News Releases

RTDNA Encouraged By Supreme Court’s New Audio Policy; Urges Full Access for Digital Coverage

For Immediate Release: September 29, 2010
Contact: Ryan Murphy, ryanm@rtdna.org

WASHINGTON – The Radio Television Digital News Association is encouraged by the Supreme Court’s recently announced policy of releasing audio of all arguments before the high court through the court’s website. At the same time, RTDNA respectfully urges the justices to take the next step by opening their doors to cameras and microphones.

For the past decade, since its same-day release of audio of oral arguments in the landmark Bush v. Gore case, the Supreme Court has selectively done the same for high profile proceedings.  In recent years, a number of requests by the media for same-day audio were denied without explanation, and none were released last term.  The Supreme Court this week announced that it will post audio online at the end of the week in which oral arguments are heard. 

While the new policy will ensure that audio of every case argued before the Supreme Court becomes available to the public, its utility for reporting will be limited because of the several-day lag between the actual arguments and when the audio becomes available.  Court arguments are heard on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The court’s plan is to post the audio online on Fridays.

Electronic coverage of Supreme Court proceedings currently is banned, and RTDNA has consistently argued that opening the doors of our nation’s highest court to cameras and microphones will ensure the greatest transparency and create the best possible opportunity for news consumers to witness the inner workings of federal courts and understand the United States legal system.

“RTDNA has long advocated opening the Supreme Court to cameras and microphones,” said RTDNA Chairman Mark Kraham. “The Supreme Court’s new policy is one step in the right direction and we look forward to pushing for further transparency going forward.”

The Supreme Court’s audio arguments will be posted to the court’s website starting next week and will be free of charge.

About RTDNA

RTDNA is the world’s largest professional organization devoted exclusively to electronic journalism. RTDNA represents local and network news executives in broadcasting, cable and other electronic media in more than 30 countries.