Dataharvest 2024 - the European Investigative Journalism Conference

A separate ticket is required to attend this masterclass. If you would like to attend but haven't yet purchased a ticket, please contact us at info@dataharvest.eu

A masterclass on Right To Information (RTI)

Some call it FOI, or even “wobbing”, as a dear child gets many nicknames. Today we will call it Right To Information, as we emphasize that journalists who use this method are exercising a right closely linked with freedom of speech.
Using the right to access public information as a journalistic tool, is to expand your toolkit beyond the pen, the camera, and the computer skills. You are now using the law as a tool, and it is greatly empowering the work you can do.

Program
10:00 Introductions of participants
Introduction to RTI and cross-border use (Tarjei)

11:30 A guide to the world’s national RTI laws and how to make use of them in cross-border journalism (Tarjei)

Lunch

13:00 How to access information from the EU institutions (Staffan)
What is the legal framework? How does one approach this practically?

14:30 What’s YOUR problem?
In this session participants are invited to bring to the table an RTI related problem from their own home country or from cross-border work. Using the collective experience in the room, we try to suggest solutions. If we fail to find good solution, at least we learn more about how the law works and doesn’t work in different countries. (everyone)

1530: How to use the Aarhus Convention and GDPR as tools to obtain information from private companies (Tarjei)

What you will walk away with

• An understanding of how Right to Information tools can be useful in your reporting, no matter what you’re investigating.
• Knowledge of RTI laws and tools available to you across the world.
• Knowledge of how to file information requests with private entities, EU, and government institutions.
• Confidence in using RTI laws and navigating both the legal and human side of FOI.
• Inspiration on the kinds of stories and information cross-border information requests can open up to you