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Networks in court as ban on Live aerial broadcasts is overturned

Updated: Nine, Seven & ABC challenged a ban on media helicopters broadcasting Live footage from Melbourne protests.

Television networks joined forces and went to court this morning over a ruling that prevented Live aerial pictures of Melbourne protests being broadcast.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority confirmed that Victoria Police had been granted a temporary restricted airspace order over the CBD as they face ongoing protests. Police had maintained protestors were able to avoid police by viewing Live aerial footage.

Police backtracked on an outright ban but demanded a 60-minute delay on broadcasting any aerial images..

“Media outlets will also be required to delay publishing any livestream footage from the air by 60 minutes or at the conclusion of the operation,” a Victorian Police spokesperson said.

“This is because protestors were actively monitoring aerial livestreams, compromising the police operation and putting the safety of members at risk.”

The ban was challenged in the Federal Court this morning by networks Nine, Seven and ABC.

Update: The Herald Sun reported Federal Court judge ruled in favour of three TV outlets, allowing them to fly over the CBD and broadcast footage live until a trial can be set down as early as next week.

Justice Helen Rofe QC said there was a “serious question to be tried” and the “balance of convenience” was in staying, or delaying, police orders until a substantive hearing could go ahead.

She said a judge could be made available to sit before a trial next week.

 

Meanwhile a Nine security guard was also released after being arrested by police near the CFMEU headquarters in Melbourne CBD.

It is understood the security guard left a group of media before being intercepted by police and pinned down by officers.

“A man was seen walking across the road near Elizabeth and Victoria Street at about 9.30am this morning,” the police statement read.

“Police stopped and spoke to him, to obtain his identity and confirm why he is in the area.

“The male was argumentative and did not provide his identification or credentials to police.

“He was subsequently arrested until his identification was sought.

“Victoria Police understands there are valid reasons people need to be in the city, and we do not want to stop people going about their usual business, so we ask that people provide the information to police at the first opportunity.”

This post updates.

Source: Nine News