In re Subpoenas to News Media

In April 1999, a number of investigative subpoenas were issued to appellees/cross-appellants, several news organizations (hereinafter the media), requiring the media to produce several unpublished photographs and videotapes taken by the media’s employees during what has been referred to as the East Lansing riots in March 1999. After a remand from our Supreme Court, the district court held that the investigative subpoenas were proper under MCL 767A.1 et seq.; MSA 28.1023A(1) et seq. The circuit court reversed and quashed the subpoenas, holding that the statute exempts news gatherers while they…