Broadcasters have been allowed to proceed with an application for judicial review into the decision forcing them to hand over footage of the Dale Farm eviction to Essex police.
The BBC, ITN, BSkyB, Hardcash Productions and the NUJ are set to push ahead with their legal challenge against the court order,
The NUJ, which is opposing the order on behalf of its member Jason Parkinson, said the case raises ‘fundamental issues about the ability of the press to report matters of public interest impartially and without fear of intimidation”.
NUJ general secretary Michelle Stanistreet said: ‘The NUJ welcomes the decision to allow the Judicial Review to proceed.
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“The media played a critical public interest role in reporting on Dale Farm and the case will have significant implications for the whole of our industry.
“Journalists are put in danger if footage gathered whilst reporting events is seized and used by the police.
“The NUJ’s code of conduct compels the union – and our members – to defend a vital principle, the protection of journalistic sources and material.
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‘This case is a defence of press freedom – journalists are not evidence gatherers for the police.”
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