? The newly published second issue…

Federal student privacy law has been abused and distorted to deny journalists access to records essential for public safety, a coalition of media and First Amendment organizations told the U.S. Supreme Court Monday, urging justices to accept author Jon Krakauer’s petition in a much-watched freedom-of-information case. Krakauer, the acclaimed author…

Frank LoMonte, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Brechner Center for Freedom of Information director, is the author of “Putting the ‘Public’ Back into Public Employment: A Roadmap for Challenging Prior Restraints That Prohibit Government Employees from Speaking to the News Media” published in the University of Kansas…

Frank LoMonte, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Brechner Center for Freedom of Information director, is quoted in “Lawsuit Over Underhill’s Facebook May Set Precedent for How Politicians Use Social Media” published in Pensacola News Journal on Nov. 18. The article focuses on a lawsuit against Escambia County…

Rachael Jones, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Brechner Center for Freedom of Information legal fellow and UF law student Virginia Hamrick, are the authors of “Reporting on NDAs and #MeToo: How the Press May Obtain Standing to Challenge NDAs” published in the American Bar Association’s Communications Lawyer,…

Frank LoMonte, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Brechner Center for Freedom of Information director, and Jasmine McNealy, CJC Telecommunication associate professor, are quoted in “First, Do No Harm – But How?” published in Phi Delta Kappan on Nov. 6. The article focuses on requests to remove previously…

Frank LoMonte, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Brechner Center for Freedom of Information director, and Brechner Journalism Fellow Miranda Spivack, will speak at a Freedom of Information Workshop on Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. at the UF Levin College of Law Chesterfield Smith Memorial Classroom. The public…

Frank LoMonte, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Brechner Center for Freedom of Information director, is quoted in “A Northern Kentucky Family Court Judge Has Her Own Divorce Records Sealed in Another County” published in The Cincinnati Enquirer on Oct. 28. The article focuses on Kenton County Family…