News Releases

RTNDA Applauds Senate's Passing of the Revised OPEN Government Bill

WASHINGTON -- The Radio-Television News Directors Association applauds the U.S. Senate for moving forward with the Openness Promotes Effectiveness in our National Government Act, or OPEN Government Act (S. 849), to strengthen how federal agencies implement the Freedom of Information Act.

The revised legislation improves the process by which the federal government carries out FOIA's disclosure requirements, although it does not alter the disclosure requirements or any of its exemptions. It was reintroduced by Sens. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.)

In recent weeks, Senate and House negotiators have worked to overcome differences between their versions of the legislation while retaining the major reforms.

“It has been more than a decade since Congress last strengthened FOIA,” says RTNDA president Barbara Cochran.  "Now that the Senate has taken action, we urge the House to do the same."

RTNDA is one of 10 media groups in a coalition called the Sunshine in Government Initiative, which promotes open and accountable government.

For more information about the legislation, visit www.sunshineingovernment.org.

RTNDA is the world’s largest professional organization devoted exclusively to electronic journalism. RTNDA represents local and network news executives in broadcasting, cable and other electronic media in more than 30 countries.

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