Maricopa County, Arizona — Maricopa County officials agreed to pay $175,000 to settle a lawsuit filed after a Gateway Pandit writer was denied a press pass last year.
On Wednesday, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors voted to approve a settlement payment to TGP Communications after one of the company’s writers was denied eligibility to attend the county’s press conference during the 2022 election. I was.
Records show the county restricts access to Jordan Conradson because the critic writer is not considered “a bona fide correspondent of good repute in your profession.” .
County officials further testified that Conradson’s previous story led to threats against county officials and employees.
Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone said his agency was investigating threats made to elected officials following the controversial outcome of Arizona’s 2022 general election.
After the denial, TGP and Conradson sued the court that Maricopa County violated First Amendment rights.
The court determined that the TGP raised several valid questions about the county’s attempts to regulate the practice of journalism.
“The court agrees that this proposal is problematic insofar as it calls for government to play a role in policing press freedom, whose constitutionally protected function is to hold government accountable.” A federal judge wrote the verdict.
speed up
Check out the latest news and stories on our 12News YouTube playlist here.
Other ways to get 12News
on the phone: Download the 12News app to get the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
On your streaming device: Download 12News+ to your streaming device
12News’ free 12News+ app allows users to watch daily news shows like “Today in AZ” and “12 News” and live events like “Arizona Midday” daily lifestyle programs on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. can be streamed.
We live here too, so we are committed to serving all communities in the Valley.
12News is the official home of the Arizona Cardinals and winner of the 2018 Rocky Mountain Emmy Award for Outstanding Performance.
12News+ delivers live video all day long with breaking news, local news, weather forecasts, and sometimes even zen moments showcasing breathtaking views across Arizona.
On social media: find us at Facebook, twitter, Instagram and Youtube.
