Public access to 911 audio is among the bills being taken up by the Assembly today. Supporters say victims’ families should be protected from hearing those kinds on calls on radio and TV. An open government advocate believes there is no need for such a law.
“I think that is a dramatic over reaction of the problem if it is indeed a problem,” says Bill Lueders, President of the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council.
He says broadcasters are already acting responsibly in deciding whether to air the audio, citing a recent survey that shows most news rooms have policies regarding this.
Bill Lueders (:30)
State Representative Amy Sue Vruwink (D-Milladore) insists she is not trying to limit media access to the 911 calls as transcripts would still be available under her bill.