The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) specifically guarantees reporters access to many records from federal agencies. While FOIA comes with a presumption of openness, access is not guaranteed: the law permits agencies to hold records if they fall within an “exemption” to FOIA. And in some cases, an agency may still delay responding.

Suzy Khimm, an NBC News national reporter, shares in the above video how she used FOIA requests for “Death by Delay,” an investigative series she co-reported with Elizabeth Chuck on how popular children’s products with known safety risks remained on the market for years. After Khimm filed requests, she frequently needed to follow up.

“I consider myself lucky if the federal government responds to requests in months rather than years,” Khimm said. “It is not easy, and it is important to be persistent.” You can search for federal agencies and their contact information at foia.gov.

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