Access to public records and officials is worsening, investigative reporters warn in survey

Nearly 70% of investigative journalists in the U.S. reported “limited access to records or sources” as their greatest barrier in doing accountability journalism, according to a survey from the University of Florida released Wednesday.

The survey, released in conjunction with UF’s awarding of the Collier Prize for State and Government Accountability, found that many investigative journalists face issues obtaining public records and interviews with government officials. Compounding their difficulties are financial, political and public pressures. Fifty-one journalists working at state or regional news organizations responded to the survey in March.