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Audio recording of "Public records track: Navigating FOIA," a session at the IRE 2023 conference in Orlando on Saturday, June 24, 2023.

Session description: The U.S. Freedom of Information Act can serve as a gateway to vital information about how the federal government is operating at the national, state and local levels, but too often journalists are stonewalled when requesting records under the law. This session will cover strategies you can use to find success with FOIA, including practical tips you can apply when drafting requests, engaging with records custodians, asking for expedited processing or looking for records that might be public in other places.

We’ll also address ways to respond to public records denials, and where to find pro bono resources that can help you take action to compel agencies to comply with the law.

This session was planned in collaboration with Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and sponsored by the TEGNA Foundation. IRE retains control of content, including the topic and speaker selection, for all conference sessions.