Work

The document divide: Public record requester demographics, efficacy and those left behind

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Democratic theory suggests that people require accurate information, often via newspaper journalists, to make informed decisions and adequately self-govern. A survey of 330 U.S. public record requesters found that they skew heavily toward being White, male, non-Hispanic, educated, older, and affluent, compared with the U.S. population and the journalism community. Implications are discussed for journalism and society, particularly in light of newspaper layoffs and closures and heightened government secrecy.

Source: News Research Journal

DOI: 10.1177/30497841251345067

Authors: David Cuillier, A.Jay Wagner

Institutions: University of Florida, Marquette University

Language: English

Topic: Media Studies and Communication

Subfield: Communication

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: green

Funder: Marquette University