A trial of any kind or in any court is a matter of serious importance to all concerned and should not be treated as a means of entertainment. To so treat it deprives the court of the dignity which pertains to it and departs from the orderly and serious quest for truth for which our judicial proceedings are formulated. Courts do not discriminate against radio and television media by forbidding the broadcasting or televising of a trial while permitting the newspaper reporter access to the courtroom, since a television or news reporter has the same privilege, as the news reporter is not permitted to bring his typewriter or printing press into the courtroom. Witnesses might be frightened, play to the camera, or become nervous. Also, telecasting not only increases the trial judge s responsibility to avoid actual prejudice to the defendant, it may as well affect his own performance.
Judges are human beings also and are subject to the same psychological reactions as laymen.
The television camera is a powerful weapon which intentionally or inadvertently can destroy an accused and his case in the eyes of the public. Representatives of the press have no special standing to apply for a writ of mandate to compel a court to permit them to attend a trial, since, within the courtroom, a reporter s constitutional rights are no greater than those of any other member of the public. Considering the prejudice it poses to the defendant s right to due process as well as to the fair and orderly administration of justice and considering further that the freedom of the press and the right of the people to information may be served and satisfied by less distracting, degrading and prejudicial means, live radio and television coverage of court proceedings shall not be allowed. Video footages of court hearings for news purposes shall be restricted and limited to shots of the courtroom, the judicial officers, the parties and their counsel taken prior to the commencement of official proceedings. No video shots or photographs shall be permitted during the trial proper.