New Orleans city council works to rein in cameras at meetings

By Karen Gadbois
thelensnola.org

Quietly and with no discussion, the City Council broadened the definition Thursday of what constitutes disturbing the peace during its meetings, asserting control over where people can stand to record public meetings.

Anyone who plans to record or broadcast meetings, either with audio or video, is now required to register with the council clerk before the meeting. The clerk will assign a position in chambers for that person to stand. The provision does not apply to those who are seated.

The clerk is not allowed to assign in a position that would be “unreasonable.”

The change appears to be aimed at local activist Sandra “18 Wheeler” Hester, who frequently appears at council meetings and has filmed the proceedings while roaming the room.

This article was originally published in the March 19, 2012 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper