Q: We encourage our reporters to record interviews for accuracy, with interviews typically recorded over the phone or internet, and sometimes in person. Are there any legal issues associated with recording interviews?

A:  Yes. Pennsylvania is a two-party consent state, and reporters must get permission to record interviews in order to comply with the state Wiretap Act.  Note, however, that the Wiretap Act does not apply during public meetings held under the Sunshine Act.

The Pennsylvania Wiretap Act, 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 5701, et seq., is designed to prevent unwarranted government interception of private communications, but it also prohibits private parties from recording a conversation, where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, without prior consent of all parties involved.  See 18  Pa.C.S.A. § 5704(4). A violation of the Act is a felony of the third degree, which is punishable by up to seven years imprisonment and/or a $15,000 fine.

Reporters who want to record interviews must get consent from the interviewee prior to recording.  PNA recommends reporters ask for permission to record the conversation before beginning to record and get permission again after the recording has started so that there is a record of consent. 

The Wiretap Act does not prohibit recording during public meetings, nor does it require reporters to obtain permission to record public meetings held by government agencies like school boards and borough councils.  The act’s prohibition on recording oral communications only applies where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy; there is no reasonable expectation of privacy at a public meeting. In addition, Section 711 of the Sunshine Act expressly permits anyone attending a public meeting to record “all the proceedings” rendering the Wiretap Act inapplicable during the course of the meeting. 

As always, this is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal advice.  Please contact your news organization’s attorney or the Legal Hotline at (717) 703-3080 with questions.