Boston TV station complies with order for interview recordings, notes

Broadcast station WFXT, a Fox News affiliate in Boston, was subpoenaed by prosecutors on Oct. 18, 2024, for interview recordings and notes in connection with a murder trial in Dedham, Massachusetts.

A judge upheld the request in December and the outlet turned over the materials in January 2025, according to court records reviewed by the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker.

In August 2023, WFXT aired a segment in which reporter Ted Daniel interviewed the parents and brother of Karen Read, who stands accused of the murder of her boyfriend in a case that has captured national attention.

After the case against Read ended in a mistrial in July 2024, prosecutors issued multiple subpoenas to news outlets and journalists ahead of the April 2025 retrial. Massachusetts does not have a formally recognized reporter’s shield law protecting journalists from being forced to disclose newsgathering materials.

Prosecutors asked Superior Court Judge Beverly Cannone to order WFXT to turn over all recordings and notes — including unaired statements — from interviews with Karen Read’s father, William, mother, Janet, and brother, Nathan.

“The unaired statements made by the Reads are relevant and material to put the relevant aired statements, some which will be introduced at trial, in context,” prosecutors wrote in the request. “Further, the absence of details provided in the unaired footage is fertile grounds for examination of witnesses at trial.”

The broadcast station did not file an objection with the court, and on Dec. 5, 2024, Cannone ordered WFXT to comply with the request. According to court filings, the station produced records on Jan. 3, 2025.

Prosecutors subpoenaed the station again in February, seeking all recordings and notes from interviews with Karen Read. Cannone granted the request on Feb. 19, and WFXT turned over records to the court on March 3, according to court records.

WFXT did not respond to requests for comment.