In a case that has ramifications for TV news-gathering techniques, the U.S. Court of Appeals in Cincinnati has removed a temporary restraining order preventing the broadcast of a hidden-camera interview on the syndicated magazine show ``Inside Edition.'
But the decision, while prohibiting the blocking of the disputed footage, did not address other issues about hidden-camera interviews in TV news. Those issues are likely to be pursued in other legal action.``Inside Edition' had been blocked from airing a hidden-camera interview with a New York physician that was obtained by a producer posing as a patient. The hidden-camera interview was part of an investigation of Dr. Stuart Berger, a best-selling diet-book author whose nutrition therapies have been controversial.
``Inside Edition' plans to air the disputed footage in a follow-up story tonight (7:30 p.m., WXII, Channel 12).
Berger has filed suit against King World, the producer of ``Inside Edition,' and plans to pursue his case on the grounds that ``Inside Edition' violated federal wiretapping laws and trespassed on his private property.
Attorneys for King World hailed the appeals court's decision as a victory for the First Amendment rights of TV journalists.
``Inside Edition' last week was prevented from airing its hidden-camera interview by U.S. District Court Judge Barbara Hackett in Detroit.
