Media Ground Rules

The purpose of this joint investigation is to develop conclusions and recommendations as they relate to the Deepwater Horizon MODU explosion and loss of life on April 20, 2010. The facts collected at this hearing, along with the lead investigators' conclusions and recommendations will be forwarded to Coast Guard Headquarters and BOEM for approval. Once approved, the final investigative report will be made available to the public and the media. No analysis or conclusions will be presented during the hearing.

GROUND RULES:

We will continue to allow expanded media coverage to include three pooled video cameras, two pooled still cameras and 2 radio teams unless:

1. There is a substantial probability that expanded media coverage would or is interfering with the rights of the parties to a fair hearing;
2. There is a substantial probability that expanded media coverage would unduly detract from the solemnity, decorum, and dignity of the proceedings;
3. That a particular participant would be more adversely affected by expanded media coverage than would be members of the public in general, and that the expanded media coverage would more adversely affect that participant than would traditional media coverage; or
4. A violation of the guidelines or additional rules imposed by the co-chairs has occurred.

To that end, here are the guidelines that must be followed in order to continue the expanded media coverage of this hearing:

1. Bench conferences shall not be recorded by audio or by extreme close-up video or photography; 
2. Confidential communications between counsel and client or co-counsel shall not be recorded by audio or by extreme close-up video or photography;
3. Papers on the tables or held by counsel, co-counsel, any clients, witnesses, or officers presiding over the investigation, shall not be recorded by extreme close-up video or photography;
4. Extreme close-up photography of parties to the investigation or officers presiding over this investigation is not permitted.

Media representatives shall conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the decorum and dignity of the hearing.  The following practices shall be observed in this regard:

1. All equipment employed to provide expanded media coverage shall be positioned in the designated area and operated to minimize any distraction;
2. Identifying marks, call letters, logos, symbols, and legends shall be concealed on all equipment.  Personnel shall not wear clothing bearing any insignia or identification of the individual or media organization involved; and
3. Equipment involved in expanded media coverage shall not be placed in, or removed from, the hearing room except prior to the commencement or after adjournment of proceedings each day, or during a recess.  Neither television film, magazines, videocassettes, nor still camera film or lenses shall be changed within a hearing room except during a recess in the proceedings.
4. Still cameras shall make as little noise as possible so as not to disturb the proceedings.
5. No additional lighting will be permitted.
6. Audio recorders and laptops for print journalist are allowed.
7. The use of laptops, PDAs, and/or cellphones/iphones to capture video or stills during the proceedings is prohibited. 
8. (If the media continues to be allowed to set up their own microphone(s)) Copies of recorded audio made using audio equipment installed by the media shall be provided to the investigating officer upon request.

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