Committee Meetings
Employment Law Committee: The Pregnant Workers’ Fairness Act: What to Expect When Your Employee is Expecting
Join us for a presentation that will provide a comprehensive overview of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, highlighting its broad legal protections for pregnant employees and employees dealing with pregnancy-related conditions.
Full Court Press: A Conversation with David Denenberg on Media Rights and Distribution
Sports and Media Deals Committees host an exclusive joint webinar featuring David Denenberg, Senior Vice President of Media Distribution and Business Affairs at the NBA. With decades of experience navigating the complex landscape of media rights, distribution strategy, and high-stakes negotiations, David shares insights into the evolving world of sports media deals, emerging trends, and…
Litigation Committee Meeting: Donald Trump as Defamation Defendant
Tom Hentoff of Williams & Connolly, author of the Media Law and Copyright Notes blog, walks us through the President’s defenses in libel cases from the Central Park Five to E. Jean Carroll and Stormy Daniels.
Anti-SLAPP Committee Meeting
With: Jay Adkisson, Forbes contributor and UPEPA Enactment committee member; Rachel Fugate, Shullman Fugate partner; Isaac Zaur of Clarick Gueron Reisbaum LLP and Meghan Spillane of Goodwin; & Jacquelyn Schell, Ballard Spahr partner
Practical Considerations for Pre-Pub in the New Administration
The Pre-Pub / Pre-Broadcast Committee will host a timely discussion on practical considerations for pre-pub in reporting amidst the new government administration.
MLRC Insurance Committee’s 2025 Kick-Off
The recent MLRC Entertainment Conference; new trends & developments in insurance in 2025; impact of the Greenpeace defamation verdict on the insurability of other public interest organizations; latest COVID-19 business interruption decision; insurance questions & issues from committee members; plans & suggestions for the committee for the remainder of 2025.
Data Privacy Presentation: Overview of US Law on Restricted Transfers of Sensitive Data
In April, a new DOJ rule will restrict transfers of bulk U.S. “sensitive data” to certain “countries of concern,” including China. Marci Rozen (ZwillGen) will examine potential impact of the rule on media companies, including restrictions on using certain pixels & other online advertising technology & newly-required diligence processes for vendor & advertising partner relationships.
Advertising & Commercial Speech Committee Meeting: Editorial v. Commercial — Where’s the Line and How Do You Navigate It?
A discussion on navigating the line between editorial and commercial speech, especially at a time when media companies are under pressure to support (and sometimes push the boundaries for) business and revenue objectives.
Navigating Immigration Changes / Impact of Immigration-Related Executive Orders on Media Employers
Join the Employment Law Committee & Diverse Voices Committee for a timely discussion on the potential impact of recent presidential executive orders addressing immigration on media organizations.
Newsgathering Committee Meeting: Controlling White House Press Pool Access – Escalating Tensions
A very timely discussion with guests including Guardian US columnist Margaret Sullivan, legal scholar Eugene Volokh, and Chuck Tobin, Partner, Ballard Spahr LLP. Moderated by Newsgathering Committee Co-chair Mickey H. Osterreicher.
Media Deals Committee Meeting
Please join us at 9am PT/noon ET on Monday February 24th to welcome our incoming co-chairs, Kristel Tupja and Alex Robbins, and to discuss planning for 2025.
Criminal Law Committee: Mind Your Digital Footprint / Best Practices in Digital Security for Journalists
What journalists need to know about their digital security amid increased threats of subpoenas & seizures of their newsgathering information; the pros & cons of different platforms & apps, settings to watch, & how to know if data has truly been deleted.; & strategies for communications with confidential sources & accessing hacked materials.
Anti-SLAPP Committee Meeting
Matt Schafer on the petition filed by Steve Wynn; Eric Weslander on his pending puppy mill case under the Kansas anti-SLAPP law; Tanvi Valsangikar on Bobulinsk v. Tarlov; Greg Leslie on “fake electors” case; & Laura Prather on Texas Anti-SLAPP fight.
Internet & Technology Law Committee and Media Copyright and Trademark Committee: AI Copyright Litigation — The Latest Developments
A timely discussion on the rapidly evolving landscape of AI copyright litigation.
Sports Committee Meeting
A conversation led by Prof. Jodi Balsam of Brooklyn Law School regarding how the new presidential administration will affect the sports industry.
Employment Committee Meeting
Please join the Employment Committee for our first meeting of 2025. We look forward to meeting our new members, catching up with old members and discussing ideas for programming, partnerships, and topics for the coming year. We look forward to seeing you!
Arbitration 101: Things to Know When Including and Drafting Arbitration Clauses
We will be welcoming Mikaël Schinazi, an international arbitration lawyer at Jones Day, based in the Paris office. A member of the New York and Paris bars, Mikaël advises and represents companies, sovereign States, and State-owned entities in high-stakes international disputes.
Diverse Voices Committee: First Meeting of 2025
In this session, we will do a quick overview of Diverse Voices’ last year of growth, and then pivot to a discussion on potential programming for the year ahead, opportunities for member involvement, and ideas for partnerships and collaboration with other committees.
Entertainment Law & Copyright Trademark Joint Committee Panel: Copyrighted Content in the Background
How have courts addressed claims challenging copyright-protected material that is visible in the background of a film or television program? What about claims involving copyright-protected music that can be heard in the background of a documentary film?
International Committee Meeting: Cross-Border Vetting
The International Committee will reprise its annual lively and informative discussion of global pre-publication review. Co-chairs Katharine Larsen of Reuters News and Pia Sarma of News UK will host with discussion to feature Anshika Misra of AZB & Partners (Mumbai) looking at recent developments in India.
