The 5 Ws of CJOG
What: The Coalition of Journalists for Open Government is an alliance of more than 30 journalism-related organizations concerned about secrecy in government and the increasing closure of public records and meetings at all levels of government. Most of the coalition partners have individual freedom of information programs. As coalition members, they share information, coordinate activities, and, when appropriate, combine efforts and resources in the fight for open government.
Why: The coalition was organized to help journalists work together in support of open government and the people’s right to know. Its goal is to improve public access to government meetings and records at each step in the decision-making process and at every level of governance. The coalition supports and will seek to strengthen existing laws and policies that promote openness and accountability. It will oppose measures that unwisely diminish access. It will support initiatives to make government more transparent.
Who: The coalition’s coordinator is Pete Weitzel, a longtime journalist who founded the Florida First Amendment Foundation and helped launch the National Freedom of Information Coalition. He can be reached at or by calling , ext. 105.
See Our Members for information on the organizations that comprise CJOG.
Where: The coalition is headquartered at the offices of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, 1101 Wilson Blvd, Suite 1100, Arlington, VA 22209.
When: The decision to form an alliance came at a June 2003 meeting in Washington, D.C. of journalism organizations concerned about increasing government secrecy. We began operating in January 2004.
How: The coalition’s operations are funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. Support for creation and operation of the website comes from the McCormick-Tribune Foundation. Administrative services are provided by the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press.
