FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 13, 2016
89.9 WWNO -- New Orleans Public Radio reporter Ryan Kailath has been released from jail following his arrest Saturday, July 9, in Baton Rouge on one count of Simple Obstruction of a Highway of Commerce. Kailath was providing continuing coverage of the protests that erupted in Louisiana’s capital city after the shooting death of Alton Sterling by Baton Rouge police.
Video captured by Kailath at the time of his arrest appears to show him in compliance with the law while engaged in protected professional news reporting. Kailath was arrested along with other journalists, including Chris Slaughter, the Assistant News Director for WAFB, and Breitbart News reporter Lee Stranahan.
“Our news department has devoted significant resources to providing ongoing local coverage of this important news story for our region,” says WWNO News Director Eve Troeh. “We commit to reporting more on this story, to uphold the mission of public media to inform our audience.”
Kailath was released from East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on Sunday, and has returned to work.
“Numerous WWNO reporters and editors are providing updates to local and national audiences as this critical story continues into its second week,” says WWNO General Manager Paul Maassen. “We stand with Ryan, and all journalists, in ensuring reporters are protected in their crucial daily work.”
