Communication

Annual Nieman Lecture to highlight ‘The Fight for FOIA,’ April 2

Three panelists will discuss the importance of the Freedom of Information Act at the Diederich College of Communication’s annual Nieman Lecture on Tuesday, April 2, at 4 p.m. in the Lubar Center for Public Policy and Civic Education. A virtual Teams option will also be available.

The Freedom of Information Act, the federal law recognizing the public’s right to government information, is over 50 years old but faces challenges old and new. The advent of the internet and digital records has created a new world of opportunities and impediments for laws originally designed for a hard-copy era.

This year’s panelists include Margaret Kwoka, professor of law at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law; Mark Walker, investigative reporter for The New York Times; and Nick Penzenstadler, investigative reporter and FOIA coordinator for USA Today. The panel will consider the state of freedom of information laws, including enduring problems, such as delay and access to law enforcement, and potential solutions.

Registration is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.