![]() As long as the standards for granting a permit and the scope of the permit satisfy the time, place and manner restrictions, such processes are constitutionally permitted. Localities typically have rules requiring protestors to obtain a permit for a protesting, or for specific kinds of protesting (for instance marching in the street or using a loudspeaker). In addition, restrictions may prohibit protestors from bringing camping material or staying overnight in public spaces. These restrictions could include noise restriction ordinances, as well as a zone system in anticipation of a demonstration, such as demonstration zones, no demonstration zones, journalist-only zones, and areas for pedestrian traffic. leave open ample alternative channels for communication of the information.are narrowly tailored to serve a significant governmental interest, and.are content neutral (e.g., justified without reference to the content of the regulated speech),.The government is permitted to impose time, place and manner restrictions on speech as long as those requirements: Time, place and manner restrictions on demonstrations If you expect to be covering a convention or political party gathering, the journalist should attempt to get access/credentials in advance to allow for an opportunity for resolution of any disagreements in advance. Association of State Democratic Chairs, 14 Med. The judge said that a private body leasing a government facility had the same constitutional obligations as the government (National Broadcasting Co. For example, a judge ruled that a state Democratic organization holding a convention in the city’s civic center could not discriminate among journalists by admitting some and not others. In either case, journalists may be provided access similar to the general public. Private property, such as convention centers or stadiums, may be used by public entities and public property may be used for private political party conventions. In addition, for government owned property, even those that allow for limited access to the public, members of the public, protestors, and reporters may be barred if the location is not itself public (for instance, private areas of a courthouse or jail), and hours of access for journalists are generally limited to those when the general public is permitted access. Public places include sidewalks and public parks, but not private property. Journalists have a right to access public places to gather and disseminate news. The First Amendment protects both the freedom of speech and the freedom of the press. During a stop-and-frisk or arrest make it clear to law enforcement that any equipment, memory cards, notebooks, etc.If law enforcement requests your audio or video recordings, camera, recording devices, equipment or notes, you may refuse and request that the official contact your media outlet or its lawyers.You may continue to record interactions with law enforcement. If engaged in an encounter with law enforcement, explain that you are a journalist covering the event and show your credentials. Comply with dispersal orders or other directives issued by law enforcement.For example, do not join crowd chants or wear clothing with slogans related to the events you are covering. Maintain neutrality when covering events.You may record video or audio of public events, including of law enforcement activities at such events, as long as you are not interfering with or obstructing law enforcement activity.Do not trespass on private property to gather news do not cross police lines at crime scenes comply with location restrictions and barriers, absent exigent circumstances.When covering demonstrations, protests, and campaign or political events, make sure you know in advance what restrictions are in place regarding the public’s right to access, and whether there are any curfew or other restrictions in place.Carry your press credentials at all times and ensure credentials are visible to law enforcement.The following advice and recommendations are intended to give the reader a high-level understanding of the rights of a journalist when confronted by law enforcement officers while covering a protest or other political event. Given that these incidents often quickly escalate and that some – both protestors and police – do not always conform to legal strictures, it is generally prudent to comply with an officer’s commands, even if they are not lawful, and to protect one’s safety.
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