Sunshine in public policy serves the best interests of the citizenry.

Richmond Times-Dispatch editorial, 3.13.05

Athough cynics might consider media support for various aspects of sunshine policies an example of special-interest pleading, the press' concerns coincide with the general public's. The consequences of laws that shed light on government allow not only reporters but taxpayers to learn important information relating to school test scores, sexual predators, inspections of restaurants and other public facilities, crime statistics, and similar topics. If the press did not push for access, federal, state, and local officials would conduct less of their business in public and more in private. This is not to say elected leaders are nefarious; but because they are human they would prefer to keep inquiring eyes and minds at bay.

News organizations, including the Times-Dispatch, have a direct stake in debates regarding access, but citizens who consult government rec- ords have the press to thank for the Freedom of Information Act and other protectors of the people's right to know. Historians and biographers rely on the FOIA for their research. Private citizens have used the FOIA to protect themselves. Press vigilance helps preserve the FOIA in theory and in fact. Although the FOIA would seem to have established its presence in the world of politics and government, disputes regarding its meaning and application frequently occur. Hillary Clinton's health care task force and Dick Cheney's energy panel are reminders that government likes secrecy. Let's not forget the occasional flaps over the official papers of Virginia Governors, either.

Shield laws complement the FOIA, as well as press freedom generally. Shields prevent journalists from becoming the targets of prosecutions relating to so-called leaks and confidential interviews. But just as shield-bearers of yore earned the right to be dubbed "knights," so the press has an obligation to behave honorably. A news industry that comes off as ideologically motivated, indifferent to the common weal, arrogant, self-righteous, or incompetent risks sacrificing the respect essential to its standing. Plagiarism scandals, pumped-up stories, anchors with politicially correct agendas, and conservative commentators on the take sap confidence. The adversarial relationship between press and power has many ambiguities. The press helps its cause when it clarifies the lines. The rise of the celebrity maven is a self-inflicted wound. Nevertheless, citizens tempted to use specific misdeeds as hammers to bash the press in its entirety ought to ask what they would like to see in its place. Even the Blogosphere depends on -- benefits greatly from -- battles the press has fought and won.

Today is Sunshine Sunday, which opens Sunshine Week, a stretch devoted to explaining and applauding the FOIA and other access laws. The T-D will feature columns and stories on various aspects of the subject. Life is not always a beach and light does not always flatter. Yet most would agree sunshine sweetens life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The week celebrates information's permanent sun.