Reporter Damien Fisher Received Freedom of Information Award
The New England First Amendment Coalition honored Fisher for his persistent use of open records laws.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Awards
Live Poll
Do you trust that your local government provides sufficient access to public records when requested?
Journalist Damien Fisher has been awarded the Michael Donoghue Freedom of Information Award by the New England First Amendment Coalition. The honor recognizes Fisher's dedication to protecting the public right to know through his work in New Hampshire.
Why it matters
The award highlights the importance of journalists who challenge significant official resistance to maintain government transparency. It serves as a reminder of the critical role public records play in holding institutions accountable.
The award is named for Michael Donoghue, who served a 40-year tenure at the Burlington Free Press. Previous honorees include James W. Foley, who was kidnapped in Syria in 2012, and 2023 recipient Nancy West.
The players
Damien Fisher
A journalist whose recent work focuses on the pursuit of public records in New Hampshire.
New England First Amendment Coalition
An organization dedicated to the defense and promotion of First Amendment rights and government transparency.
Diane Foley
An advocate for journalists who introduced the award winner at the ceremony.
James W. Foley
A journalist and posthumous recipient of the award who was kidnapped in 2012.
Nancy West
A journalist and the 2023 recipient of the Michael Donoghue Freedom of Information Award.
The details
Diane Foley introduced Fisher at the ceremony held at the Hotel Commonwealth in Boston, where the New England First Amendment Coalition also honored William G. Young and Samson Cournane. The accolade prioritizes reporters who actively combat bureaucratic hurdles to access public information.
Timeline
September 2026: Damien Fisher received the New England First Amendment Coalition award.
2023: Nancy West received the Michael Donoghue Freedom of Information Award.
2012: James W. Foley was kidnapped in Syria.
Culture Shift
This award highlights the ongoing struggle between investigative journalism and the restrictive application of the New Hampshire Right to Know Law. It reflects a broader trend of recognizing regional journalists who maintain the public's right to information in an era of tightening transparency.
For residents in the region, this award highlights which local journalists are actively working to pull back the curtain on government operations. Readers can expect continued reporting from Fisher as he leverages public records to uncover information of interest to the public.
The takeaway
Transparency requires journalists to consistently push through bureaucratic barriers to ensure government records remain accessible. Readers can support this effort by engaging with local investigative reporting that utilizes open records mandates.
What happens next
Damien Fisher is scheduled to accept the A-Mark Prize on October 9, 2026, at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest industry honors at the Awards section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by InDepthNH.
Live Poll
Do you trust that your local government provides sufficient access to public records when requested?
