Freedom of Information Act and Holding Power to Account

Intro to public affairs

What is public affairs?

• The business of governing

• How governing (central and local) works

Why do public affairs matter?

Journalists must have knowledge and understanding of the public sector so they can:

• Find and tell stories that are in the public interest

• Find, interpret and tell stories from publicly available data

• Use journalistic techniques to hold governing bodies to account

• Identify relevant and achievable sources and ask appropriate questions of interviewees.

What is the Freedom of Information Act 2000?

• Came into force January 2005

• Gives public right to access recorded information from more than 100,000 public authorities (include private bodies doing ‘public’ work)

• Imposes duty on public bodies to respond

• Anyone can apply (journalists and public)

What are public bodies?

• Government departments

• Councils

• Hospitals

• Schools

• Universities

• Police forces

• Quangos (semi-independent, at arms length)

What are Quangos?

Semi independent, at arms length

• BBC

• British Film Institute

• Health and Safety executive

• Forestry commission

• Sports ground safety authority