Recording, Broadcasting, and Photographing Court Proceedings

(A) Procedure Requests for permission to broadcast, televise, record, or take photographs in the courtroom shall be in writing. Unless otherwise provided by law or local rule, the judge assigned to the proceeding shall permit audio, audio-video recording, broadcasting by electronic means, and taking photographs in court proceedings that are open to the public. After consultation, the judge shall specify the place or places in the courtroom where the operators and equipment are to be positioned. The written order of the judge shall be made a part of the record of the proceedings. (B) Limitations There shall be no audio recording or audio broadcast of conferences conducted in (1) a court facility between attorneys and clients or co-counsel, of conferences conducted at the bench, or from the courtroom when court is not in session. The judge shall permit any victim or witness who objects to being recorded, (2) broadcasted, or photographed the opportunity to be heard in advance of testifying. A victim or witness may not object to the court recording the proceeding as part of its official record. (3) This rule shall not be construed to grant any greater rights than permitted by law. (C) Revocation of permission Upon the failure of any person to comply with the conditions prescribed by this rule or the judge, the judge may revoke the permission to record, broadcast, or photograph the proceeding. (D) Permissible equipment and operators (1) Video, still photography, audio recording, or broadcasting of court proceedings shall be limited to one videographer, one still photographer, and one audio technician, unless otherwise ordered by the judge. In the event of multiple requests, the judge may order coverage of court proceedings to be conducted by pool representation. Individuals participating in the pool shall designate a pool representative. Access to video, photographs, and audio shall be shared with the pool. The pool arrangement shall be by agreement of the participants and the judge shall resolve any dispute. (2) The judge shall prohibit equipment or activity that is distracting to the proceedings. No artificial lighting other than that normally used in the courtroom shall be employed, provided that, if the normal lighting in the courtroom can be improved without becoming obtrusive, the judge may permit modification. For audio recording or broadcast purposes, not more than one audio system shall (3) be permitted in the courtroom. Where available and suitable, existing audio pickup systems in the court facility shall be used. If existing audio pickup systems are not available, microphones and other electronic equipment necessary for the audio pickup shall be as inconspicuous as possible but shall be visible. Videographers, photographers, and audio technicians shall not move about the (4) courtroom while court is in session. (E) Prohibition on recording jurors, witnesses, and juvenile defendants No audio recording, video or photograph of any juror, witness, or juvenile defendant shall be taken by any means by a person other than as approved by the judge. This division shall not apply to the court recording the proceeding as part of its official record. Commentary (April 1, 2024)