NewsWMNF Tampa Community RadioSeptember 11, 2026Hillsborough County
Federal Prosecutors Drop Appeal Over Wiretap Charges Against Tampa Journalist Timothy Burke
Photo: WMNF Tampa Community Radio
Federal prosecutors withdrew an appeal that could have resulted in wiretap charges against Tampa journalist Timothy Burke. Burke was accused of obtaining unaired interview clips of Kanye West and selling them to Vice using an obtained password.
Read the full story at WMNF Tampa Community RadioWhy It Matters
The decision ends a federal legal effort that threatened a journalist with charges related to obtaining and sharing unaired media footage.
Key Facts
- Federal prosecutors withdrew an appeal related to wiretap charges against Tampa journalist Timothy Burke.
- Burke allegedly obtained unaired clips of Kanye West making antisemitic remarks during an interview with Tucker Carlson.
- Burke allegedly sold the obtained clips to Vice.
- Prosecutors stated the clips were accessed using a password obtained by Burke.
Who's Mentioned
OrganizationFlorida Press Association“Press association that defended Burke's status as a journalist.”PersonMark D. Rasch“Defense attorney representing Timothy Burke.”OrganizationWMNF 88.5 FM“Publisher of the news article”locationTampa“City where Burke is based and where his office was raided.”PersonKanye West“Artist whose unaired interview clips were obtained.”OrganizationWMNF“News outlet that interviewed Burke's lawyer.”OrganizationNational Press Club“Press organization that defended Burke's status as a journalist.”PersonTucker Carlson“Interviewer involved in the Kanye West interview.”PersonD. John Sauer“Solicitor General whose approval was required for the appeal.”OrganizationFBI“Federal law enforcement agency that raided Burke's office in 2023.”PersonTimothy Burke“Tampa journalist facing federal charges related to obtaining unbroadcast intervi”locationSeminole Heights“Neighborhood in Tampa where Burke's office is located.”OrganizationTampa Bay Times“Local newspaper whose editor published a column about Burke.”OrganizationACLU“Civil rights organization that defended Burke's status as a journalist.”OrganizationVice“Media organization that bought the interview clips.”PersonMark Katches“Tampa Bay Times editor who commented on Burke's professional status.”OrganizationDepartment of Justice“Federal department prosecuting the case against Burke.”