Watch & Learn | Pro Tips | Videos

How do you submit a FOIA request?

Published

NBCU News Group’s main attorney and top legal adviser explains how to submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to obtain government records.

NBCU Academy 101

General Counsel Gail Gove, NBCU News Group’s main attorney and top legal adviser, explains how to submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to obtain government records.

For even more information on submitting a FOIA request, visit:

• FOIA.gov

• The U.S. Department of Justice guide to FOIA.

• The Reporters Committee for the Freedom of the Press guide to FOIA and FOIA letter generator.

Smartquote
The key thing for you to remember is you can ask for records, not information. FOIA says the agencies have to respond within 20 days, but it can actually take months or even years. And when you do get a response, it may be riddled with redactions.
Gail Gove

Related

Fundamentals of Journalism

Start free course