The Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) has formally requested live audio and video coverage of the impending March 2024 trial linked to the January 6th events involving former President Donald Trump. Presently, Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 53 generally bars any form of courtroom broadcasting. RTDNA contends that this restriction undermines public confidence and heightens the risk of misinformation. In conjunction with the legal plea, the coalition has also called for a swift revision of Rule 53, granting judges the authority to permit cameras in courtrooms. RTDNA’s President and CEO, Dan Shelley, affirmed, “For decades, RTDNA has been at the forefront of advocating for courtroom cameras. We firmly believe that Americans have the right to witness firsthand how justice is meted out to a former U.S. president. The only way the public can have confidence in the outcome of this trial is if they are afforded the opportunity to observe and hear the proceedings themselves.”
The Spirit of Local Broadcasting
