The Right to Know: BBC World Service broadcast

A two-part audio documentary about freedom of information is available to download from the BBC World Service website:

"Freedom of information is well on the way to being seen as an essential prerequisite for a modern democracy. But there's almost always a backlash from politicians and officials. And throughout the world 'right to know' laws have become a subject of controversy and political conflict."

The documentary is in two parts - the first programme looks at the rapid spread of freedom of information and asks whether the many countries now introducing FOI laws are are really acting more in theory than in practice. The second programme looks at MPs' expenses and asks whether having such information actually acheives anything? Is FOI sometimes more symbolic than practical in impact? And does it really help to tackle corruption and scandals in government?

The Right to Know (BBC World Service, 8 August 2008)

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