Brechner News

Kaiser Health News reporter Christina Jewett is the winner of the 2019 Brechner Freedom of Information Award for exposing a secret federal database where regulators concealed millions of reported malfunctions in medical devices. Jewett’s March 2019 story, “Hidden Harm,” and extensive follow-up reporting led the Food and Drug Administration to…

Frank LoMonte, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Brechner Center for Freedom of Information director, was quoted in “How Much You Learn About COVID-19 Cases in St. Louis Depends on Where you Live” published in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on March 31. The article looks at the limited…

Frank LoMonte, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Brechner Center for Freedom of Information director, was quoted in “Cities, Legislatures Learn to Govern by Conference Call” published on pewtrusts.org on March 26. The article focuses on how the COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the use of remote video conferencing…

The University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Brechner Center for Freedom of Information and Center director Frank LoMonte were cited in “Federal Health Agencies Block reporters access to COVID-19 Experts and Information” published on healthnewsreview.org. The article focuses on journalists who are experiencing impeded access to COVID-19 experts…

Frank LoMonte, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Brechner Center for Freedom of Information director, was quoted in “Social Media Platforms Can Censor Speech, but Restrictions Might Be Coming” published in ADWEEK on Feb. 27. The article focuses on a ruling by San Francisco’s Ninth U.S. Circuit Court…

Frank LoMonte, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications (UFCJC) Brechner Center for Freedom of Information director, was interviewed in “Florida’s Top Doctor: Majority of Hepatitis A-Infected Restaurant Workers Kept Secret from Public” featured on WFTS, the ABC-television affiliate in Tampa, Florida on Feb. 24. The story focuses on…

Frank LoMonte, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications (UFCJC) Brechner Center for Freedom of Information director, was interviewed for the Feb. 18 edition of “Capital Report” broadcast on public radio stations throughout Florida. LoMonte commented on a push by the Florida Legislature to make presidential searches at Florida’s…

Frank LoMonte, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications (UFCJC) Brechner Center for Freedom of Information director is quoted in “Students Suspended for Racist Snapchat Messages Ask Court: Can School Police Off-Campus Speech?” published in The Washington Post on Feb. 12. The article focuses on a Snapchat discussion between…

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…