Sky News to campaign to allow cameras in court

Sky News is to launch a campaign to allow cameras into British court rooms, the head of the news broadcaster said last night.

Speaking to students at Cambridge Union Society, John Ryley announced that following the general election Sky will launch a petition to overturn legislation dating from 1925.

"If the legislature is to be subject to far greater scrutiny so too must the judiciary, so the public can fairly judge the balance of responsibility between them," said Ryley.

"Sky News will be campaigning hard to lift the ban on cameras in courts. We will explore every opportunity to mount a legal challenge against the ban on cameras."

In the speech, which can be read in full at this link, Ryley argued it was "precisely what you'd expect from a truly independent news organisation able to push boundaries and challenge the status quo".

The announcement follows Sky News' campaign for a televised election debate, an event which has now been agreed by Sky, BBC, ITV and the three main party leaders.

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