RE: ELECTRONIC MEDIA AND STILL PHOTOGRAPHY COVERAGE OF JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS

In accordance with Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.170, relating to standards of conduct and technology governing electronic media and still photography coverage of judicial proceedings, the control of the conduct of proceedings before the Court is subject at all times to the authority of the presiding judge; and
In order to implement procedures pertaining to electronic media and still photography coverage of judicial proceedings in the Sixth Judicial Circuit, in and for Pasco and Pinellas Counties, it is

ORDERED:
1. GENERAL POLICY

A. Judicial proceeding may be audio recorded, video taped, and photographed but only after obtaining prior approval of the presiding judge, general master or hearing officer.

B. The presiding judge or hearing officer shall have authority to control any and all
switches that operate audio recording and video taping equipment for any of the court's broadcasting systems.

C. Restrictions or withholding approval to broadcast, videotape, or photograph may only be imposed in accordance with applicable court rules, statutory authority and case law relating to the closure of judicial proceedings, including notice and the opportunity to be heard that must be accorded the media.

2. THE MEDIA

A. All electronic media and still photography coverage shall be in accordance with
this Administrative Order and Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.170, unless otherwise ordered by the presiding judge, general master or hearing officer in order to provide for the fair administration of justice, ensure decorum and prevent distractions.

B. Television and still cameras shall be positioned in the courtroom in a location at
least eight (8) feet behind the bar. The location may vary, however, according to the direction of the presiding judge, general master or hearing officer.

C. The following locations for broadcast microphones are hereby approved:
1. One microphone, equipped with an on/off switch, on the bench.
2. One microphone on the witness stand.
3. One microphone on the lectern.
4. One microphone in close proximity to or attached to the jury box.

D. All wiring and microphones shall be installed on a temporary basis without
damage or modifications to the courtroom or its fixtures and shall be positioned in such a manner
as to not constitute a hazard to the other persons in the courtroom.

E. Television broadcasting and videotaping may be conducted outside a courtroom in the courthouse as follows:
1. Broadcasting or videotaping connected to a particular case shall be permitted but be conducted in accordance with any order entered by the presiding judge, general master or hearing officer, consistent with F. and G. below.
2. Broadcasting or videotaping unrelated to a particular case shall be permitted but be in accordance with any orders or directions of the courthouse Facility Coordinator or the duty judge if the Facility Coordinator is unavailable, consistent with F. and G. below.

F. Any restrictions on broadcasting or videotaping must be imposed in accordance with applicable court rule, statutory authority and case law relating to the closure of criminal and civil proceedings, including notice and the opportunity to be heard by the media.

G. The media shall conduct any permitted photography, videotaping and broadcasting in such fashion as to minimize noise and disruption in courthouse facilities.

Administrative Order PA/PI-CIR-97-90 is hereby rescinded.

DONE AND ORDERED in Chambers at St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, Florida, this 13th day of December, 1999.

/s/________________________
Susan F. Schaeffer, Chief Judge