Friday, May 27, 2005
Durbin Supports Cams & Mics in Federal Courts
As many of you know, I am president of the Illinois News Broadcasters Association (INBA). Our organization is a strong advocate of open government...and that includes our courts, both state and federal.
Illinois is one of the very few states that does not allow cameras or microphones in its state trial courts. INBA is now preparing a petition to the Illinois Supreme Court, asking for a rule change to allow cams and mics in the trial courts. Wish us luck!
There is no broadcast access at all in our nation's federal courts. So, I was quite heartened to learn that Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) is among the sponsors of Senate Bill 829, the Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2005, which would open the federal courts to cams and mics.
As a journalist, it's difficult for me to take a public position on something like this. After all, we cover Senator Durbin on WLS on a nearly daily basis.
But, as INBA president, this is a no-brainer. INBA whole-heartedly supports S. 829, and would urge every one who supports this initiative to please contact their senators and representative to voice their opinion.
Illinois is one of the very few states that does not allow cameras or microphones in its state trial courts. INBA is now preparing a petition to the Illinois Supreme Court, asking for a rule change to allow cams and mics in the trial courts. Wish us luck!
There is no broadcast access at all in our nation's federal courts. So, I was quite heartened to learn that Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) is among the sponsors of Senate Bill 829, the Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2005, which would open the federal courts to cams and mics.
As a journalist, it's difficult for me to take a public position on something like this. After all, we cover Senator Durbin on WLS on a nearly daily basis.
But, as INBA president, this is a no-brainer. INBA whole-heartedly supports S. 829, and would urge every one who supports this initiative to please contact their senators and representative to voice their opinion.
