Journalists File Fewer FOIA Lawsuits

Poynter.org has this article on the decrease in the number of lawsuits filed by the media for open records, including the FOIA.

I believe the major reason that media companies do not file more FOIA suits is that many still cling to a 1980's version of the legal landscape -- i.e. only large law firms that charge top dollar per hour can file these types of suits.  Of course, as someone with a solo law practice who has filed many FOIA lawsuits, I know that isn't true, but it remains an impediment in getting media companies active in filing FOIA actions.   

Comments

[Andrew Paterson]

That may well be the case, but also the general budget cutback is another likely explanation and the same cutbacks have reduced the number of reporters too. In short,newspapers 'ain't what they used to be'. I think this trend is allowing local corruption to go unnoticed or unreported. In my local town, but for some "sex" - which guaranteed reader prurient interest (and local television coverage) - the Kwame Kilpatrick clan would still be grifting the Detroit/Wayne county citizens.
Really, on a local level, newspapers have lost relevance and some FOIA isn't what the 'marketing managers' that now run media have any interest in. Journalism is dying, sadly.