Posted on March 19 at 9:28 a.m.

I'm all for freedom of the press and protecting sources, but if the news media uses their press credentials to cross the tape and enter a crime scene, then any pictures they take should be joint property of law enforcement and journalism.
It has to be give and take relationship.
I can't just go into a crime scene and start taking pictures, but the media's excuse is that I have a right to know what is happening.
This particular situation has nothing to do with protecting sources. The press wasn't there because "they had a hunch" and had done tons of leg work to get this scoop, they were following the police to a crime scene and then demanding access, but all the while being expected to be treated like a fly on the wall.
Save your indignation for when it's your own story and work with the authorities to help rather than hinder.
Shane Butler
Ventura

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