Camera Ban at Ramirez Hearing to Face Challenge

An organization representing Los Angeles-area TV news professionals announced Thursday that it will challenge a judge’s prohibition of cameras and microphones in the courtroom during the preliminary hearing of ‘Night Stalker’ suspect Richard Ramirez.

Jeff Wald, KTLA-TV news director and head of the Radio and Television News Assn. of Southern California, said Municipal Judge Candace D. Cooper’s initial ruling last month amounts to “improper discrimination against those who rely on TV and radio for their news.”

The association will file a challenge before the state Court of Appeal after Cooper issues a final order barring cameras and microphones, officials said. Her ruling is expected today.

Since 1980, video recording equipment has been allowed in California courtrooms. However, judges have discretion to refuse cameras “to protect the rights of the parties and the dignity of the court or to assure the orderly conduct of the proceedings.” In making her initial ruling, Cooper said she was anxious about the effect of extensive media coverage on the case.