Insurance Committee Meeting & Virtual Holiday Party
"Newsrooms are playing Russian Roulette with Libel Insurance;" Safety issues in the wake of the United Healthcare CEO murder; 2024 Developments; Insurance concerns & conditions; 2025 Predictions; How year end & first of the year renewals are going; How payment of year end law firm bills is going; Committee plans & suggestions.
Anti-SLAPP Committee Meeting
The MLRC Anti-SLAPP Committee's last meeting of the year. With guest speakers: Steve Zansberg of Zansberg Beylkin; Emmy Parsons of Ballard Spahr; Jeff Nye of SSP Law; and Mara Gassmann of the RCFP.
Consumer Reviews & Testimonials; “Click to Cancel” & California’s Amended Automatic Renewal Law
Analysis of the FTC’s Final Rule on Consumer Reviews & Testimonials, led by Katherine Surprenant of Klaris Law. Plus an overview by Terri Seligman & Kate Patton of Frankfurt Kurnit Klein + Selz of the FTC’s “Click to Cancel” Rule & California’s amended Automatic Renewal Law, including their practical implications & key takeaways for compliance.
Look Back, Look Ahead with the Employment Committee
We catch up with one another and discuss key employment law developments from 2024 such as non-compete agreement challenges and where things currently stand and the influence of federal agencies in shaping employment law after the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, and what may be on the horizon for 2025.
Litigation Committee Meeting: Actual Malice Practice Guide Preview
All MLRC members are invited to this exciting preview of the update to MLRC’s Actual Malice Guide. Vedder Price lawyers Blaine Kimrey and Bryan Clark will preview the updated guide, an essential litigation tool, which will be released soon.
Insurance Committee Meeting
Topics to include: Paul Gladder and the closing of the Vett News CX product; impact of recent elections on federal funding for public TV and radio; availability of media liability insurance coverage for claims insurance of disinformation; and more.
International Committee Meeting: Keeping Journalists Safe — Lessons from Standing with Evan
Join committee co-chair Katharine Larsen in conversation with Jake Goldstein and Craig Linder, the in-house lawyers at Dow Jones who handled the Evan Gershkovich illegal detention and dramatic release, as they focus on the crucial issue of safety of journalists.
Tackling Disinformation in Elections and Synthetic Data
Ginny Badanes (Microsoft Democracy Forward) & Jenni Katzman, (Microsoft US Govt. Affairs) discuss work Microsoft & the tech sector have undertaken to drive awareness of deepfakes & influence campaigns, align commitments for responsible AI use in elections, & develop standards that allow digital consumers to track & authenticate online content as synthetic data generation increases.
Sports Committee Meeting
Turner Broadcasting/Warner Bros. Discovery’s lawsuit for breach of contract against the NBA for failure to adhere to the Right of First Refusal clause in the parties’ media rights agreement; & MLB Players Inc.’s lawsuits against sports betting companies regarding the improper usage of MLB players’ name, image, & likeness rights to promote online sportsbooks.
Insurance Committee Meeting
Baby Reindeer case; Video sync claims; Defamation or Intellectual Property claims regarding political content; New trends and developments in insurance so far in 2024; Insurance Committee plans and committee member suggestions for the remainder of 2024.
The New Legislative Model Designed to Limit Recording Police
The Diverse Voices, Criminal Law, and Newsgathering Committees discuss the new template for legislation states are using to pass laws designed to limit the ability to record police in public. With Grayson Clary (RCFP), Alanah Odoms (ACLU of Louisiana), & Mickey Osterreicher (NPPA).
Employment Law Committee Meeting
A roundtable discussion on thorny labor law related topics led by Kai Falkenberg, General Counsel at The Guardian US.
Internet & Tech Law Committee Meeting: Balancing the Risk of Disinformation
Barbara McQuade, University of Michigan Law School professor, MSNBC legal analyst, and former U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan will join us to discuss the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation and how to weigh the challenges and possible strategies for balancing the concerns of regulating the internet.
Next Gen General Body Meeting
On the Agenda: 2024 survey results; our priorities moving into 2025; and future events including upcoming panels and social events!
Media Copyright & Trademark Committee Meeting: Hachette v Internet Archive
The 2nd Circuit’s recent decision in Hachette Book Group, Inc. et al. v. Internet Archive affirmed the grant of summary judgment to 4 book publishers in their infringement suit against the Internet Archive concerning its “Free Digital Library” program. What does it mean for the fair use doctrine, AI, & copyright law in general?
AI and Political Advertising | Advertising & Legislative Affairs Committees
Lauren Feiner, senior policy reporter (The Verge), Larry Huynh, President (American Association of Political Consultants), & Kate Belinski, partner (Ballard Spahr LLP) discuss AI in political advertising, including deepfakes & the threat to elections, how campaigns are thinking about AI, & efforts by states to regulate the use & disclosure of AI in advertising.
MLRC California Chapter August Meeting
Can you SLAPP an idea theft claim? And can you really get sued for reproducing a centuries-old work of art in your own creative work? Join the MLRC California Chapter to discuss these two hot questions.
Republican & Democratic National Conventions: Election Access & Security Concerns (Part 2)
In part 2, State Legislative Affairs and Criminal Law committees will recap access to the RNC, look ahead to the DNC kicking off in Chicago on August 19, including the CPD's latest plans to handle protestors & journalists, & invite discussion on access concerns heading into the November elections.
