Some people believe television coverage of court proceedings, including criminal trials, would help Americans better understand this part of our judicial process, to say nothing of their transparency. They also say broadcasting court proceedings will allow Americans to observe public trials without having to travel to the courthouse. Several famous trials, such as the O.J. Simpson and George Floyd murder trials, were televised. However, our federal courts currently ban cameras from their courtrooms. Televised-trial opponents claim TV coverage is often shallow and preoccupied with sensationalism. They say cameras will detract from the reverence of trial proceedings.

Pending Legislation: S.1133 - Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2025
Sponsor: Sen. Chuck Grassley (IA)
Status: Senate Committee on the Judiciary
Chair: Sen. Chuck Grassley (IA)

• I oppose reforming current courtroom TV policy and wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Leader John Thune (SD).
• I support media coverage of proceedings in federal courts under these conditions:
  
  1.) The bill would authorize the presiding judge in federal appellate and district courts to allow photography, electronic recording, broadcasting, or televising of court proceedings.
  
  2.) Media access would be permitted at the presiding judge's discretion, and judges could establish specific rules and disciplinary measures for media use in their courtrooms.
  
  3.) In multi-judge appellate court cases, media coverage could be prohibited if a majority of the judges determine it would violate a party's due process rights.
  
  4.) The bill explicitly prohibits broadcasting conversations between attorneys and their clients, co-counsel, adverse counsel, or counsel and the judge that are not part of the official record.
  
  5.) Accommodations for media coverage could be implemented without public expense.
  
  6.) The bill does not limit a court's inherent authority to protect witnesses or preserve the integrity of the legal process.
  
  And wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Sen. Chuck Grassley (IA) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.