Peterson trial costs lowered

The collective jaw of the media, particularly broadcast organizations, dropped last week when told a tent outside the courthouse would cost $51,000, not including $7,500 to park a satellite truck and another $200 to park a car.

Yesterday, the county offered some dramatically reduced rates. The price of a tent is now $3,500 and the county contemplated other ways to trim costs after hearing reporters and news producers balk. The media themselves offered cutbacks, including a separate courthouse entrance and round the clock security of the so-called "tent city."

Television outlets said they didn't need tents nor the $14,851 bill for a sheriff's deputy to patrol 40 hours each week. Undersheriff Greg Munks said that without tents there would be no need for security. But, without security he said there would also be no cabling - and therefore no live shots - allowed in the courtyard. Munks did concede that about $3,800 could be shaved off by reducing parking enforcement staff by 50 percent.

Some members of the media tried saving money by declining to set up office in a media annex building. However, they became frustrated when told that they would be charged to listen to a live audio feed from the proceedings than can only be heard there. Judge Alfred Delucchi ordered that the trial could not be tape recorded so a bailiff was installed in a special audio room of the annex to make sure journalists comply. The $5,573 monthly cost of the bailiff will be passed onto the media using the annex unless the room is ruled an extension of the actual courtroom. If it is, then the state will likely reimburse the county for the cost of the bailiff.

The problem now is that members of the media who use the annex will be charged an estimated $835, covering that security as well as Internet access, janitorial services and administration costs. Those outlets that don't want any office space - just access to the audio feed - argued that it's unfair but also couldn't decide a resolution. Some tried compromising with an offer of $100 a month while others, like ABC, believe it should be free.

The ABC affiliates have set up shop at the Redwood Law Center rather than rent space in the media annex. Many others have made similar arrangements dropping the number of renters from 10 on Monday down to seven yesterday.

The cost of covering the trial for the media has become almost as much a story as that of the 31-year-old fertilizer salesman charged with killing his pregnant wife, Laci, and the couple's unborn son. The publicity prompted a change of venue from Modesto to San Mateo County and also pushed county officials to ask the media to pay expected costs. Even yesterday, some journalists said it was unfair for the county to charge when it "lobbied for the trial."

Redwood City police Capt. Ron Matuzik said the city braced for a "worst-case scenario" of 400 reporters and an onslaught of satellite trucks - all which factored into the initial bills but which didn't materialize at last Monday's initial hearing.

Matuzik said the city would also consider opening up Middlefield Road on non-court days or if few satellite trucks rent parking space. On Monday, 19 set up shop but a ban of cameras in the courtroom made the number dwindle. Court TV and some other stations have announced they will not be returning until jury selection.

Michelle Durand can be reached by e-mail: michelle@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 104. What do you think of this story? Send a letter to the editor: letters@smdailyjournal.com.