Oklahoma Attorney General Genter Drummond, the publisher of the McCurtain County Gazette-News, an Oklahoma attorney who created a freedom of information website and a longtime journalist have been named as the recipients of the 2023-24 Freedom of Information Oklahoma’s awards.

FOI Oklahoma also is awarding a Special Commendation to the Oklahoma Supreme Court and Chief Justice M. John Kane IV.

The awards this year are being announced during Sunshine Week, a national collaboration of civic, government, journalism and private organizations and individuals that stresses the importance of open government and open records. FOI Oklahoma joins in supporting this noble cause.

All of those being honored exemplify the goal of open and transparent government in Oklahoma. They will be officially recognized this fall at the First Amendment Congress, planned in October at the University of Central Oklahoma.

“Oklahomans have the right to know how their government operates and spends their tax dollars,” said Brianna Bailey, FOI Oklahoma president. “The FOI Oklahoma Awards recognize those who have shown a commitment to transparency.”

As for those who don’t, FOI Oklahoma also announces its Black Hole Award, given this year to Ryan Walters, Oklahoma state superintendent of public instruction. The award recognizes the individual, agency or organization that has most thwarted the free flow of information.

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