Just received the press release from the city about renovating City Council offices (unglamorous stuff like heating and air conditioning, I'm told) and moving everyone to temporary quarters. This is no big deal for most of us, but the renovation has an interesting effect on council meetings. They are being moved to courtrooms in the Federal Courts building across the street. Seems reasonable, except when you realize that the meetings will be bound by some interesting Federal Court Building rules. To wit: The Courts don't allow TV cameras. The only way televised visuals will be available is through the two-hour tape-delayed feed from Channel 34. Imagine the next controversial issue, or big demonstration, at a council meeting. Sorry, no independent pictures, only those by cameras somewhat controlled by the council - and only 2 hours after the event actually happens. Now I know the council isn't always great TV, but I don't know why any TV station in town would stand for this, and citizens shouldn't either. TV, as shallow as it can be, still can be our eyes and ears into these meetings. (I know, as a print reporter, I should cheer the leveling effect, but I play citizen here.) The other policy change is a mixed blessing. The courts also don't allow cell phones. That makes it harder for journalists to call in breaking news or talk with their editors. However, it makes it harder for lobbyists to use their phones, too! Anyway, I appreciate the council's need to find new meeting space - but I think it should be the courts that compromise their policy, not the media - and by extension, the public - swallow compromised access. David Brauer King Field - Ward 10
