FOIL-AO-5084
E-MAIL

From: dos.sm.Coog.InetCoog
Sent: Wednesday, April 20, 2011 8:34 AM
Subject:    RE: New Broadcast Rules

With regard to the issues that you raised, first, members of the public may record or broadcast open meetings, subject to reasonable rules.  It has been advised that anyone may record or broadcast, so long as so doing is not disruptive or obtrusive. Second, a public body, such as a board of education is not required to record or broadcast its meetings.  Third, the term "personnel" merely means "people"; it does not deal in any way with employees of a government agency. The phrase "personnel used to photograph, broadcast, webcast, or otherwise record a meeting" refers to those in attendance who do so; it does not refer to staff or employees of an agency.

Please note that on our home page, at the end of the text concerning recent amendments to the Open Meetings Law, there is a link to model rules designed by the Committee on Open Government to serve as a guide to implementation of the new provision.

I hope that I have been of assistance.

Robert J. Freeman
Executive Director
Committee on Open Government
Department of State
One Commerce Plaza
Suite 650
99 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12231
Phone:  (518)474-2518
Fax: (518)474-1927
Website: www.dos.ny.gov/coog/index/html