WPCNR PRESS ROOM. From the Westchester County Board of Legislators. November 19,2009: In the weeks ahead when the county Board will be considering the 2010 Budget, a refresher for reporters as to protocols has been issued from Tara Martin, spokesperson for the County Board.

Here they are:

 As the primary county legislative entity, the County Board encourages transparency and openness.  Reporters are encouraged to ask questions, gather additional background that’s needed to write a fair and accurate news story that informs the public and generates thoughtful citizen input. As the Board respects the role of the press, the Communications team aims to gain maximum media coverage and understanding of the Board’s legislative agenda, policies, activities and decisions. 

This protocol is not to hinder relationships with Legislators, nor to stifle reporters.  In fact, media guidelines and protocols are commonplace in many government agencies.  This is our effort in creating a well-organized and professional press operation that can facilitate interviews and respond to your inquiries within your deadlines as far in advance as possible.  The need for the protocol is to assist working press and to better facilitate press relationships. The protocol is needed to help Legislators talk to the press, and keep it well organized for their convenience, and not to keep them from talking to reporters at all. 

• Any person from the working press (daily and weekly print, radio, TV, internet, electronic, etc) who would like to speak (by phone or in person) with a Legislator, can arrange an interview through the Press Secretary (via office/cell phone and/or email).   If a reporter would like to speak with an individual Legislator (while currently on the 8^th floor covering another story), please direct that request to the Press Secretary.  Pre- and post-interview follow-up questions can be directed to the Press Secretary either via office/cell phone and/or email.  Legislators are, still, free to communicate with reporters directly.

• Like any other visitor, members of the working press are expected to sign in at the reception desk upon arriving on the 8^th floor for a public meeting or interview.  If a member of the working press has a scheduled interview, he/she needs to check in with the 8^th floor receptionist and wait in the reception area.  The receptionist will call the Press Secretary for further instructions or escort to appropriate Legislative office.  Access to a public meeting or scheduled interview does not imply permission to wander to other parts of the floor unescorted.

• Regular business hours are Monday through Friday (except holidays) from 9:00AM to 5:00PM.  Outside of these regular business hours, a reporter must stop at the 1^st floor security desk and have security staff call the Press Secretary for access the 8^th floor.  This rule does not apply when a scheduled public Board and/or committee meeting takes place outside regular business hours.

• There are designated locations outside and inside which can be used at any time by members of the working press for stand-ups or interviews, specifically:

-the County Board’s reception area

-the committee room

-the Rotunda

-Legislator’s office

-the County Board chambers

-the foyer

• Shooting video on the 8^th floor with a tripod requires advance notice, except in designated locations. However, shooting video outside of the building with portable equipment is generally unrestricted unless it impedes the flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

• Pool coverage may be mandated, in cases of heavily attended hearings (to be pre-arranged by the Press Secretary)

• You may not shoot live or recorded video images in the following areas:

-         Anywhere County regulations prohibit video coverage such as cafeterias, restrooms and areas closed to the public, etc.