One of four criminal cases against former U.S. President Donald Trump will be broadcast live on television, radio and online in real-time after a superior court judge in Georgia granted various media requests to that effect.
On Thursday, Fulton County Judge Scott McAfee said the court will arrange for a radio broadcaster and a television outlet to provide pool audio and images to other stations, and the proceedings against Trump and his various co-defendants will also be live-streamed through a special YouTube channel established by the court itself.
Additionally, reporters and editors will be allowed to use their cell phones inside the courtroom, but won’t be allowed to use the devices to record audio or video of the proceedings on their own, McAfee ruled. A still photographer will arrange to provide images to wire services, newspapers, websites and other news outlets.
Trump is accused of racketeering, conspiracy and making false statements in connection with the outcome of the 2020 presidential vote in Georgia. He is one of 19 named defendants in the case, which include some of his close, personal legal and political advisers who counseled him during his failed bid for re-election.
Among other things, Trump was accused of urging Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to “find” nearly 12,000 more votes that would have put him in the lead over Democratic challenger Joe Biden, who ultimately won the state and the election. The conversation was audio taped, and copies of the audio were ultimately leaked to the media.
On Thursday, Trump entered a plea of not guilty during a hearing in which he was arranged on the charges. He waived his right to appear for the arraignment, and has been released on bond.
The Georgia election interference case is one of four criminal matters involving the former president, but the only one brought in a jurisdiction that permits cameras in the courtroom.
Two other cases — one involving the attack on the U.S. Capitol by deranged Trump supporters in January 2021, and another accusing Trump of improperly retaining classified documents — are being tried in federal court, where cameras are not allowed.
The fourth criminal case involves alleged hush money paid to adult film actress Stephanie Gregory Clifford, better known by her stage name “Stormy Daniels,” which was allegedly paid using corporate funds that Trump reportedly disguised as legal expenses tied to his company. The case is being brought in New York state, which prohibits live video broadcasts from the courtroom. A judge has allowed still photography, with images distributed to the media under a pool arrangement.
Trump is continuing his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination in the 2024 election.
