The health of the American democracy in the 21st Century will depend largely upon the health of American media. Information is the lifeblood of a free republic. Yet, the internet and social media have provided media professionals with new legal challenges regarding privacy, security and credibility. If the free flow of ideas and news is to continue, those who work in the media must understand the principles and laws that protect our right to know.
In
Media Law: A Guide to Understanding Mass Communication Law,
Mark Hanebutt provides a concise summary of those precepts to help media professionals in their day-to-day task of presenting information. The publication cuts through non-essential discussion and presents the basics. As such, it presents a readable desk reference for students, journalists, advertisers, and public relations specialists.
Mark Hanebutt, a former reporter and editor for
The Orlando Sentinel
, is professor of journalism at the University of Central Oklahoma and a lawyer in Oklahoma City.