KCII News staff recently completed training for reporting on courtroom proceedings.

Due to issues in recent years involving journalists’ use of cameras and other equipment in Iowa’s district courtrooms, all are now required to complete free training from the Iowa Freedom of Information Council in order to use cameras, laptops, smart phones, or audio recording devices inside courtrooms. Those who only use pen and paper to cover court proceedings do not have to attend this training. Iowa FOI Council Executive Director Randy Evans and Iowa Judicial Branch Communications Director Steve Davis hosted one of several trainings across the state this fall in Mount Pleasant Friday, of which about a dozen people attended.

The program explained the Iowa Supreme Court’s Expanded News Media Coverage program, for which journalists must submit a request to the regional media coordinator for that county at least seven days in advance of most proceedings to use devices like cameras and audio recorders. Those who attended the training will receive a courtroom photo identification badge to signify to court officials that they have completed this training. KCII News Director Sam McIntosh was also appointed this fall to serve as the Region 13 news media coordinator for the judicial branch, which includes Washington, Henry, Louisa, Des Moines, and Lee counties.