February 8, 2007 10:18

Phil Spector's trial to be televised?

Music producer’s trial deemed to be in 'public interest'

Phil Spector’s trail could be televised, according to the judge in the murder case.

Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler said that he would make the decision after hearing from lawyers later this month.

Fidler said: “This is a trial of public interest. I always have a problem with commentators telling people what is going on rather than letting the public see the trial for themselves. I’m a firm believer in having the public see it.”

He added that he had received requests from numerous media outlets to bring cameras into the courtroom. He said the issue must be decided shortly because of technical arrangements that need to be made if cameras are permitted.

Lawyers said that they wanted time to consider the proposal. The next pre-trial hearing is set for February 16.

The judge has the option to allow television cameras in court during the trial, and can consider the views of prosecution and defence lawyers before making a decision.

District attorney Sandi Gibbons said: “We do not oppose cameras in the courtroom.”

Fidler said that he planned to call as many as 300 prospective jurors to his courtroom on March 19 to being the process of identifying those who could serve on a trial that might last three months.

Testimony is unlikely to start until three or four weeks later, reports Yahoo News.

Spector is pleading innocent to the murder of actress Lana Clarkson, who was shot dead at his house four years ago. He is released on bail of $1m and if convicted faces life imprisonment.