Abstract

The Access to information Act (ATIA) is an essential yet inadequate piece of legislation that, in theory, helps to facilitate democratic engagement. Making use of this legislation is an essential way for journalists to hold power to account, to provide the public with newsworthy information, to illuminate government officials’ decision-making processes, to verify information gained from other sources and to provide context for their readers.

Unfortunately, the challenges of navigating the ATIA pose significant setbacks for journalists. The most notable examples of these challenges include excessive delays, redactions, fees, and an inefficient complaints process. The inability to gain access to meaningful government information in a timely and cost-efficient manner deeply affects the quality of journalism that can be produced.
These practical challenges are combined with a financially strained news industry where fewer full-time journalists must accomplish more than their predecessors, with fewer available resources. There are multiple negative effects because of these issues: The ATIA is not being used to its fullest extent, the quality of journalism being produced is hampered by incomplete information, and the ability of citizens to make informed choices in the political sphere is obstructed.

This research addresses the lived experiences of journalists who navigate the ATIA as part of their journalistic practice. By drawing on original interviews, this thesis presents a thematic analysis of the most pressing issues that journalists face, as well as the most successful strategies that can be employed by journalists and the general public alike to gain access to government information.