A media center will open this week one block south of the court square for reporters and correspondents covering the upcoming trial of Edgar Ray Killen, officials said.
Media coordinator Patsy Brumfield, news editor of the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, said she is preparing to open the center on a limited basis on Thursday from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.
The center, located in the old Magnolia restaurant at 103 Walnut St., is set up to alleviate some of the congestion at the courthouse for credentialed media personnel.
For more information, call the Community Development Partnership, 601-656-1000.
Brumfield said media would have access to the necessary tools to complete their work including high-speed Internet access and a live video feed for reporters unable to get a seat in the courtroom.
Mississippi Public Broadcasting will be in charge of transmitting the video feed and distributing to broadcast media sources for use in their broadcasts.
Brumfield said the center will be staffed by volunteers and will be open daily from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. to allow media ample time to prepare and submit material for publication.
In order to utilize the media center, reporters must have valid credentials from the Neshoba County Circuit Clerk’s office.
