Opinion
PER CURIAM.
On December 8, 1980, we issued a Per Curiam opinion in which we approved a modification of Canon 3(A)(7) of the Code of Judicial Conduct permitting broadcasting and photographing judicial procedures on a trial basis. 609 S.W.2d 28. Recently we extended that amendment until we could receive a report from our committee. See Per Curiam dated February 1, 1982.
We approved a committee to advise us in this regard and that committee composed of Richard Mays, Chairman, Randall Williams, Circuit Judge, John Lineberger, Chancellor, Dennis Shackleford, attorney, and Frederick K. Darragh, a layman, have filed a report which is filed with the clerk. Briefly, the committee's recommendation is that we continue to allow broadcasting and photographing of judicial proceedings in accordance with our original Per Curiam with one minor modification. That report is filed with the Clerk of the Court.
The modification suggested by the committee relates to obtaining written consent from all parties and witnesses. We agree that it may be too burdensome to the trial court and to the interested people to require written consent in every instance, before a judge permits broadcasting or photographing judicial proceedings.
Therefore, Canon 3(A)(7)(b) is amended to read:
(b). An objection timely made by a party or attorney shall preclude broadcasting, recording, or photographing of the proceedings; and, an objection timely made by a witness who has been informed of the right to refuse such exposure, shall preclude broadcasting, recording or photographing of that witness.
In conjunction with that change, Rule 3 of the rules we promulgated regarding Canon 3 shall be amended to read:
The following persons or proceedings shall not be broadcast: jurors; minors without parental or guardian consent; victims in cases involving sexual offenses; undercover police agents or informants; in camera proceedings except with the consent of the court; other matters determined by the Arkansas Supreme Court to be restricted. Failure to abide by this provision can result in a citation of contempt against the news representative and his agency.
We find that it is in the best interest of the public that the Code of Judicial Conduct as amended December 8, 1980, and as amended herein, be in force and effect until further orders of this court. The court wishes to express its appreciation to the committee that has served us and the public in this regard.