That point was emphatically made at ASNE's panel discussion of Gaining Access to Government Computer Records. Toward this end, some entities ask hugely inflated prices for information that's inexpensive to provide. Journalists are pitted against government entities that understand what's wanted and are committed to being non-compliant. A perception exists of a threat to privacy if access to electronic records is granted. Record-keeping systems can be designed and developed in a manner that discourages or precludes public access.
Some states view public records as a proprietary resource in order to block access.
Private ownership of public records is increasingly occurring as companies are given copyright protection on research conducted and information gathered by government agencies. Love said judges are increasingly deferring to the owners of such copyrights. Pay close attention to the definition of key words. Be broad in defining a public record. Build coalitions with other pro-access groups in your community or state.