Let It Shine

Observed in mid-March, Sunshine Week is a vital annual reminder of the importance of open government and the public’s right to know — and the critical role of local media outlets like The Express News Group in helping to disseminate that information to the public.

New York State joined the nationwide initiative this year, from March 16 to 22 — as it does every year — in an effort to emphasize transparency and accountability in all levels of government. The New York News Publishers Association continues to work toward those goals, focusing on them not only during Sunshine Week but all year long. The organization helps to provide educational resources and advocates for the public’s access to information.

The sentiment resonates deeply in today’s world, where it may be more challenging to get and distribute information. Without transparency, the public cannot hold local lawmakers and governments accountable for their actions or make informed decisions about the work local leaders are doing.

In Albany, Sunshine Week 2025 saw transparency advocates push for the passage of legislation aimed at strengthening the state’s Freedom of Information Laws, often shorthanded as FOIL. The proposed changes focus on making government more accountable to the people and ensuring that the public has better and more timely access to public records.

During the week, the New York State Assembly passed two major FOIL reform bills, seeking to improve the accessibility and responsiveness of government agencies when handling public records requests. The legislative efforts highlight the continued need to protect the public’s right to know and shine a light on the challenges still faced in ensuring that government is as transparent as possible.

And while the initiatives in Albany are worthwhile, the importance of local, community journalism in promoting transparency and accountability is critical. Community journalism plays a crucial role in shining a light on local government, ensuring that residents can stay informed about the work that is being done that may affect their lives.

On the East End, The Express News Group, along with the many other hardworking media outlets that bring residents the news on a daily and weekly basis, exemplify the power and significance of local journalism. For more than a century, East End newspapers have been steadfast in their mission to not only inform their readers but also to investigate matters of public interest, and to hold local officials accountable.

News consumers on Long Island are fortunate to have media outlets that remain committed to journalistic excellence and integrity through in-depth reporting on local governments, environmental issues, school districts and community events.

The role of local journalism extends far beyond reporting the news. Community newspapers serve as watchdogs, keeping an eye on public officials and institutions to ensure they operate transparently and ethically.

In an era where misinformation spreads rapidly, the value of trusted, fact-based journalism is more important than ever.

Sunshine Week is a time to celebrate the principles of transparency and accountability. But it is also an opportunity to reflect on the challenges facing local journalism.

It’s not news that many community newspapers across the state and the country have struggled to survive in a changing media landscape. The loss of local news outlets not only diminishes the public’s access to information, it also weakens the fabric of democracy itself. When local newspapers disappear, so does the critical oversight they provide, leaving communities vulnerable to corruption and apathy.

Readers on the East End can play an active role in supporting the local journalism that not only keeps them informed but also helps to keep tabs on local government. A paid subscription to The Southampton Press or The Sag Harbor Express, or a digital subscription to 27east.com, where breaking news and content from those two papers and The East Hampton Press is constantly being updated, is one direct way to help ensure the continued work of local journalism and is an investment in the future of local journalism. Readers should encourage their friends, family and neighbors to do the same. And don’t forget the multitude of other local news organizations just as deserving of your support.

Local businesses can also support community newspapers by advertising in their pages. This not only helps sustain the publications but also connects businesses with engaged, local audiences.

As may be evidenced by current events, an open government is not a given — it requires the vigilance and active participation of all citizens. Local journalism is an essential pillar of democracy, providing the information and oversight needed to hold leaders accountable and empower communities to make informed decisions. By supporting local newspapers, the public is making an investment in the dissemination of information and upholding the democratic values that are so critical in our society.

Sunshine Week can serve as a powerful reminder that transparency and accountability are cornerstones of good governance — which can be realized through the collective efforts of engaged citizens and a robust, independent press.

Honor the spirit of Sunshine Week by championing transparency, advocating for open government, and supporting local journalism to help ensure that the light of transparency continues to shine brightly.