Anti-SLAPP Laws in Pennsylvania, Minnesota & Maine
On the agenda: reports on the recently enacted anti-SLAPP laws in Pennsylvania, Minnesota and Maine. All are welcome!
Pre-Pub / Pre-Broadcast Committee Panel: AI in the Newsroom
How newsrooms are utilizing AI right now; Possible benefits of this innovation as well as causes for concern; How newsrooms can best educate themselves about AI tools; Navigating how to disclose AI usage to the public; & how to protect journalism from outside use of AI—i.e., deepfakes, scraping, etc.
Tech Law 101
Tech Law 101 will provide a broad overview of the hottest issues right now in technology law, covering three topics: The Communications Decency Act (“CDA”) Section 230; regulation & litigation surrounding content moderation; & generative AI.
Media Law 101: Entertainment
This presentation covers basic but important issues to be aware of in the entertainment law world, including issues relating to the use of materials subject to copyright and trademarks, the risks involving references to real people and things, how best to use and rely upon releases and disclaimers, and more.
Media Law 101: Newsgathering
New to newsgathering or need a refresher? This seminar addresses best practices for gathering news in public and private spaces. The presentation will touch on issues presented when working with confidential sources, reporting on social media, recording audio and video and much more!
Sports Committee Inaugural Meeting: Paris Olympics
Committee co-chairs Christopher Chase and Steve Smith lead a discussion about Rules 40 and 50 of the Olympic Charter (which govern sponsor’s references to “Olympic-related terms” and athletes’ rights to free expression); handling legal disputes at the Games; and U.S. arbitrations over making the team. Guest speaker: Bob Latham of Jackson Walker.
Movement Journalism
A discussion on legal and ethical concerns related to movement journalism, led by Diverse Voices committee member Samantha Hamilton.
Media Law 101: Pre-Publication / Pre-Broadcast
A rollicking introduction to the pitfalls and joys of getting everything from investigations to celebrity news out into the world in a time of eye-popping judgments. Aimed at summer associates, junior associates, or anyone looking for a bird's eye view of our practices. We have a vetting hypothetical that will help guide our discussions.
Republican & Democratic National Conventions: Election Access & Security Concerns (Part 1)
Join the State Legislative Affairs and Criminal Law Committees for part one of a two-part series on access and security concerns ahead of the conventions.
Anti-SLAPP Committee Meeting
Dr. Chelsea B. Polis and her attorney Dori Hanswirth on a SLAPP suit filed against Dr. Polis in retaliation for her publicly identifying false data claims by a tech company offering birth control products; and Matt Schafer, Laura Prather and Bruce Rosen on recent SLAPP victories. All are welcome!
Diss Tracks & Defamation: Diverse Voices & Entertainment Committees Joint Meeting
Kendrick Lamar and Drake recently released rapid fire diss tracks that became increasingly serious, including allegations of domestic violence, pedophilia, & secret children. Though unlikely, a defamation suit isn’t out of the question. Adam Rich covers the hurdles these two public figures may face if they decide to take their battle to the courtroom.
Newsgathering 201
Are you a working practitioner who wants a more in-depth dive into newsgathering issues? Join the Newsgathering Committee & Kristi Ramsay (Senior Counsel, CNN) to cover hypotheticals involving ethical & legal issues that journalists face & how counsel may advise them.
Advertising & Commercial Speech: Influencer Marketing
The importance of crafting contracts with influencers; main deal points in those transactions; & material legal, business, & regulatory issues surrounding influencer marketing. Topics include compensation, IP, contracting with SAG-AFTRA talent, & various regulatory issues. After attending this practical, nuts-and-bolts session, you’ll be better prepared to issue spot & draft & negotiate influencer agreements.
Media Deals 201: First Look Deals – Dos & Don’t
What do you need to think about? What content is covered? How does the first look operate? When does the first look need to be exercised by? Are there set terms if the project gets made? What happens if the “buyer” passes? Plus other key things to consider when negotiating first look deals.
Libel 201
Advanced topics facing practitioners, which may include: prepublication review challenges; important libel privileges, including fair report & common interest; neutral reportage, especially in the wake of the Dominion decision & other recent cases; libel deposition goals & strategy; & strategies for dealing with various litigation challenges, such as anonymous sources & editors notes or retractions.
Protecting Your Content Outside the US: Copyright and AI / ML
A panel of international intellectual property experts discuss basic rules, strategy, & practical tips with a focus on the use of copyrighted content in machine learning & AI model training. Special time to accommodate speakers in Asia, Europe, US & Canada, including Ayako Suga in Tokyo, Massimo Sterpi in Rome & Jim Holloway in Toronto.
DEI Issues in the Workplace Law Firms & Media Companies Should be Aware of
How law firm & workplace DEI programs may be impacted in the wake of the 2023 SCOTUS affirmative action decision in SFFA v. Harvard & UNC. The Diverse Voices Committee hosts a discussion reviewing recent caselaw & analyzing how employers can achieve DEI goals while mitigating against the risk of potential legal challenges.
Anti-SLAPP Committee Call
Current views of anti-slapp laws from a legislative & judicial perspective: Kaitlin Wolff (ULC) on successes & failures in enacting UPEPA, Robb Harvey (Holland & Knight) on a recent effort to gut the Tennessee anti-SLAPP law, & Dana McElroy (Thomas & LoCicero) on statehouse & courthouse efforts to neuter the Florida anti-slapp law.
Why Do Deals Take So Long to Close?
