Illinois has become the first state to enact legislation to establish a system for assigning credentials to broadcast news reporters and support personnel enabling them to gain easier access to breaking news sites. The First Informer Broadcasters Act authorizes the Illinois Emergency Management Agency to identify and create a training curriculum that broadcast and cable personnel will have to complete in order to earn emergency credentials. Credentials will permit news personnel, their equipment and vehicles, and supplies (such as fuel) to move promptly through security perimeters so that events can be covered at close proximity and the outside world can be accurately informed as quickly as possible. Similar legislation is under consideration in a number of other states.
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