How To Uncover Secrets: A Guide For Aspiring Citizen Journalists | Online

About this event

Getting the scoop is a trying task for any journalist or curious citizen but when it comes to Freedom of Information (FOI), not all needs to be as opaque as it seems.

William Summers, the first blogger to be a Walkley finalist for breaking the Section 44 citizenship story, has been a student of the system for many years, both here and in the U.K. Summer, who is also a Crikey contributor will confidently guide you through the FOI act, ways that authorities may hinder you, examples of FOI success and how you can appeal decisions.

Agenda:

• Check-in 6:00 - 6:15 pm
• Welcome and Introduction 6:15 - 6.20 pm
• Presentation by William Summers 6.20 - 7:00 pm
• Audience Q&A 7.00 - 7:30 pm
li>Event wrap up and next steps on how to get started as a citizen journalist 7.30 - 7:40 pm

Takeaways

Participants will learn:

• What the Freedom of Information (FOI? Act can do (with examples).
• How to do it well.
• Common exemptions used.
• Other ways the authorities try to hinder you.
• What happens if you are refused (process of appeal).
• A practical FOI example.