(Or a therapy session) about closing deals, what holds deals up, what’s efficient, and how what we can do as an industry to improve the negotiation process. Join the Media Deals Committee for a lightning chat with panelist Ben Davis, Partner at WME.
Recent Activities of the National Labor Relations Board (NRLB)
The NLRB is the U.S. federal agency tasked with safeguarding employees’ rights in the context of both union and non-union private workplaces. Join for a discussion on what in the world has been going on with the NLRB and the potential impact of its recent decisions on both unionized and non-unionized employers alike.
Insurance Committee Meeting
Media liability insurance for authors & freelancers; insurers' invasion of the litigation funding industry & its implications for media & entertainment companies; has the media defense community lost talent to the plaintiffs side as libel & related suits have become more frequent & lucrative?; new insurance trends & developments; & more.
California Chapter Quarterly Meeting: AI, Deepfakes, & the 1st Amendment
The publicity and copyright implications of various nascent AI technologies are a hot topic, especially as they interact with the First Amendment. Danielle Van Lier (SAG-AFTRA) and Corynne McSherry (EFF) will discuss recent developments concerning AI, digital avatars, deepfakes, and related legislative reforms. Zoom link will be provided with registration.
Impact of Generative AI on Media and Advertising Law
A discussion covering recent developments in generative AI technology and how it is being used within the media and advertising ecosystem; intellectual property and advertising law considerations, including copyright, right of publicity, and false advertising concerns; and contractual provisions to consider when negotiating agreements with clients, partners, and vendors that implicate generative AI technologies.
Entertainment Law Committee Meeting
We are eager to be returning to our traditional format of monthly meetings to discuss notable decisions and developments in the entertainment law space. We welcome volunteers to present on any development you’d like to share with the group.
Media Deals Committee Meeting
A forum on the interaction between deal-making and documentary production.
The Search Warrant Response “Playbook”
In the wake of recent law enforcement raids on the Marion County Record and the home of freelance journalist Brian Carmody, please join the MLRC Criminal Law Committee for a discussion on how to respond when news clients are served with a search warrant.
International Anti-SLAPP Developments
Please join us for a special 90 minute joint meeting of the MLRC International and anti-SLAPP committees on international anti-SLAPP developments.
Data Privacy: Tips Following a Data Breach to Best Position Yourself in the Event of Litigation
Presenters talk through a few decisions that are either expedited or overlooked during the chaos that follows a data incident, and the need to thoughtfully consider the impact of those decisions based on the effect they could have on ensuing litigation.
Litigation/Internet & Technology: Large Litigation Models? A Discussion of Generative AI Issues
The status of litigations over the unauthorized use of content to train generative AI models; the copyrightability of the output of generative AI tools and potential right of publicity issues arising from those outputs; & the use of generative AI by lawyers in litigation and rules and guidance from the courts.
State Legislative Committee Meeting
Committee chair Brian Spahn updates the Committee on legislative updates in Wisconsin regarding proposed anti-SLAPP legislation as well as developments in the state’s public records law. We will use the balance of the time to brainstorm topics that members hope to address at upcoming meetings as well as hear from any of you who would…
SAG-AFTRA Lightning Round Part 3: What the Actors Won (and Didn’t Get)
The WGA & SAG-AFTRA strikes are over! Jonathan Handel, Puck contributor, Senior Counsel at Feig/Finkel & preeminent expert on Hollywood unions and guilds, joins for a 3rd lightening round on what the actors won (and didn’t get), which changes most impact studios/platforms (and the lawyers representing them/drafting their deals), and where things landed on AI.
Insurance Committee Fifth Annual Virtual Holiday Party
Bring your own holiday cheer and treats to enjoy at our Virtual Holiday Party. The meeting includes an update on the Metaverse (has it been overshadowed by AI and ChatGPT?) as well as open discussion of important decisions and developments in insurance coverage law in 2023, predictions on what 2024 will bring, and more!
Cross-Border Vetting
The International Committee reprises its annual lively and informative discussion of global pre-publication review. Co-chairs Katharine Larsen of Thomson Reuters and Pia Sarma of News UK host discussion with Bloomberg’s Katie Graham among others.
A Holiday Gathering and Forecast for 2024: The Top 10 Probable Internet and Technology Issues in the Coming Year
The Internet and Technology Committee hosts its informal holiday gathering. Together, we cast our gaze on the future, including a discussion of the most likely internet and tech headlines coming in 2024.
10 Issues That Keep Employment Lawyers Up at Night 2023-24 Edition
The Employment Committee informally discusses "10 Issues that Keep Employment Lawyers Up at Night," reflects on 2023 and the Committee’s programming, and discusses what the Committee hopes to do in 2024, with member feedback and participation
Anti-SLAPP Committee Meeting
We’re focusing on potential anti-SLAPP legislation in 4 states: Arizona (Gregg Leslie, ASU Law School's First Amendment Clinic), Mississippi (Andrew Coffman, Phelps Dunbar), Wisconsin (Brian Spahn, Godfrey & Kahn) and Vermont (Matt Byrne, Gravel & Shea).
Ethical Standards for Visual Journalism and Documentary Photography in an Age of AI & Misinformation
Journalists and news organizations struggle to keep up with the exponential increase in technological advancements during a war of dueling narratives. This is a very timely discussion about ethical standards for visual journalism and documentary photography in an age of AI & misinformation. With Fred Ritchin and Brian Palmer. Moderator: Mickey Osterreicher.
Insurance Committee Meeting
Chad Milton, Media Risk LLC will speak about his work on a legal defense fund for global investigative news organizations. Mike Hiestand, Student Press Law Center will brief us about his recent work with the growing number of college-based community reporting projects where college student journalists are taking on roles vacated by traditional media.
