Our Mission

The American public has an inalienable right to exercise beliefs, speak freely, access a free press, assemble and petition the government. Working as the Sunshine in Government Initiative from 2005 until 2017, News Media for Open Government is a broad coalition of news media and journalism organizations working to ensure laws, policies and practices preserve and protect freedom of the press, open government and the free flow of information in our democratic society.

Through accurate newsgathering and reporting, the news media help the public understand what the government is doing in its name. The coalition upholds and strengthens the relationship between the government and a free press that is rooted in the First Amendment. We work to protect and strengthen common strategies for newsgathering and responsibly handling sensitive stories, including access to experts and decision makers, protected sources, and open-government laws such as the Freedom of Information Act. We help ensure the public has access to a free, vibrant and open press and we are committed to fostering laws, policies and practices that keep government open, honest and accountable.

Revised January 4, 2016

Our Principles



