Wisconsin lawmakers are considering a bill to bar public access to recordings of 911 emergency calls. These audio recordings would be replaced with transcripts.
As a broadcast news professional, I understand that 911 calls may be painful for families of victims. Thatâ??s why a lot of thought already goes into deciding whether and how to use these recordings.
At WMTV-TV (Ch. 15) in Madison, where I work, these decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. We do not sensationalize 911 calls. We do not air these recordings just because we have them.