All states that permit television, radio, and photographic coverage of courtroom proceedings, whether on a permanent or an experimental basis, have adopted rules or guidelines governing such coverage. The consent of the presiding judge is required in almost all states, and the judge has discretion to control the coverage during the proceedings.
Many states require advance written application for permission.
Coverage is prohibited in nearly all states with respect to cases involving juveniles, and most states prohibit coverage of victims of sex crimes, domestic relations cases, and trials involving trade secrets. Voir dire coverage is generally prohibited. Coverage of jurors is either prohibited or is restricted to prevent visual identification of jurors. Some states prohibit coverage of witnesses who appear under subpoena, and many states deny coverage of victims or witnesses who object. All states ban coverage of conferences in court.