by EJ Young

Created on: July 28, 2009

Sunshine laws, or open records laws, provide rich opportunities for journalists to uncover unique stories ideas. Getting the scoop from meetings and records available to the public might take some background work, but the investment can pay off big for a persistent reporter. Public meetings often provide unexpected drama and conflict of interested parties. If a reporter witnesses the action, the possibility for a high-interest relevant story is begging to be told.

Open records laws vary slightly from state to state, but most states hold the public's right to know as vital. In many states, the general public has the right not only to attend open sessions of city, county and state government, they also have the right to photograph or record information during these open meetings. That's not to say that a reporter should disrupt an organized meeting. However, interested parties are allowed to take pictures and record statements in a respectful manner causing as little distraction as possible. Unfortunately, many key public meetings are not always attended by members of the press or general public on a regular basis. When that happens, the public's right to know is compromised. Open records laws help as a check and balance system to keep public figures accountable for their actions and statements.

In the past, traditional newsrooms, covering municipalities would typically be assigned to a reporter as his/her beat. The reporter might sit through some tedious meetings, but find it worthwhile when friction between two board members erupts and the beat reporter gets the exclusive story and follow-up interviews. Due to staff cuts and the recent shift in media focus since digital technology entered the field; traditional beats are no longer assigned in many markets. That leaves an opportunity for an ambitious reporter hunting for story ideas. Make a schedule of public meetings in your city. Then make the effort to attend the school board meetings or the city government meetings on a regular basis over a period of time. Most likely, newsworthy stories exist in these venues. If nothing else, do people living in the area know their rights concerning open meeting rules? A feature story explaining the open meeting/sunshine law could be presented as a hook for follow up stories.

Attending public meetings is one way to cultivate story ideas, but there are other opportunities due to open record laws. For example, public records at county courthouses are just

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