Borowski: We use and fight for open records. When we do, we're fighting for you as well

Yahoo! News - Mar 14th, 2025
Open on Yahoo! News

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel actively advocates for transparency and access to public records, emphasizing the importance of open meetings and records laws, particularly under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). As part of Sunshine Week, the publication celebrates the First Amendment by empowering citizens with the knowledge and tools to access information about government actions. The Journal Sentinel has utilized these laws to uncover critical stories, such as issues within Milwaukee County’s “Brady List” and problems at the Milwaukee Housing Authority.

Expanding their advocacy, Journal Sentinel staff have initiated public records training for community groups, helping residents understand and utilize public records. This initiative aims to promote civic engagement and accountability. However, challenges remain as some officials, like those at the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s office, have started imposing restrictions on information access. The newspaper continues to push back against such barriers and encourages public support for independent journalism, highlighting the vital role transparency plays in maintaining a well-informed citizenry.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.2
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article effectively highlights the importance of open records and transparency, particularly during Sunshine Week. It provides a clear and engaging narrative that underscores the role of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in advocating for public access to information. The use of specific examples and actionable steps enhances reader engagement and underscores the public interest in the topic. However, the article could benefit from a broader range of sources and perspectives to provide a more balanced view of the challenges and complexities involved in accessing public records. Overall, it serves as a compelling call to action for readers to support transparency and engage with civic issues.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story accurately describes the role of Sunshine Week and the importance of open records laws, aligning with known facts about these initiatives. The article's claims about the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's use of public records for investigative reporting are verifiable, as specific examples like the 'Brady List' investigation are mentioned. However, some claims, such as the recent changes in information availability from the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s office, require further verification, as they are presented without direct evidence or sources. Overall, the article provides a truthful and precise account of public records' significance, though it could benefit from more detailed sourcing.

7
Balance

The article predominantly presents a pro-transparency perspective, emphasizing the benefits of open records and the challenges faced in accessing them. While it acknowledges exceptions to open records laws, it does not explore opposing viewpoints, such as the reasons for these exceptions or the challenges faced by officials in maintaining transparency. The lack of perspectives from government officials or those who might oppose certain transparency measures suggests a potential imbalance. Including such viewpoints could provide a more rounded discussion of the complexities involved in public records access.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, concise language to convey its message. The logical flow from discussing the importance of open records to specific examples of their use aids comprehension. However, the narrative occasionally assumes a level of familiarity with local issues that may not be present for all readers. Despite these minor issues, the overall tone remains neutral and informative, supporting reader understanding.

6
Source quality

The article primarily relies on the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's reporting and experiences, which are credible but lack external validation from other sources. The inclusion of specific examples and the names of reporters involved lend some authority, yet the absence of direct quotes or references from outside experts or officials limits the breadth of source quality. Furthermore, the story would benefit from more diverse sources to enhance its reliability and depth.

7
Transparency

The article is transparent about its motivations and the role of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in advocating for open records. It clearly states its involvement in public records training and the challenges faced in obtaining records. However, the methodology behind some claims, such as the costs associated with obtaining records, is not fully explained. Greater transparency about the underlying data or specific instances could strengthen the article's credibility.