WINOOSKI – New rules from the Vermont Judiciary that will restrict the recording of court cases have left some members of the media unsure about whether or not they are part of the media at all. According to the new restrictions, reporters wishing to record court cases must first register as members of the media, but the term is not well-defined, leading some local satirists to believe they should have been included. One local bailiff disagreed.
Now, in an suit filed by The Winooski, Vermont’s premiere local satire site, the plaintiff claims that exaggerated news is still news, and should be included in the term “media.” The case will be heard before a judge later this week, leaving the site questioning its ability to record the proceedings.
As participants in the trial, the site would be allowed to record audio but not video. As full members of the media, video recording and livestreaming would be permitted. According to the site, they will be using multiple methods of covert recording, including the use of camouflage-themed iPhone cases, secret eyeglass cameras, and a vest made entirely of ACLU representatives.
“Oh, we’re going to record this,” said site founder Adam Hall. “The world needs to know what’s happening in these courtrooms. Plus, it’s a little ironic, isn’t it? The government asking us for some privacy? Anyway, please don’t print anything of that stuff I said about secret recordings. That’s a secret.”
The trial is scheduled to begin Thursday morning, and will be livestreamed on The Winooski‘s Facebook page via a hidden hat camera.
Image Credits: VTDigger.
Would you please let us know the courthouse address and courtroom number so we can come show our support?