Rule 9.3 - RECORDING AND BROADCASTING PROCEEDINGS In addition to the inherent power of the judge to control proceedings to maintain the dignity, decorum, and impartiality of court proceedings, judges may utilize these rules covering recording and broadcasting of court proceedings.
9.3.1 If a county has adopted Local Rules Approved by the Second Administrative Judicial Region and the Supreme Court which governs Recording and Broadcasting Proceedings, the Local Rules will take precedence over the Regional Rules. 9.3.2 If a county has not adopted Local Rules, these rules will control.9.3.3 Definitions: 9.3.3.1 "Recording" means photographing, audio recording or video recording by any means.9.3.3.2 "Broadcasting" means disseminating or transmitting to the public through newspapers, television, radio, internet or other means.9.3.3.3 "Media" means any person or organization engaging in news gathering or reporting and includes any newspaper, radio or television station or network, news service, magazine, trade paper, in-house publication, professional journal, or other news reporting or news gathering agency, whether the information is transmitted or disseminated by broadcasting, cable, satellite, internet or other means.9.3.3.4 "Court Proceedings" do not include investitures or ceremonial proceedings.9.3.4Recording or Broadcasting by the Media. A party or the media must request permission to have the media record or broadcast court proceedings.9.3.4.1 The court may require the media to demonstrate that their proposed equipment complies with these rules, and may exclude from the courtroom any media who fail to comply with these rules. The court may specify the placement of personnel and equipment to permit reasonable coverage without disruption to the proceedings. Unless the court in its discretion orders otherwise, the following standards apply to the placement and operation of media equipment:9.3.4.2 One television camera, one audio recording machine, and one still photographer are permitted. In appropriate circumstances, the court in its discretion may allow an unmanned second camera into the courtroom.Tex. 2nd. Admin. Judi. Reg. L. R. 9.3