Iowa Expanded Media Coverage Handbook
Contents
| Introductory Note By Chief Justice Louis A. Lavorato |
| Iowa FOI Council Guidelines |
| Iowa Court Rules, Chapter 25: Rules for Expanded Media Coverage |
| Regional Media Coordinators |
| Questions about EMC |
History
of Expanded Media Coverage of Iowa Courts
May 8, 1979: Chief Justice W. Ward Reynoldson appointed a committee to study whether cameras should be allowed in Iowa courtrooms to enhance public awareness and understanding of the judicial process. Justice J.L. Larson was the committee chair.
November 21, 1979: Upon recommendation of the committee, the Iowa Supreme Court agreed to suspend the ban against cameras in the courtroom for a one-year experiment to begin January 1, 1980.
January
14, 1980: The first trial to be covered under Expanded Media Coverage
(EMC) began in Waterloo, Black Hawk County. Michael Earl Moses was convicted
of first degree murder. Grant Price, news director of KWWL-TV, Waterloo, was
the media coordinator for the trial coverage.
December 12, 1980:
The Supreme Court extended the EMC experiment for one more year.
December 22, 1981: Upon recommendation of the EMC committee, the Supreme Court agreed to "permanent" revision of Canon 3B to allow expanded media coverage in Iowa courtrooms. (The EMC rules are now Iowa Court Rules, Chapter 25.)
The Council was designated by the Iowa Supreme Court as the coordinator for the EMC, notifying the judges and attorneys involved when EMC is requested.