Pre-publication policies & practices with a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) focus
Join the Pre-Pub/Pre-Broadcast & Diverse Voices Committees for a discussion on pre-publication policies and practices with a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) focus. Are there unique considerations when considering pre-publication through a DEI lens? What are the best practices?
Hot Issues in Copyright and Trademark Law
Building on the Copyright Hot Issues session at the MLRC Virginia Conference, the Copyright & Trademark Committee looks forward to a discussion on topical matters, including the implications of Goldsmith v. Warhol for fair use, application of the discovery rule in the context of copyright claims, and the Copyright Claims Board.
NextGen General Body Meeting
We used this time to touch base on our mentorship program and solicit any feedback. We also previewed exciting events for the end of this year, including a Next Gen meet-and-greet at the MLRC Annual Dinner, the Defense Counsel Section Lunch as well as a planned AI Clinic.
Instructing Lawyers Around the World: How to Find International Help When You Really Need It
Choosing and engaging with counsel in other countries can present special challenges. Please join the International Media Law Committee and MLRC deputy director Dave Heller for a discussion of how to cope, and the MLRC resources available to help. Tapping Dave’s store of contacts and recommendations from international conferences and MLRC members can be invaluable.
Data Privacy Committee
The program will explore how the current data privacy regulatory framework impacts AI, discuss new initiatives on the horizon including the EU's AI Act, and review some frameworks in place to evaluate AI. With David Zetoony and Reena Bajowala of Greenberg Traurig's Data Privacy & Cybersecurity practice.
WGA Strike: What the Writers Won & What’s Next?
Join the Media Deals committee and Jonathan Handel, Puck contributor, Senior Counsel at Feig/Finkel and a preeminent expert on Hollywood unions and guilds for a lightening round on what the WGA won, what it means for the studios/platforms (and the lawyers representing them/drafting their deals), and where the SAG negotiations stand.
The Nevada Shield Law Decision
In a first-of-its-kind decision, the Nevada Supreme Court has ruled that police are prohibited from searching through privileged newsgathering material on the seized electronic devices of deceased Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter Jeff German. Join the Criminal Law Committee to hear from four of the lawyers involved in this year-long battle.
Anti-SLAPP Committee Meeting
Mike Berry (Ballard Spahr), will discuss PA's recently passed UPEPA bill. Will Creeley (FIRE) will discuss FIRE’s free-speech goals and how they intersect with anti-SLAPP protections. Matt Leish will discuss a recent anti-SLAPP fee award in the Golan v. Daily News case. And Laura Prather will provide an update on UPEPA enactments and international developments.
Evolving AI Compliance Considerations for Media Employers
Join the Employment Law Committee for a moderated, interactive discussion regarding AI and privacy developments for employers already using or contemplating the use of automated tools in the employment lifecycle. We'll explore best practices and strategies.
Anti-SLAPP Committee Meeting
On the agenda: report on NJ UPEPA bill (Bruce Rosen); report on MA anti-SLAPP bill (Jeff Pyle); recent KS anti-SLAPP victory (Eric Weslander); Park v. Nazari - recent CA case about notices of motion and whether court can/will grant an anti-SLAPP motion as to portions of causes of action (Jordyn Ostroff). All are welcome!
Media Law 101: Pre-Pub / Pre-Broadcast
Our review of the Pre-Pub/Pre-Broadcast basics focuses on a vetting hypothetical. We analyze: defamation vetting (including fair report privilege and opinion); privacy/risk of publicity vetting (specifically, reporting on private facts or minors); & newsgathering issues that arise in the pre-pub/pre-broadcast process (such as recording laws and obtaining sensitive information).
Untraditional Platforms: Infotainment and the Connected Vehicle
The recent example of Tesla’s in-vehicle gaming system surviving regulatory scrutiny & ongoing discussions about virtual assistants in the car show that the cross-over between media tech & vehicle tech are only beginning. The Internet & Technology committee invites a panel of infotainment & vehicle technology experts to discuss where this cross-over may lead.
Media Law 101: Entertainment
This one hour presentation will cover basic but important issues to be aware of in the entertainment law world, including issues relating to the use of materials subject to copyright and trademarks, the risks involving references to real people and things, how best to use and rely upon releases and disclaimers, and more.
Hollywood on Hold: Everything You Want to Know about the WGA and SAG-AFTRA Strikes
For the first time since 1960, Hollywood writers and actors are striking at the same time. Join Jonathan Handel, Puck contributor, entertainment attorney and preeminent expert on Hollywood unions and guilds for answers to your most pressing questions.
Media Law 101: Advertising & Commercial Speech
1st Amendment protection of commercial speech and regulation under right of publicity laws; Speech that toes the line between editorial and commercial, including when it is deemed native advertising or influencer marketing and subject to FTC jurisdiction; key principles underlying the laws governing sweepstakes and contests and best practices for navigating such promotions.
Media Law 101: Newsgathering
New to newsgathering or need a refresher? Join the MLRC for “Newsgathering 101” presented by the Newsgathering Committee for an overview of the newsgathering process. This seminar addresses best practices for gathering news in public and private spaces.
Media Law 101: Copyright (or Copyright Law in One Easy Lesson)
What is copyright? What is copyrightable? How do you get a copyright? What remedies are there for copyright infringement? What exceptions and limitations are there on copyright rights? What is fair use and what did the Supreme Court do with it in Warhol Foundation v. Goldsmith (2023)? Copyright on the Internet.
