Are You Reading Fake News?
Edward L. Birk May 22, 2020 in New Media
Stories and complaints about “fake news” are continuing to capture headlines. The pandemic has heightened our need to identify reliable sources of information and learn how to think critically about what we are reading, hearing and watching each day. Media coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic has shown just how widespread misinformation can become. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently reported that not only were we fighting COVID-19, but also an “infodemic,” meaning an overwhelming […]
Continue ReadingCan a Court Squelch Public Statements by a Criminal Defendant Before Conviction?
Edward L. Birk Mar 11, 2019 in Media Law
Long-time Republican political operative, staunch Trump supporter, and self-described “dirty trickster” Roger Stone has never been one to hold his tongue in the face of controversy. Even in the wake of criminal indictment on five counts of making false statements, one count of obstructing an official proceeding, and one count of witness tampering, he betrayed no sign of avoiding the spotlight. In response to colorful public proclamations of his innocence, the federal judge hearing his […]
Continue ReadingThe Repeal of Net Neutrality: Will It Impact Free Speech on the Internet?
Edward L. Birk Sep 6, 2018 in Media Law
At the end of 2017, the Federal Communications Commission voted to end net neutrality. Many were outraged. Some celebrated. But I imagine most people simply didn’t know what it all really meant or how the change would impact their Internet experience. Let’s start by explaining the concept of net neutrality. What Is Net Neutrality? Communications companies regulated by the Federal Communications Commission, such as telephone companies, must follow a law that requires them to treat […]
Continue ReadingDoes Florida’s Journalist Privilege Apply to Unsolicited Information? How Can It Not?
Edward L. Birk Mar 15, 2018 in Media Law
On December 1, 2014, Travel Weekly published a glowing article about former Norwegian Cruise Line CEO Colin Veitch, calling him a “visionary” and maybe “the most influential and creative cruise CEO of the past decade”. Veitch’s successor as CEO, Kevin Sheehan, took issue with that characterization and wrote an email to Travel Weekly’s publisher and editor-in-chief. As a result, the publication removed the article from its website a few days later. Colin Veitch then sued […]
Continue ReadingA Challenge for Readers: Who Qualifies as ‘the News Media’?
Edward L. Birk Jan 11, 2018 in Media Law
A perennial question in this internet age is, “Who exactly does qualify as the news media?” In the days when Gutenberg invented movable type, the number of printing presses could be counted on fingers and toes. Today, with the internet as every man or woman’s printing press, the number is infinite. For access to normally public records, forums, and events, such as public meetings and court hearings, the news media and the public have about […]
Continue ReadingMarks Gray is proud to announce Ed Birk was named Lawyer of the Week. The Lawyer of the Week is a global community of lawyers that inform and encourage each other. Lawyer of the Week was formed by Pamela DeNeuve, lawyer and law firm strategist. Please click here to view the Lawyer of the Week video. Mr. Birk is a News Media & First Amendment attorney. In addition, he represents clients in municipal liability, E.R.I.S.A. Benefits; […]
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