A reporter in Montana cannot tape record a conversation without knowledge of all parties to the conversation. Mont. Code ann. § 45-8-213-c.

Exceptions to this rule include the recording of elected or appointed officials and public employees, when recording occurs in the performance of public duty; persons speaking at public meetings, and persons given warning of the transcription. If one party gives warning, then either party may record. Mont. Code ann. § 45-8-213-1-c-i, ii, iii.

It is illegal to purposely intercept an electronic communication. It is also illegal to disclose the contents of an illegally recorded conversation. Mont. Code ann. § 45-8-213-2.

A person convicted of the offense of violating privacy in communications shall be fined an amount not to exceed $500 or be imprisoned in county jail for a term not to exceed six months, or both. Penalties increase with each offense. Mont. Code ann. § 45-8-213-3.