Brechner Center for Freedom of Information Archives

Brechner Center for Freedom of Information

David Cuillier Comments on the Removal of “Alligator Alcatraz” Contracts from Online Database

Thursday July 24, 2025

David Cuillier, director of the Brechner Freedom of Information (FOI) Project, was quoted in “’Alligator Alcatraz’ Contracts Disappeared From a Florida State Database” published on reason.com on July 22. The article focuses on state contracts for …

Brechner FOI Project to Assist Transparency Groups with $1.25 Million Press Forward Grant to Help Journalists Obtain Government Records

Wednesday July 16, 2025

A new partnership led by MuckRock and involving the National Freedom of Information Coalition (NFOIC), the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and the Brechner Freedom of Information Project is working to help journalists acquire the information they …

Study: The COVID-19 Pandemic Affected College Media Outlet Routines, Revenues and Digital Products

Thursday July 13, 2023

A new study has found that the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the independence of college media outlets both during and after the pandemic. The findings by University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications doctoral student Jessica …

Janet Coats Will Speak About the Brechner Center at Alachua County Library District’s Freedom of Information Day

Wednesday March 15, 2023

Janet Coats, managing director of the Consortium on Trust in Media and Technology (CTMT) at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications, will speak about the College’s Brechner Center for Freedom of Information at the Alachua County …

Dave Cuillier Named Director of the Brechner Freedom of Information Project

Tuesday February 21, 2023

The University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications today announced that David Cuillier has been named director of the Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Project. He will join the College on July 1, 2023. The Freedom of Information …

Entry Period for $3,000 Brechner Freedom of Information Award Now Open

Monday January 30, 2023

The Brechner Center for Freedom of Information today announced that the entry period for the 2023 Brechner Center for Freedom of Information Award, recognizing excellence in news reporting across all media platforms that was aired or published during 2022. …

Brechner Center Launches Season Two of the “Why Don’t We Know” Podcast

Friday January 13, 2023

The second season focuses on secrecy in the criminal justice system and on the ways that government agencies fail to gather and share information essential for public safety and welfare.

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“FOIA Terrorist” Jason Leopold Shares Insights on Using the Freedom of Information Act as an Investigative Tool

Monday October 24, 2022

The award-winning journalist discussed his use of FOIA at the front end of his newsgathering process, while cultivating sources that can shed light on situations uncovered through the released documents.

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Frank LoMonte Receives Washington, D.C. Pro SPJ Chapter’s 2022 Distinguished Service Award

Thursday June 23, 2022

Frank LoMonte, former University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Brechner Center for Freedom of Information director, received the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Washington, D.C. Pro Chapter 2022 Distinguished Service in …

Sara Ganim Featured in Podcasts on Sexual Assault Gag Orders and System Failures in Protecting Sexual Abuse Victims

Monday June 13, 2022

Sara Ganim, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Brechner Center for Freedom of Information Hearst Journalism Fellow and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, is the host and producer of “’Gag Order’ Against Sexual Assault,” the …

2021-2022 Journal of Civic Information Law School Writing Competition Winners Announced

Friday May 20, 2022

The Brechner Center for Freedom of Information at the University of Florida announced today the winners of the 2021-2022 Journal of Civic Information Law School Writing Competition. The honors include $2,000 and $1,000 first and second place cash prizes, …

Frank LoMonte Co-Authors Article on How Workplace Gag Rules Frustrate Police Accountability

Thursday April 28, 2022

Frank LoMonte, former University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Brechner Center for Freedom of Information director, and UF law student Jessica Terkovich are the authors of “You Have the Duty to Remain Silent: How Workplace Gag Rules …