1. Mass Comm Law

2. Media Role in Political Systems zAuthoritarian yRulers infallible yMedia subservient to government zLibertarian yIndividuals capable of knowing truth yGovernment under scrutiny of media zCommunist yState promotes social perfection yMedia partners with government

3. John Milton zAnd though all the winds of doctrine were let loose to play upon the earth, so Truth be in the field, we do injuriously by licensing and prohibiting to misdoubt her strength. Let her and Falsehood grapple; who ever knew Truth put to the worse in a free and open encounter? --- Areopagitica

4. Media Role in Social Responsibility Model News media provide: zMeaningful account of events zForum to exchange ideas zCoverage of all society’s groups zCoverage to challenge, clarify society’s goals, values

6. Freedom of Speech Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech; or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. -- The First Amendment

7. Reasons for Regulations zInterference with the economic market system zWhen a product or industry or company’s behavior has a negative impact on society zWhen a negative impact on individuals outweighs contribution to society as a whole

8. Reasons for Regulations (continued) zDuring times of war zTo preserve its own security and power

9. Types of Media Regulation zEconomic regulation zBusiness regulation zContent and information regulation

10. Economic Regulation zAntitrust law zNewspapers and antitrust laws zDirect telecommunications regulation

11. Content & Information Regulation zRegulating content before distribution zRegulating information after distribution

12. Regulating Before Distribution zPrior restraint zObscenity zCensorship during war zControlling government documents zControlling news events zCopyright regulation

13. Regulating After Distribution zLibel and slander zPrivacy zRegulating advertising content zThe Telecommunications Act and content regulation

14. Libel zFor comments about an individual to be libelous, they must: z (1) be false, and z(2) injure that person's reputation.

15. Public figures and libel zDifferent standards for comments made about public figures and public officials. zStatements have to be made with "actual malice" (or knowledge that they're false) to be considered libelous.

16. Privacy Law zPeople have right to be left alone zReporters are free to pursue stories in public zInvitation is needed in private places zHarassment can be restricted

17. Chilling Effect zCurbs excesses of media zCurbs desire to address controversial issues

18. Trends and Innovations zDeregulation zExtension of copyright zNew forms of lawsuits