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More Transparency Coming to Illinois Courts -- LISTEN TO INTERVIEW HERE
Something radio and television reporters haven't been able to do up to now could soon be a reality.

The Illinois Supreme Court Tuesday announced a pilot project that will bring cameras and microphones to trial courts in the state on an experimental basis. It's something broadcasters long have hoped for, and something the Illinois News Broadcasters Association has tried unsuccessfully to get the Supreme Court to allow for decades.

INBA president Jennifer Fuller tells WGIL neighboring states like Iowa have long allowed such trial access, and they may be called on to help broadcasters here.

"We'll be talking to some of those neighboring states," Fuller said. "They've already given us guidance in terms of 'this is what we do, this is how we make it possible.' And we're very willing to work with the Illinois Supreme Court, local jugdes and court officials and say 'this is what we're looking for.'

"We understand and appreciate your (the court's) guidelines, we want to work within those guidelines, and let's make this partnership as good as it can be.'"

Fuller save the overall goal is to make the state's trial courts more transparent. She says broadcast journalists could soon have all the tools of their trade in the courtroom.

WGIL is a member of the Illinois News Broadcasters Association.

For more details, CLICK HERE (pdf document).

Listen to an interview with INBA president Jennifer Fuller, conducted by Will Stevenson by CLICKING HERE (mp3 file, approximately 8 minutes).
01 25 12 by Newsroom
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