Media Access to Police Radios Recommended

Queensland’s Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) has recommended that the state’s media organisations be allowed to have access to new police radio transmissions.

The CMC began inquiries after media complaints that journalists would not be able to monitor soon to be upgraded digital radios.

The Commission has suggested the transmissions be data streamed into newsrooms, despite concerns from senior police that journalists could listen in on – and potentially jeopardise – highly sensitive operations.

The Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance has supported the CMC’s recommendations, saying it has taken a sensible approach to the issue.

ABC News’ Queensland Editor, Fiona Crawford, says: “It appears the CMC has taken some notice of our arguments and agreed that there needs to be a greater sharing of information between the Police Service and media outlets.”

Various parties in the long running standoff have two weeks to respond before a final report goes to State Parliament.