Sue Hartigan <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: TALLAHASSEE, Fla., April 9 (UPI) _ A veteran Florida broadcast journalist is challenging a state rule that prohibits television cameras at executions. Later this month, an administrative judge will consider Mike Vasilinda's argument that Florida taxpayers have a right to see how capital punishment is carried out in their state. Vasilinda, who runs a video production company that feeds news reports to television stations across Florida, asked the state Department of Corrections for permission to tape four executions carried out last month, but his request was denied. Corrections officials cited a 1977 policy that banned cameras, audio recorders and even artist tools at an execution. But Vasilinda contends the agency had no authority to adopt the policy and claims the issue is about ``the public's right to know.'' He says, ``The public pays for executions and they have a right to see how their money is spent.'' None of the 38 states that have the death penalty allow cameras at executions. In 1991, a California public television station sued unsuccessfully to film an execution and three years later, talk show host Phil Donahue lost a legal battle to obtain access to a North Carolina execution. Florida allows a dozen print and broadcast reporters at every execution, but corrections officials take strict precautions against hidden cameras and recorders. Journalists are provided with pads and pencils as they enter the witness room. Vasilinda's petition has prompted some legislators to hastily draft a bill that would put the camera restriction into law. State Rep. Allen Trovillion says, ``We have enough traumatic things in the media today.'' -- Two rules in life: 1. Don't tell people everything you know. 2. Subscribe/Unsubscribe, email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the body of the message enter: subscribe/unsubscribe law-issues
