Phil Spector Murder Trial To Be Televised

The murder trial of producer Phil Spector will light up ratings later this year for U.S. media outlets after a judge granted television access to the trial.

Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler approved the motion, filed last month, which will see TV cameras given access to broadcast live coverage - however he warned networks against turning the murder trial into a circus, adding he would have no hesitation in "pulling the plug" if it impacted on Jury.

Fidler explained his decision by adding the television coverage would come at a welcome time for the American public - some 12 years after the high profile acquittal of sports personality OJ Simpson, who was on trial for the murder of his wife.

Spector is currently free on $1m bail over the alleged shooting of b-movie actress Lana Clarkson in February 2003. The 'wall of sound' producer denies killing the 43-year-old, claiming she committed suicide in his Los Angeles mansion.

Lana Clarkson Gallery