A WIN FOR FREEDOM OF THE PRESS: THE NEWSGUILD OF NEW YORK PRAISES PASSING OF ‘KEEP POLICE RADIO PUBLIC ACT’

NEW YORK –   The NewsGuild of New York applauds News York lawmakers for passing a vitally important measure that would ensure the media’s access to police radio transmissions.

On Thursday, the “Keep Police Radio Public Act,” Assembly Bill A.3516, sponsored by Bronx Assemblymember Karines Reyes, passed in the Assembly, as did the Senate version, S.416, sponsored by Queens Senate Deputy Majority Leader Mike Gianaris. The measure now moves to Gov. Kathy Hochul for approval. 

Over the past couple of years, the NYPD completed encryption of some of its most important frequencies, creating roadblocks for working journalists who rely on the transmissions to get quick information on fires, natural disasters, shootings and more, which they share with the public in their reporting. 

The measure would give members of the media access to encrypted police radio, which previously had been publicly accessible.

Members of The NewsGuild of New York, the labor union representing nearly 6,000 media workers in the tri-state area, traveled to Albany recently with the NYGuild’s parent union, the Communications Workers of America, to speak with New York State legislators about the importance of preserving access to police radio transmissions. 

“Keeping police radio transmissions accessible to journalists is vital for transparency and public safety,” said Juan-Carlos Rodriguez, a reporter for Law360 and second vice president of The NewsGuild of New York. “The public relies on reporters to relay accurate information about breaking events, and this legislation helps journalists continue to do the job that people count on us for. We’re very grateful that the Assembly and Senate passed these bills, and we hope Governor Hochul signs it quickly.”

Every day, members of the news media rely on police radio transmissions to respond quickly to shootings, fires, buildings collapses, emergencies and other news. This access allows the media to provide vital information to the public and gives reporters a better chance of interviewing witnesses and survivors on the scene, providing a more complete, timely and accurate picture of current events. 

“We thank New York lawmakers for recognizing the importance of media access to police transmissions,” said Susan DeCarava, president of The NewsGuild of New York. “Our members have a responsibility to the public to provide immediate information especially when it affects their safety. This measure will allow them to continue doing that.”