Update

Technology + data + journalism = solutions

Journalists are using technology to mine data and collect government information. Examples:

The Center for Investigative Reporting funded the development of the FOIA Machine through a Kickstarter campaign. The FOIA Machine is a tool for filing freedom of information requests.
Journalists are being trained to gather local-level campaign finance data through the FollowTheMoney.org platform.
The African News Innovation Challenge encourages digital and data-driven journalism in that continent.
The Center of Michigan promotes solutions-based journalism in a project to infuse data-driven coverage of Detroit’s bankruptcy and related state policies.