(1) “News media representative” is a journalist who works for, or is under contract to, a newspaper, magazine, wire service, book publisher, website, podcast, radio or television program or station or who, through press passes issued by a governmental or police agency, can demonstrate that they are a bona fide journalist engaged in the gathering of information for distribution to the public.

(2) “Non-news media representatives” means individuals in the publishing and broadcasting media not included in subsection 3261.5(a)(1), and may include editorial researchers, freelance writers, authors of books and independent film makers involved with the production of broadcast or print endeavors including, but not limited to, features, documentaries, commercials, and pilots for proposed news, or entertainment programs.

(1) No inmate or parolee may have his or her visitation limited or revoked solely because of a visit or potential visit from a news media or non-news media representative, nor may an inmate or parolee be punished, reclassified, disciplined, transferred to another prison against his or her wishes, or otherwise retaliated against, solely for participating in a visit by, or communicating with, a news media or non-news media representative.

(2) During an interview conducted pursuant to subsection 3261.5(b), news media and non-news media representatives shall be allowed to bring up to three (3) pens, three (3) pencils and one (1) pad of paper into the facility. These items shall be searched to protect against an immediate and direct threat to the security of the institution.

(1) Non-news media representatives must provide proof of employment by a bona fide publication or production company, or have evidence that such a company has contracted to purchase the completed project prior to approval.

(2) Non-news media representative requests for access to departmental facilities, on-duty staff or inmates shall include project and production details as necessary to determine security and operational impacts.

(3) Non-news media representative film productions require a California Film Commission permit, along with evidence of financial responsibility and general and automobile liability insurance in an amount not less than $1 million indemnifying and defending the State of California, its officers, employees and agents against any lawsuits. Automobile liability insurance is not required if no vehicles are used in or for filming. Statutory Workers Compensation and Employers' Liability is also required. If a company has no employees, a Workers Compensation waiver letter must be submitted to the California Film Commission.

(1) Access to any secured area where lethal weapons are maintained requires the prior approval of the institution head.

(2) The institution head may allow access to an area outside the secure perimeter of a facility to news media representatives.

(1) Random interviews of individuals involved in a specific activity or program, or encountered while covering a facility activity or event shall be limited to the time, areas and segments of the facility population designated by the institution head.

(2) Inmates may not participate in specific-person face-to-face interviews except as provided in subsection 3261.5(b).