Will Trump's Sentencing Be Televised? The Mainstream Media Wants It

Lina Portman6 days ago

5 2 minutes read

To satisfy “unprecedented public interest” and ensure transparency, a coalition of leading media organizations has requested that Donald Trump's upcoming sentencing in the Manhattan “silence” case be televised.

Representatives from major media outlets, including The Post, the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, argue that live streaming of the July 11 hearing would allow the American public to witness first-hand the climax of the legal saga of Trump.

The decision follows Trump's conviction on 34 counts related to falsifying business records linked to payments made to silence allegations by adult film actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election.

“Given Mr. Trump's candidacy in the upcoming presidential election in just a few months, the historical and political significance of his conviction cannot be overstated,” the attorneys said in a June 21 filing with Judge Juan Merchan of Manhattan Supreme Court.

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Throughout the trial, access to footage of Trump in court has been tightly controlled, with only select photographers allowed to take brief photos before the proceedings began. Despite this, Trump, 78, has not objected to the proposed television coverage.

The media is pleading for a videographer and radio reporter to be present in the courtroom to ensure full 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 public's intense 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 has been convicted of criminal charges.

The media push underscores the importance 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.

Tune in to “CNN Presidential Debate” Thursday, June 27 at 9 p.m. ET on CNN or simulcast on USA TODAY on YouTube.com.

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

Lina Portman

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