The Society of Professional Journalists has named the State of Massachusetts recipient of its 2026 Black Hole Award, an annual dishonor recognizing government entities that demonstrate a troubling lack of transparency and disregard for the public’s right to know.
This article is a press release from the Society of Professional Journalists, republished here by permission.
The award is presented each year during Sunshine Week, a national initiative promoting open government and access to public information.
The SPJ Freedom of Information Committee selected Massachusetts for deficiencies in the state’s public records law, including broad exemptions, weak enforcement mechanisms and persistent delays that limit access to government information.
“Access to public records is not optional — it is a cornerstone of a functioning democracy,” said FOI Committee Chair Michael Morisy. “When broad swaths of government operate outside public records laws, or when compliance is routinely delayed or obstructed, the public’s right to know is fundamentally compromised.”
Despite a legal framework that purports to guarantee access to public records, Massachusetts remains one of the few states in which the governor’s office, legislature and judiciary are largely exempt from public records requirements — leaving significant portions of the state government shielded from public scrutiny.
In addition, reporting has shown that:
- Requests for public records are frequently delayed or ignored, despite statutory deadlines
- Excessive fees are sometimes used to discourage or block access to records
- Enforcement mechanisms are limited, often leaving requesters with no option but costly and time-consuming litigation
- Compliance is inconsistent across agencies, with little centralized oversight or accountability
The committee also noted that Massachusetts is not alone in facing transparency challenges, with similar issues emerging in states across the country. However, the scope and persistence of these issues within Massachusetts make it a particularly clear example of the systemic barriers that continue to limit public access to government information.
“The public should not have to fight, wait or pay exorbitant costs to understand how their government operates,” said SPJ National President Chris R. Vaccaro. “Transparency delayed or denied is accountability denied — and that undermines the very foundation of public trust.”
The Black Hole Award is intended to call attention to actions and policies that restrict transparency and to encourage reforms that strengthen access to public records at all levels of government. Massachusetts was nominated by the SPJ New England Chapter.
SPJ presents the award annually to highlight the importance of open records, open meetings and the free flow of information in a democratic society.
Last year’s recipient was the Utah State Legislature for repeatedly undermining transparency by amending the state’s Government Access and Management Act to block the release of public records — even after court orders mandated their disclosure.
Discover more from Media Nation
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Okay, along the lines of the “Ig Noble Prize” and the “Fractured Finger of Fate” award from “Laugh In” days – anyone remember that? – but more pointed, acerbic, and serious. I’ve had run-ins in making use of the Public Records Law here, to the point where the Supervisor of Public Records actually contacted me at her initiative to commiserate over the frustrations she experiences between the letter, the spirit, and the undermining of the law. Quite a discussion. Lotta shenanigans going on, this naif ventures to say. Democracy? Let’s not let it go to our heads come this July 4th, should be make it ’til then.
Thumbs up for posting this about the SPJ.