Donald Trump has always enjoyed being in the spotlight on television. However, his upcoming trial for attempting to undermine democracy is set to take place without cameras present. Many voices, including Trump’s own defense team, are hoping to convince Chief Justice John Roberts of the U.S. Supreme Court to change this.
Dan Shelley, the president and CEO of the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA), believes that the public has a right and a need to see what happens in the courtroom. The RTDNA has been advocating for broadcast journalists since 1946 when the ban on photography or broadcasting during federal criminal proceedings was first implemented.
The association will now lead a coalition to petition the Judicial Conference, presided over by Chief Justice Roberts, to make an exception for Trump. Shelley argues that since the high court began streaming live audio of arguments in 2020, it’s not a stretch to allow video as well.
Interestingly, Trump’s own lawyer, John Lauro, has expressed support for live coverage of the trial. Additionally, a group of Democrats in Congress wants cameras to be allowed at both the D.C. trial and the trial involving classified documents in Florida.
Time is of the essence as prosecutors have proposed that the trial start as soon as January 2nd of next year. The Democrats argue that the public’s strong interest in a speedy trial for these historic charges makes televised proceedings crucial for the full acceptance of the trial’s outcome.
The history of cameras in U.S. courts has been a patchwork, with state courts allowing coverage to varying degrees while federal courts have resisted it. In contrast, Canada has been more measured in its approach, with limited camera access even at the trial level.
There are valid arguments for keeping cameras out of the courtroom, including witness and victim protection and maintaining the integrity of testimony. Allowing cameras for a high-profile case like Trump’s could potentially compromise equal treatment under the law.
Despite the challenges, there is a growing movement to televise Trump’s trial. Neal Katyal, a former acting solicitor general and prominent litigator, has been advocating for televised proceedings, believing that the American people have a right to see the trial unfold.
While not directly involved with the RTDNA’s efforts, Katyal’s support adds weight to the cause. In New York, where Trump faces charges related to a hush-money scheme, a measure to allow cameras in the courtroom is making progress. There are also indications that more indictments could be coming in Georgia, a state known for its openness to cameras in courtrooms.
In the end, the public’s desire for transparency in this historic trial may lead to a breakthrough in allowing cameras to capture the proceedings.
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