We use cookies on this website. By continuing to use this site without changing your cookie settings, you agree that you are happy to accept our privacy policy and for us to access our cookies on your device.
Transcript/Script Trump Trial Television TVR))
HEADLINE: Debate Over Televising Trump's Federal Criminal Trials Gains Steam
TEASER:
PUBLISHED AT: (8/9/23 & 4:15p)
BYLINE: Veronica Balderas Iglesias
CONTRIBUTOR:
DATELINE:
VIDEOGRAPHER:
VIDEO EDITOR:
SCRIPT EDITORS: newhouse, Reifenrath
VIDEO SOURCE (S): Agencies, Skype, see script
PLATFORMS (mark with X): WEB __ TV _X_ RADIO __
TRT: 2:23
VID APPROVED BY: Reifenrath
TYPE: TVRPKG
EDITOR NOTES: ((Radio Tracks for Reversioning Included))
((INTRO))
[[ Many American states permit cameras to televise courtroom proceedings, but federal courts do not. Some U.S. lawmakers are trying to change that rule for the expected federal trials of former President Donald Trump. VOA's Veronica Balderas Iglesias reports.]]
((NARRATOR))
A televised trial of former U.S. President Donald Trump would likely draw massive interest.
((NARRATOR)) ((Mandatory cg for sketch: DANA VERKOUTEREN))
But since cameras are forbidden in federal courtrooms, only a few sketches now tell the story of his recent appearances in Washington.
and Miami.
((VIDEO: Ad hoc Clip Schiff SOT 2))
((NARRATOR))
Changing the rules against televising proceedings would be a complex process, ((end credit)) but several Democratic lawmakers and
even Trump’s lawyer John Lauro argue that cameras in court will improve transparency
((NARRATOR))
In contrast, some, including The Wall Street Journal's editorial board, ((Mandatory CG: Elizabeth Williams)) worry the presence of cameras could negatively impact trial proceedings. ((end credit)) Former federal prosecutor Mark MacDougall agrees.
((Mark MacDougall, Former Federal Prosecutor)) ((Mandatory cg: Skype))
“I think it’s really a question of the effect it has on the participants in the trial, the judges, the judge, the lawyers, the witnesses and so forth.”
((NARRATOR))
Others argue that in America’s highly polarized politics, where even basic facts are up for debate, a camera feed could be critical for accountability, says political analyst Calvin Dark.
((Calvin Dark, Political Analyst)) ((Skype))
“If there are no cameras in the courtroom, what the judges are contributing to is the possibility of misinformation or somebody who’s in the courtroom misrepresenting or taking out of context what actually happens.”
((NARRATOR))
Trump will be a presidential candidate when he goes on trial. Political scientist Dean Lacy says it’s hard to predict how the televised proceedings will affect his popularity.
((Dean Lacy, Political Scientist)) ((Mandatory cg: Skype))
“He could rally his supporters and get a lot of free air time in the middle of a primary. It could also be a big negative — he could end up incriminating himself. He could end up losing a reputation among independents, maybe among some of his core supporters.”
Nearly all U.S. states allow cameras in their courtrooms. High-profile cases such as the trial of O.J. Simpson on murder charges,
Or the murder conviction of officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd were broadcast live.
A new indictment of Donald Trump on election-related charges is expected later this week in Georgia, where cameras are permitted in courtrooms at the judges' discretion.
((Veronica Balderas Iglesias, VOA News, Washington))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
NetworkVOA
Location (dateline)
Washington D. C.
Embargo DateAugust 9, 2023 15:44 EDT
Byline
Veronica Balderas Iglesias, VOA News
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
