This webinar, co-presented by the University Station Alliance (U:SA) and Public Radio in Mid-America (PRIMA) focused on preparing managers and newsrooms for situations where reporters might be arrested while covering stories.
Panelists:
- Attorney Scott Sternberg, managing partner at Sternberg and White
- Peter Dominowski, Executive Director, University Station Alliance
Moderator:
- Stephen Williams, Board President of PRIMA and General Manager, WMUK
The webinar provided guidance on preparation strategies, including having an attorney on call (one who accepts phone calls and does not charge for them) in case of an arrest, ensuring proper press credentials, and developing clear protocols within the station for handling potential arrests.
The discussion covered specific scenarios such as police demands to seize equipment. A journalist does not legally have to turn over equipment if he/she is not under arrest, but officers may ask journalists for their equipment AFTER an arrest. If possible, journalists should retrieve the smart card or hit the lock on recorders; this should protect any recordings/photos. A journalist does not have to provide the police with the password to a cellphone or other digital device seized in the process of arrest.
Scott advised reporters to ask to speak to a commanding officer if equipment is about to be seized, and for reporters to consider the ramifications of the situation to determine whether to comply or refuse a demand to turn over equipment. Scott also noted the importance of maintaining professional demeanor when interacting with authorities.
Peter and Scott discussed safety preparations for journalists covering protests, emphasizing the importance of having attorney contacts and detailed station policies in advance. They advised reporters to always have a partner when covering significant protests, to have their press credentials prominently displayed, to bring protective equipment when possible, and clarify their legal status if arrested.
Recordings of this webinar are available to University Station Alliance member stations by request. Please contact Peter Dominowski (executive.director@us-