Washington State Association of Broadcasters Films

Washington State Association of Broadcasters Films, 1974

Overview of the Collection

Title: Washington State Association of Broadcasters Films
Dates: 1974 (inclusive)
19741974
Quantity: 1.5 linear feet of shelf space, (3 boxes)
Collection Number: Cage 814 (collection)
Summary: 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.
Repository: Washington State University Libraries' Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections (MASC)
Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections
Terrell Library Suite 12
Pullman, WA
99164-5610
Telephone: 509-335-6691
mascref@wsu.edu
Access Restrictions: This collection is open and available for research use.
Languages

Historical NoteReturn to Top

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).

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

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.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Restrictions on Use

Preferred Citation

[Item Description] Washington State Association of Broadcasters Films, 1974

Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections, Washington State University Libraries, Pullman, WA.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Arrangement

The collection is arranged in a single series.

Acquisition Information

Professor of Communications Val Limburg donated this collection to the Washington State University Libraries in 1997 (MS 1997-34).

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