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Judge opens Sandusky hearing to live updates from reporters
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BELLEFONTE, Pa. -- A judge hearing motions on the case against former Penn State University assistant football coachJerry Sandusky ruled this afternoon that reporters covering tomorrow's preliminary hearing will be permitted to transmit stories and updates from inside the courtroom.
McKean County Senior Judge John M. Cleland issued an order about 3:15 p.m. saying that he believed that allowing updates through email and social media such as Twitter will "enhance the news gathering capabilities of reporters which is in the public interest."
An attorney representing a number of media outlets, including CNN, ESPN, the Wall Street Journal and New York Times argued this afternoon to the court that the rules prevent journalists from performing their jobs to the best of their abilities, including blocking real-time reporting.
The lawyer also requested permission for media members to be able to come and go from the courthouse freely to be able transmit updates. Judge Cleland denied that part of the request.
As part of his new order, the judge has forbidden any members of the public who will be attending the hearing from bringing cell phones into the courtroom.
The Centre County court administration announced Dec. 6 that it would not permit email, text messages or tweets from the courthouse during the high-profile hearing.
First Published December 12, 2011 12:00 am
