New Web site creates access to records

As part of the nationwide Sunshine Week effort by newspapers and other media outlets across the country, NewsOK.com has debuted its "Your Right to Know” Web page.

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The page is at www.newsok.com/righttoknow.

It includes online databases created by The Oklahoman using public records, as well as links to useful state databases for information that affects the way you live.

With the Internet, public access to government records — and news gathering — can be taken to a new level, said Kelly Dyer Fry, OPUBCO Communications Group vice president, news and information center.

"For more than 100 years, The Oklahoman has gathered, organized and presented news and information,” Fry said. "The digital age gives us yet another platform to fulfill that job.

"Our ‘Your Right to Know' page will allow us to continue what we do best: gather, organize and present information to readers. We know Oklahoma, and we want to help Oklahomans find answers they need.”

The site includes links to maps, reports and other resources as varied as restaurant inspections, state government finances and school report cards. Automatic news feeds about open government and transparency will appear on the page along with links to how you can use open records laws to find out more about government functions and services.

Finally, a new blog called DataWatch will explain the latest information on government databases, open government and numbers in the news.

But one source — the state Supreme Court's case filings database — could be in danger if a recent court rule stands.

The court said last week that detailed court filings from several Oklahoma district courts would no longer be available online after June 10. The documents would still be available in person at each district court that participates in the network.

In its ruling, the court said it was trying to balance privacy rights with government openness. Three justices disagreed in part or completely with the majority decision.

Joey Senat, an Oklahoma State University journalism professor, said the ruling went too far.

"They've added the obstacle of time and distance” in obtaining public records, Senat said.

Meanwhile, if you have suggestions for other databases, find useful links or have evidence of public wrongdoing, please e-mail us at righttoknow@oklahoman.com.