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Media
Freedom of the press is a fundamental liberty guaranteed by the First
Amendment (http://www.law.cornell.edu:80/constitution/constitution.billofrights.html#amendmenti)
of the Constitution. As such, courts and legislative bodies have been
hesitant to impinge on that freedom. In fact, there are numerous state
and federal statutes that seek to ensure the full extent of the
guarantee of the First Amendment such as the Freedom of Information
Act, and the Privacy Act.
Historically, media law has been divided into two areas:
telecommunications and print sources (newspapers, periodicals, etc.).
There are some federal regulations regarding both categories, and there
are state laws governing both areas as well. The scope of these laws is
limited by the First Amendment. (see also: communication law (http://www.law.cornell.edu/topics/communications.html))
The Federal Communications Commission regulates interstate and foreign
communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable. It was
created by the Communications Act of 1934 to regulate interstate and
foreign communications by wire and radio in the public interest.
American media attorneys deal with all forms of media and the rights
that belong to the creator of the idea for that particular media. Ideas
and creations are considered intellectual property and are protected by
copyright and licensing laws. Such creations as the works of musicians
and writers of lyrics, computer software technologies, industrial arts
and written works are covered by copyright and licensing . Permissions
by artists for use of their creations, such as music, photos,
paintings, lyrics and images for internet use, are all supervised by
the media attorney.
American media lawyers are also responsible for the managing of
merchandising on behalf of the creator of the work or their small
enterprise. The importance of the rights of the artist and the
integrity of the work are kept in tact by the competent media attorney.
Consulting with managers of designers and artists for record keeping
and financial management purposes, drafting of contracts and purchases
on behalf of the artist or the artist's company are watched over by the
media attorney.
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