Photo by File photo

When Donald Lee was sentenced to life in prison Monday, July 13, tape was rolling.

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Due to the efforts of the Nebraska Broadcasters Association, video and audio recording will now be allowed in the Lincoln County District Court.

Chuck Schwartz of KELN/KOOQ in North Platte is a chairman-elect of the NBA. He said that the Nebraska Supreme Court has allowed recording during trials for years. That is just now trickling down to district courts around Nebraska.

Gage, Sarpy, and Lancaster Counties were the first to adopt it. Now that Lincoln County is on board, Madison County will be the next. The NBA is picking counties where board members live so there is a local connection with the court.

In the Lincoln County courtroom, a distribution amp has been installed that will allow radio stations to simply plug in and record the audio they need. KNOP is allowed to set up a camera behind the jury box, and still photography is allowed as well.

The primary concern is to avoid making the recording presence a distraction during trials. A box or enclosure may be constructed to partially hide the video camera and operator, and no juror’s faces may be recorded.

Schwartz said, “It’s very similar to any other form of journalism. We have to be aware of what we can and cannot do.”

Schwartz also said Lincoln County District Court Judge John Murphy has cooperated extensively with the NBA’s efforts.

Murphy said that having cameras and recorders in the courtroom will give citizens a better understanding of how district court operates.

Several local media outlets wrote Murphy letters a few weeks ago asking for his help to get recording into the courtroom, he said.

Murphy also said that a common concern is that radio and television stations will skew their coverage and only show or play what they want.

That, Murphy believes, is an editorial decision. Infringing on that would be “Like telling a newspaper writer what they can or cannot print.”

Murphy said that coverage might be limited in cases involving children or sexual assault. Other than that, the media will be allowed to record in the Lincoln County courtroom at their discretion.

Murphy also noted that if counsel wanted something to remain off the record they would be wise to turn off their microphones.