By Bob Hennelly

On this episode of the Stuck Nation Labor Radio Hour, we dedicate the entire show to Mayor Eric Adams’ push to start encrypting NYPD radio traffic, which has up to now been accessible to both the public and the news media in real time.  We will speak with veteran breaking news photographer Todd Maisel, as well as Juan Carlos Rodriguez, a reporter with Law 360 and 2nd vice-president of the News Guild of New York. They will explain why this loss of transparency should matter to every New Yorker and would give exclusive power to the police to control the narrative without any accountability. 

We further discuss the challenge for FDNY EMS workers who historically rely on NYPD radio traffic for situational awareness but lack it with the NYPD’s move to encryption. 

We also will hear from New York State Senator Michael Gianaris and Assembly Member Karines Reyes about legislation they are sponsoring to protect the news media and public’s access to police  radio communications throughout New York State.

Sen. Gianaris notes that the diminishment in NYPD transparency comes as local news is already in crisis. Assembly Member Reyes relates that outside of New York City, volunteer fire departments have told legislators they rely on having access to their local police traffic to perform their work. 

Listen to the entire show below:

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