Media Access to the Trump Indictments
Cameras and devices, or…pay phones and high school students? With Trump indictments announced in New York and Florida, and possible indictments in Georgia and D.C., please join the State Legislative Affairs and Criminal Law committees to discuss rules on access in these jurisdictions, experiences of journalists on the ground, and anticipated access fights to come.
Media Law 101: Libel & Privacy
The MLRC is pleased to announce a special series of 101 Zoom calls this summer, focused on teaching the fundamentals of various discrete areas in media law. This one-hour session is aimed at summer associates, junior associates and even veteran media attorneys who are interested in learning the basics of libel law.
International Committee: UK Online Safety Bill & EU Digital Services Act
David Barker and Meghan Higgins of Pinsent Masons provide an overview of the UK’s Online Safety Bill with a particular focus on the provisions applicable to the media. Dorien Verhulst of Brinkhof explains how the EU’s Digital Service Act will change online content moderation.
Copyright & Trademark: Practical Realities & Protecting Your Content in an AI World
Generative AI is a big deal — and it's here to stay. Our journalists are all reporting on this topic, and everyone wants to find ways of using AI in their businesses. Please join us for a conversation and practical steps that we can take to protect our content and our ability to monetize it.
Insurance Committee’s 2nd Quarter Meeting
Open Discussion: Fox's settlement of Dominion Voting System's defamation suit; emerging trends and new developments; Inflation, Climate Change and AI, oh my!; & How are mid-year renewals going?
Anti-SLAPP Committee Meeting
OK & TX avoided catastrophic changes to their Citizens Protection Act laws; UT's adoption of UPEPA; NJ's anti-SLAPP bill; a May 1 decision by CA Court of Appeal that raises questions on the scope of anti-SLAPP protection under the “public interest” provision; Resolute v. Greenpeace - a SLAPP resolved in Greenpeace’s favor after 7 years.
Media Law 201: Pre-Pub/Pre-Broadcast
The MLRC Pre-Pub/Pre-Broadcast Committee's 201 series focuses on unsealing motions. The session will cover the mechanics of when, why, and how to file a successful unsealing motion, accompanied by high-profile lessons from the field, such as the Trump indictment hearing.
State Privacy and Freedom of Information Laws and Newsgathering Concerns
Frank LoMonte, (Counsel, CNN), and Micah Ratner, (Senior Asst. GC, NPR) join the State Legislative Affairs, Privacy, and Newsgathering committees in a discussion about the rise in state laws that indirectly threaten newsgathering and even publishing activities, including those aimed at protecting personal privacy and curbing freedom of information “auditors.”
Media Law 201: Data Privacy
This session takes a deeper dive into the current landscape of data privacy laws and regulations across the United States at the state and federal level.
Media Law 201: Copyright and Trademark
Join Moses Singer attorney David Rabinowitz as he presents Copyright 201. The session will cover Ownership (registration of copyright, including troll defense; notice of copyright; termination of transfers) and Disputes (notice and take-down; remedies; statute of limitations).
Knock Knock: Practical and Legal Considerations Before Door Knocking
Join the MLRC Newsgathering Committee's Vice Chair, Merriam Mikhail, for an important panel discussion with CNN correspondent Omar Jimenez and legal experts about the considerations that newsrooms should weigh before journalists knock on a door to ask for an interview.
Media Law 201: Entertainment Law
A discussion aimed at media attorneys wishing to become more knowledgeable in areas of media law in which they have some familiarity but are not already experts.
Writers Guild of America Strike Discussion
Join the Employment Committee for a discussion on the Writers Guild of America strike. Angel Ortiz, Associate General Counsel and Global Head, Employment and Labor Relations at TelevisaUnivision will lead our discussion, taking us through the current status, highlighting some of the most relevant issues, impacts and concerns.
Drafting Clinic with Media Deals & Next Gen Committees
Got an extensive redline back on a major A-list celebrity’s appearance release for your streamer client’s upcoming game show? Strong disagreement between your client producing a new podcast and the commissioning podcast network on how your client will be attached to film/tv derivatives? Join us for a practical walk-through of how to address these issues.
Governance and Ethical Considerations in Generative AI
Hear from Andy Hall, Professor of Political Economics at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, on potential governance models, ethical considerations, and industry trends and predictions around the growing field of generative AI.
Defend, Indemnify & Hold Harmless, Oh My!
Indemnification and other boilerplate clauses like force majeure and effect of termination may not feel like the sexiest parts of a contract, but they can have very real implications.
Vetting Docudramas – Pre-Pub / Pre-Broadcast & Entertainment Committees Joint Meeting
Mechanics of vetting docudramas. Covering a trove of topics such as: the main legal issues to spot; the role of securing life rights/other waivers; the choice to fictionalize certain characters/create composite characters; defending against libel-in-fiction & right-of-publicity claims; the role of disclaimers; & how much protection the 1st Amendment provides to creative or satirical content.
Anti-SLAPP Committee Meeting
We will have three speakers addressing three current anti-SLAPP issues.
Pay Transparency Laws: What Media Employers Should Know and Best Practices & Strategies for Compliance
Several states have implemented pay transparency laws that have gone into effect within the past year. Join the Employment Law Committee for a panel discussion on the implementation of recent pay transparency laws, the impact these laws are having on employers and employees, and best practices and strategies for media employers.
Access to Grand Jury Proceedings and Other High-Profile Criminal Cases
Join the Criminal Law Committee for a discussion of access efforts in recent high-profile criminal cases.
