Pilot Media Plan for
United States v. Gendron
The Western District of New York recognizes the important and constitutionally-protected role that the media plays in informing the public of government activity, including operation of the legal system. The district’s Pilot Media Plan is intended to facilitate the media’s fulfillment of that role consistent with the court’s obligation to provide a civil and secure setting for the fair and impartial administration of justice.
The Western District of New York further recognizes that access to information and the ability to timely report are fundamental to the media’s function and purpose. To accommodate the media’s professional needs, individual members of the media may apply for Credentialed Media status. Credentialed Media have broader latitude to possess and use electronic devices in the courthouse, may have access to dedicated workspace, and may receive priority courtroom seating in high-profile cases. No member of the media is required to obtain Credentialed Media status. The designation is offered solely to accommodate members of the media who wish to avail themselves of expanded allowances.
Members of the media are encouraged to review the Pilot Media Plan, which contains a host of information about the court and court operations. Media inquiries not answerable in the Pilot Media Plan or through publicly available information should be directed to the Clerk of Court in writing at media@nywd.uscourts.gov. Individual judges and chambers staff should not be contacted directly.
The Pilot Media Plan and Credentialed Media Application are linked below.