RI Broadcasters Association asks judge to lift pension gag order

By News Staff

news@abc6.com

The association of television and radio stations in Rhode Island is urging the Superior Court Judge overseeing the pension settlement case to lift the gag order.

In a statement released Monday, the Rhode Island Broadcasters Association said in part, “television and radio stations licensed in Rhode Island are collectively joining together in urging Superior Court Judge Sarah Taft-Carter to reassess her decision to issue a gag order on the proposed pension settlement case.

“Television and radio station Presidents & News Directors have spoken out against the burden this gag order represents to their efforts to report information to viewers and listeners of the communities they serve.  The news departments of the association’s television and radio stations have a right and responsibility to report on issues that impact all Rhode Island taxpayers and the future of our State.

“We respectfully ask the court to reconsider its decision and lift the gag order on the proposed pension settlement case so as to give the residents of the State of Rhode Island transparency and knowledge of this high-profile decision affecting each and every Rhode Island taxpayer.”

Union‘s voted on a potential settlement last week.

The pension lawsuit trial is scheduled to start April 20th.

(C) WLNE/TV 2015