Sunlight or Shadow?

Sunshine Week—celebrated this year from March 16-22—isn't just another observance lost amid the noise of our daily news cycle; it’s an essential reminder of our rights as citizens and the role of a free press in safeguarding democracy. Initiated by journalists but embraced by educators, civic organizations, businesses, and even government bodies, Sunshine Week underscores the critical importance of transparency and open government.

As a former newspaper journalist, I've witnessed firsthand how public records requests can unearth truths hidden behind bureaucratic walls. Whether it's local school board decisions, city spending, or national-level policymaking, sunlight remains the best disinfectant against corruption, mismanagement, and abuse of power.

Yet, today, we're standing at a troubling crossroads. Constitutional norms once considered bedrock principles face increasing erosion, and nowhere is this more evident than in public attitudes toward journalism and transparency.

Many Americans misunderstand or undervalue the constitutional role of the press—seeing it at best as merely another source of entertainment or at worst as an adversarial force working against their interests.

Any politician who attacks the press for doing its job isn't merely criticizing journalists; they're literally attacking democracy itself. However, it's equally important to acknowledge that journalism must also improve. The drive to sensationalize stories, chase "gotcha" moments, and prioritize speed over accuracy undermines public trust. Likewise, journalists who secure significant stories but withhold them purely for strategic timing do a disservice to the public and damage the profession’s credibility.

If journalism is to write “the first draft of history,” it has too often leaned into giving us misleading, clickbait headlines rather than clear reporting.

Yet, despite these flaws, true journalism remains indispensable. Constitutional journalism—committed to accountability, rigorous reporting, and truth-seeking—often serves as the final safeguard between good governance and corruption. Without open access to government records, documents, and meetings, this critical role of the press is severely compromised.

This erosion isn't just theoretical. We've seen journalists labeled as enemies merely for asking tough questions or seeking public documents. Such attacks weaken the very foundation of democratic accountability. We've also witnessed legislative bodies becoming increasingly opaque, hiding behind walls of secrecy that should alarm every citizen.

This year, as we mark Sunshine Week, let’s recommit to demanding accountability, supporting rigorous, principled journalism, and understanding that transparency isn't a partisan issue; it’s a fundamental safeguard for democracy itself.