Supreme Court open to talks with media on rules of live broadcast
MANILA, Philippines—Media entities which find the Supreme Court’s guidelines on the live coverage of the Maguindanao massacre too strict may still seek reconsideration from the magistrates, the high court’s spokesman and administrator said Wednesday.
In a press conference, Midas Marquez clarified that the court would hold a dialogue with the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, the broadcast networks, massacre victims’ families and other petitioners to clarify the policies set by the court regarding the live telecast.
Asked to comment on NUJP’s observation that the rules might discourage TV and radio networks from airing the hearing live, Marquez said: “We would rather hear straight from the networks. I think they will be in the best position to tell the court.”
“Anyway, they can still file a motion for reconsideration,” he added.
The NUJP, the country’s biggest media organization, particularly lamented the policy prohibiting news breaks once the live telecast starts.
However, Marquez said media groups should “remember that what we want to give the people is a complete picture of the hearings.”
“(The public) should understand exactly what is going on,” he said.
