Journalists at Alan Jones's trial off to 'inauspicious' start as spelling error and rogue mobile phone antagonise judge | Weekly Beast

Awkward moments in court as media companies dedicate significant resources to the coverage. Plus: a new boycott campaign targets the Tele Want to get this in your inbox every Friday? Sign up for the Weekly Beast media newsletter here Media organisations wishing to cover Alan Jones’s high-profile trial on indecent assault and sexual touching charges have to apply individually for access when the six complainants give evidence in an otherwise closed court. Last week seven media organisations, including Guardian Australia, were successful in their applications to sit in the court and to report the evidence. Police officers stationed outside the Downing Centre courtroom on level 3 are diligent in checking every reporter’s media pass before allowing entry. One media organisation, the Daily Aus, was late to the party and asked local court judge Glenn Walsh to approve their participation this week. Walsh remarked not once but twice that the social media-first outlet was off to an “inauspicious” start because they had spelt the judge’s name wrong. The Daily Mail reporter meanwhile caused a stir when his mobile phone went off twice during evidence despite stern warnings from the c