Sunshine Week 2025: Shining Light on Iowa's Press Freedom Challenges

As we celebrate Sunshine Week 2025, we reaffirm our commitment to government transparency and the public's right to know. In Iowa, these ideals are facing significant hurdles, from restrictions on press access to challenges in obtaining public records and an outdated legal notice system that excludes digital-only news publishers. Iowa's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is intended to empower citizens and journalists with access to public records. Yet, roadblocks persist—delays, exorbitant fees, and outright denials hinder the public's ability to scrutinize government actions. Without enforcement mechanisms or penalties for noncompliance, agencies too often ignore or slow-roll legitimate requests, undermining public accountability. Another pressing issue is the exclusion of digital-only local news outlets, such as DecorahNews.com, from publishing public legal notices. Iowa law currently mandates that legal notices be published in print newspapers, leaving out vital digital platforms that serve as primary news sources for many Iowans. This antiquated restriction reduces public access to critical information and disproportionately affects rural communities where print newspapers have significantly lost readership, subscribers, or outright shuttered. Press freedom itself remains under pressure. Journalists covering state government have faced increasing difficulties in securing interviews, accessing public meetings, and obtaining records promptly. A democracy cannot function in the dark, and limiting press access weakens the public's ability to make informed decisions. This Sunshine Week, you can take action: File FOIA requests – Exercise your right to request public records and demand transparency. Advocate for legislative change – Urge lawmakers to modernize public notice laws and strengthen FOIA enforcement. Support local journalism – Make a financial contribution here. Write and share your Letter to the Editor supporting independent news organizations that work hard every day to drive transparency. DecorahNews.com supports your right to know and by creating local government transparency. Our reporters keep an eye on municipal and county government by reporting on discussions and outcomes taking place. The fight for open government is ongoing and together we can ensure that sunshine remains the best source of light.