FOI-based journalism.

IRE examples are some of best

If you ever have wondered how journalists make use of freedom of information laws in gathering news, one of the best places to look for examples is the files of Investigative Reporters and Editors.

IRE is a non-profit, educational organization formed by journalists who wanted to create a network of supportive colleagues and a forum in which to exchange ideas, debate and share knowledge. Since 1975, IRE has flourished, building a membership of more than 3,000, providing practical and technical training, publishing books, and maintaining a variety of electronic services.

Among its many services, IRE's Resource Center stands near the heart of the organization.

The Resource Center, part of the original concept of IRE's founders, was established to provide a rich reserve of stories, conference tip sheets and informational guides to help journalists. From the beginning, IRE has encouraged journalists to submit their best work to IRE, which in turn passes on the ideas and information.

This unique library contains the abstracts of more than 12,000 investigative reporting stories and nearly 800 tip sheets from some of the best journalists in the business. Members of IRE receive free access to the Resource Center and are charged only for copying and shipping. Non-members are charged an additional access fee.

IRE offered these summaries when asked for some examples of 1996 journalism based on FOI research.

IF YOU WANT MORE DETAIL: IRE assigned a number to each presentation and that number appears at the end of the summary paragraphs. If you are interested in more information about any of these stories, contact IRE at 573-882-3364 or rescntr@ire.org and provide the tracking number.

Air Force bias issues

The Air Force Times looked at issues surrounding the Major Jacquelyn Parker discrimination case. Parker was the Air Force's first female test pilot and was to join the 174th Fighter Wing as the Air National Guard's first female pilot. Parker quit after she still was not able to fly combat after one year of training.

(May 20, 1996) Number: 13042

Human rights violations

Should the Carter Administration have tried to counter South Korea's human rights violations with economic and military sanctions? Though the events occurred more than a decade and a half ago, this Journal of Commerce article believes the question still is relevant today because Washington confronts many of the same issues in its relations with China.

(Feb. 27, 1996) Number: 13083

Hiring of illegals

In a yearlong investigation, the San Francisco Chronicle …