Washington State University Libraries Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections
Guide to the Washington State Association of Broadcasters Films
1974
Cage 814
Table of Contents
Summary Information
- Repository
- Washington State University Libraries, Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections
- Title
- Washington State Association of Broadcasters Films
- ID
- Cage 814
- Date [inclusive]
- 1974
- Extent
- 1.5 linear feet of shelf space, 3 boxes
- Language
- Collection materials are in English.
- Abstract
- The "Cameras in the Courtroom" 16 mm film contained here represents a 1974 pilot of whether news cameras in courtrooms in Washington State would disrupt proceedings.
Preferred Citation
[Item Description] Washington State Association of Broadcasters Films, 1974
Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections, Washington State University Libraries, Pullman, WA.
Biography/History
In 1974 the Washington State Association of Broadcasters spearheaded an effort to introduce the use of cameras in state courtrooms. Three Seattle commercial television stations, KIRO, KOMO, and KING, each filmed a day in the negligent homicide trial of Thomas Dean Fetter in King County Superior Court, Judge Stanley C. Soderland presiding. Besides recording the testimony each day, this "Cameras in the Courtroom" film includes post-trial interviews with the participants who by and large respond that the presence of the cameras neither distracted nor influenced their behavior. Though the footage was never broadcast, the film begins with a reporter "lead-in." Washington State University Communications Professor Val Limburg noted that the "film became an instrument to help judges change their mind about allowing cameras into their courtrooms" (1987 May 22 memo in MS 2002-17; a copy is filed with the collection).
Scope and Content
This collection consists of a three-part 16 mm film "Cameras in the Courtroom" that records footage from the 1974 negligent homicide trial of Thomas Dean Fetter in King County Superior Court.
Arrangement
The collection is arranged in a single series.
Administrative Information
Publication Information
Washington State University Libraries Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections © 2015
http://www.libraries.wsu.edu/masc/
Terrell Library
P.O. Box 645610
Pullman, WA, 99164-5610 USA
509-335-6691
mascref@wsu.edu
Restrictions on Access
This collection is open and available for research use.
Restrictions on Use
Copyright restrictions apply.
Acquisition Information
Professor of Communications Val Limburg donated this collection to the Washington State University Libraries in 1997 (MS 1997-34).
Processing Information
This collection was processed by Susan Vetter in 2015.
Related Materials
Related Material
Val Limburg Papers, MS 2002-17
Names and Subjects
Subject(s)
- Television broadcasting of court proceedings -- Washington (State)
- Court records -- Access control -- Washington (State)
- Courts -- Press coverage -- Washington (State)
- Civil Procedure and Courts
- Media and Communication