Joint Advertising & Commercial Speech and Data Privacy Committee Meeting
Join us for a discussion — with IAB and IAB Tech Lab’s General Counsel Michael Hahn, and IAB’s Assistant General Counsel Tony Ficarrotta — of the MSPA and the industry compliance challenges it addresses.
Anti-SLAPP committee meeting
Matt Leish of Miller Korzenik on SLAPP case, Golan v. Daily News; Matt Schafer of Paramount Global & Tanvi Valsangikar of Penguin Random House on their article “The Application of the New York Anti-SLAPP Scheme in Federal Court”; & Marc Randazza, on SD 2094, an anti-SLAPP bill introduced recently in the Massachusetts legislature.
Insurance Committee meeting
Featuring two panels: 2022 Media and Entertainment Claims Review and Trends, and 2022 Underwriting & Market Conditions Review.
Internet & Technology Committee meeting
The Internet & Technology Law Committee's first meeting of 2023 discussing generative AI with Joyce Li of Morrison Foerster. An overview of what the technology is, the major players and some of the ethical and legal issues that have arisen.
Next Gen Committee: Copyright Clinic
The Clinic is led by Caleb Donaldson from Google, who takes us through a mock exercise involving apps and content. The clinic covers intermediary liability, terms of service, and fair use.
Insurance Committee Meeting & Virtual Holiday Party
The Metaverse and the exposures it will pose to media and entertainment companies and their insurers; important decisions & developments in insurance coverage law; predictions for 2023; committee results from 2022 and plans for 2023.
Advertising & Commercial Speech Committee Meeting
An overview of the ad tech industry, followed by a deep dive into the new U.S. privacy state laws that will regulate it, presented by Fernando Bohorquez Jr. (Partner, BakerHostetler).
Employment Law Committee Meeting
(5) Hot Topics in employment law that are relevant to media employers as we look to 2023.
Next Gen Q2 General Body Meeting
On the agenda: updates on our programs; future clinics and social events; and time permitting, time to break out into small groups.
Joint Litigation and Media Copyright Committee Meeting
A discussion of when a claim “accrues” under the Copyright Act’s 3-year statute of limitations and what constitutes discovery and republication for purposes of the statute of limitations.
Int’l Committee: Back by Popular Demand — Cross Border Vetting
Join the BBC’s David Attfield, Bloomberg’s Katie Graham, Dow Jones’ Jake Goldstein, the New York Times’ Dana Green and Reuters’ Julia Atcherley for a lively discussion of global pre-publication review.
Anti-SLAPP Committee Meeting
Presentations on: the Colorado Court of Appeals anti-SLAPP case L.S.S. v. S.A.P.; Legal Network for Journalists at Risk; Jha v. Khan, the first UPEPA appellate decision in the United States, issued by Washington’s Court of Appeals; and the UK Model Anti-SLAPP law.
Employment Law Committee Meeting
We will catch up with one another, meet new members, and discuss recent employment law issues that have arisen, such as the recent U.S. Labor Department worker status proposal and any other hot topics our members are seeing and want to share with the Committee. We also look forward to hearing your ideas on topics…
Insurance Committee Meeting
MLRC's Insurance Committee meeting from Tuesday, October 25th at 3pm ET/ 12pm PT.
Pre-Pub/Pre-Broadcast: Vetting True Crime
We are joined by two wonderful guest speakers: David Sternbach, Senior Vice President of Content, Production & Risk at A+E Networks and Alison Schary, counsel at Davis Wright Tremaine LLP.
International Committee Meeting: News Remuneration Efforts in the US and Abroad
The latest developments in remuneration for news organizations, vis-à-vis Big Tech, across various countries, including France, Canada, Australia, England and the US.
Internet & Technology Law Committee Meeting
Please join the MLRC Internet & Technology Law Committee virtually for an in-depth review of the Dobbs v Jackson decision and its implications, particularly for technology companies.
Newsgathering Committee Meeting: The Use of Drones
The session will feature Committee Co-Chair Mickey Osterreicher speaking with Kerry Fleming, Manager of the FAA System Operations Support Center, and John Meehan, the FAA's Public Safety Liaison with the FAA’s Office of UAS Integration.
Data Privacy & Security Committee Meeting: Demystifying Tech—Apps!
Tyler Thompson of Greenberg Traurig will discuss mobile app compliance requirements (spoiler alert – there are many!). New requirements from Apple and Google will be discussed, as well as other mobile app regulatory concerns and best practices.
Entertainment Law 101
Our final Media Law 101 of the summer!
Anti-SLAPP Committee Meeting
The committee meets bimonthly and focuses its attention on recent SLAPP rulings, the progress of new anti-SLAPP bills in state legislatures without strong SLAPP legislation, possible model SLAPP statutes, and advice and counsel on securing federal anti-SLAPP protections.
Libel Plaintiff Litigation Funding: Getting Behind the Curtain
An exploration of lawsuits funded by third parties—why it matters, how to find out who's behind the funding, its effect on settlement efforts, and more.
Media Deals Committee Meeting
Join the Media Deals Committee for a “Media Acquisitions 101” session with Trevor Norwitz, a partner in the corporate department at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, to discuss the basics media that are helpful to know for entertainment & media counsel (even when relying on corporate outside or co-counsel).
Media Law 101: Internet / Section 230 / DMCA
Learn more about how Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act prevent internet service providers from being held responsible for content posted by their users.
FTC’s Proposed Endorsement Guidance
Moderated by Nancy Felsten, Davis Wright Tremaine. With Serena Viswanathan, Associate Director for Advertising Practices at the FTC, and Laura Brett, Vice President, National Advertising Division at BBB National Programs.
