Major media outlets push for live coverage of Trump's sentencing in 'hush money' case

To satisfy “unparalleled public interest” and ensure transparency, a coalition of prominent media organizations has petitioned for the upcoming sentencing of Donald Trump in the Manhattan “hush money” case to be televised.

Representatives from major outlets, including the Associated Press, New York Times, and Wall Street Journal, argue that broadcasting the July 11 hearing live would allow the American public to witness the culmination of Trump’s legal saga firsthand.

This move comes in the wake of Trump’s conviction on 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records linked to payments made to silence allegations from adult film actress Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election.

“Given Mr. Trump’s candidacy in the upcoming presidential election just months away, the historical and political significance of his sentencing cannot be overstated,” attorneys stated in a June 21 filing to Justice Juan Merchan of the Manhattan Supreme Court.

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Throughout the trial, access to visuals of Trump in court was tightly controlled, with only selected pool photographers allowed brief opportunities to capture images before proceedings commenced. Despite this, Trump, 78, has not opposed the proposed televised coverage.

Media outlets are advocating for one videographer and one radio journalist to be present inside the courtroom to provide comprehensive coverage of the sentencing. During the trial, Trump held daily press conferences from outside the courtroom, which were broadcast live to the public, highlighting the intense public interest in the proceedings.

Trump faces a potential sentence of up to four years in prison, but alternatives like probation or community service are also on the table. His conviction marks a historic moment as the first former US president found guilty of felony criminal charges.

The media’s push underscores the significance of this case not only for its legal implications but also for its potential impact on the upcoming presidential election, setting the stage for a pivotal moment in American politics.

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Jeremy Yurow is a politics reporting fellow based in Hawaii for the USA TODAY Network. You can reach him at [email protected] or on X, formerly Twitter @JeremyYurow

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Will Trump's sentencing be televised? Major media outlets want it