Freedom of the Press?
A commentary:
When I was a radio beat reporter, covering murder tials, or any trial, for that matter, neither cameras or tape recorders were allowed in ANY courtoom. Over the years, that has changed dramatically. I use the word "dramatically," because what we have now, is "drama" in the courtroom, as all parties "play" to the
cameras. The news media loves it, its great for ratings. But does it really allow for a fair trial? I have my doubts. I'm certain that my views would be very unpopular with my former colleagues, but I believe everyone suffers, when a serious matter is made into a circus.
Lets take Scott Peterson's trial in San Mateo County, California. Is he guilty or not? Don't know, don't care. What clues me on the circus aspect, however, is the plan, by county officials, to charge the media a fee,
for a spot near the courthouse. This is no small amount, either, as they expect to raise a reported 816-thousand dollars.
Under First Amendment Rights, I guess the media can't be forced to pay for covering the trial, but they can be charged for parking satellite trucks, equipment storage, and the like.
Its a far cry from when I'd have to beg the court clerk to keep an eye on my tape recorder, in an adjacent office, while I took a seat in the courtroom, armed with my trusty notepad.
Posted: Saturday 31st January 2004, 1:47 PM
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