Media Law Resources

Student Media offers workshops in media law and ethics in the fall and winter quarters. In addition, you may find these online resources to be helpful. Below you can find the Media Law quiz.

Student Press Law Center

This comprehensive source provides up-to-date information on media-related law, as well as handy FAQ sheets on libel law, invasion of privacy, a student media guide to copyright and so much more. Student Media organizations may also contact the SPLC’s help desk with questions. Poke around the site for a treasure trove of useful information, and/or sign up for regular email updates from SPLC.

First Amendment Coalition

This non-profit public interest organization supports free speech, more open and accountable government and public participation in civic affairs. Want to know what a sample FOIA request letter would sound like, or more about California Sunshine Laws? This is the place. In addition to online resources, the Coalition offers free one-on-one legal consultations for journalists.

Copyright Clearance Center

This site is designed for academic institutions; however, it also answers a range of other questions from the basics of copyright law to how to stay safe when you’re incorporating videos you didn’t make in your content.

NOLO, Law for All

This exhaustive resource on copyright law is organized by topic. For the basics, try “Fair Use: The Four Factors”; if you want to know whether your organization can make a fan-film of Star Trek, check out “Determining the Length of Copyright Protection.”.

Media Law Flowchart

This flowchart gives more information on the workshop dates and requirements for Fall 2020. The online Media Law make-up quiz is available here.

 

Media Law

This seminar for print and broadcast students, taught by media attorney Jim Wagstaffe, covers the legal basics: the First Amendment, libel and slander, copyright, and privacy issues. All signers must attend the Media Law seminar or complete the online quiz before your organization may produce. Although, signers are the only ones required to attend the seminar, organization members are encouraged to attend and leaders are responsible for making sure organization members understand the laws surrounding media production.


Forms


Media Law Quiz

Media Law Flow Chart

Ethics Seminars

Offered in Winter Quarter, this workshop invites you to engage some of the current pressing questions that challenge contemporary media organizations. Led by media attorney Jim Wagstaffe, this workshop’s interactive design includes exercises and “ripped-from-the-headlines” scenarios to explore these issues.

Diversity & Media Workshops

Media gives its creators a megaphone, access to resources, and the power to change our world. In these activity-based workshops, we’ll reflect on why diversity in media matters, and what we can do about it. Developed by students, staff, and alumni each year, these workshops focus are current events and explore the many different perspectives in the media landscape.