Media Law 101: Newsgathering
This 101 presented by Edward Fenno and Eric Robinson addresses access to record, courts, and government meetings; other access issues such as access to private property, drones & police bodycams; source confidentiality; receiving documents from leakers and more.
Copyright 101, or Copyright Law and Fair Use in One Easy Lesson
What is copyright? What is copyrightable? What remedies are there for copyright infringement? What exceptions and limitations are there on copyright rights? What is a fair use?
Insurance Committee Meeting
Primer on insurance; "Top 10" insurance issues noninsurance lawyers should know; recent changes to New York State's Insurance Disclosure Law; and more.
Media Law 101: Pre-Publication / Pre-Broadcast
This workshop is structured as issue spotting around hypotheticals, identifying potential legal pitfalls that arise in the reporting process, including defamation, privacy, newsgathering, right of publicity and recording laws.
Copyright & Trademark Committee Meeting
A discussion of the new Copyright Claims Board with Copyright Claims Officer, Brad Newberg, The Andy Warhol Foundation For The Visual Arts, Inc. v. Goldsmith, and whether to remove “old” material from websites based on developments and uncertainty in the law.
Media Law 101: Libel
This session covers what the plaintiff has to prove in a libel case, defenses that you might have under the First Amendment and common law, the differences in defending cases brought by public and private figures, and the effect of corrections, denials, implications of fact, and using anonymous sources.
Hot Takes: Social Media Regulation, Section 230 and the Tech World
We invite you to join the Technology and Internet Law Committee as we welcome speakers who are no strangers to challenging issues in digital law to take us through breaking developments.
International Developments in Anti-SLAPP Laws
Join the Anti-SLAPP and International committees as we discuss international developments in Anti-SLAPP laws, including a discussion of progress in Canada, the EU, and the UK.
Data Privacy and Security Committee Meeting: Blockchain and NFTs: Under the Hood
In this program, “NFT IP Pioneer” Jeremy S. Goldman from Frankfurt Kurnit Klein + Selz PC will go under the hood of the Web3 ecosystem, showing how blockchain, smart contracts, NFTs, online marketplaces, digital wallets, and the Web3 community operate, transact and communicate.
Entertainment Committee Meeting
We will hear from litigators involved in key developments in entertainment law over the last few weeks.
Legislative Affairs Committee Meeting
We will discuss with Adam Rose, the Press Rights Chair of the Los Angeles Press Club, the status of the Committee’s mobilization efforts focused on state rules on cameras in the courtroom including a discussion of both efforts in California to expand remote access to courts through live audio feeds as well as Maryland’s cameras…
Pre-Pub / Pre-Broadcast Committee Meeting: Releases Seminar
We'll focus on the realities and necessities of releases—particularly in documentaries, but in film more generally—and how the need for releases relates to the law, insurers, and distributor demands.
MLRC NextGen Clinic: News Vetting Exercise
We're very excited to hold our first clinic on news vetting! Al-Amyn Sumar of the New York Times and Jesse Feitel of Davis Wright Tremaine have prepared a mock article.
Media Deals Committee Meeting
We are thrilled to announce a special guest appearance: “Committee in Conversation with Eriq Gardner”.
Internet & Tech Law Committee – What is the Metaverse?
The metaverse goes beyond the virtual world of video games as it is set to impact technology, the economy, the law and possibly society as a whole.
International Committee Meeting
Join us for a discussion of the latest on issues affecting journalists in Russia and Ukraine. Also the UK supreme court ruling against Bloomberg News that makes it harder for British media outlets to publish information about individuals subject to criminal investigations.
Criminal Law Committee : “Friendly” Subpoenas
Join us for a discussion of the complexities raised by so-called “friendly” requests for journalists to participate in investigations or lawsuits focused on protecting the press.
Insurance Committee Meeting
Join us for open discussion of war exclusions and related policy provisions that may limit or preclude insurance coverage during hostilities between nations; insurance coverage for NFT's; and the question of whether confidentiality always guaranteed in mediation communications.
Employment & Litigation Committees: Enforcement & Resolution Strategies for Non-Competes in the Media Industry
With guest speakers Gary Fowler, ADR Professional, JAMS Mediator and Arbitrator; and Emily Kowey Roth, a member of the Duane Morris Non-Compete and Trade Secrets Practice Group.
Data Privacy & Security Meeting – Demystifying Tech: NFTs
Hannah Taylor, Partner at Frankfurt Kurnit, will provide an overview of NFTs and will answer your burning questions: What, exactly is an NFT, and are they here to stay?
Anti-SLAPP Committee Call
Updates on Anti-SLAPP activity in Arizona, Hawaii and Kentucky, as well as a discussion of the New York Anti-SLAPP statute as interpreted in the Carroll v. Trump and Dr. Luke v. Ke$ha cases.
Entertainment Committee Meeting
A wave of new copyright litigation against the music streaming platform Pandora and an update in the years-long arbitration involving the estate of Harper Lee and the stage adaptation of “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
Newsgathering Committee Meeting: Should We Sue to Enforce Our FOIA Request?
Exploring the costs and benefits of filing suit to enforce a FOIA request.
Media Deals: Legacy Publishers & Hollywood
We were thrilled to be joined by Shushana Jachobov, Vice President and Assistant General Counsel at The New York Times, and Jamie Stockton, Business Affairs Executive at the Creative Artists Agency, who both have first-hand experience with deals legacy publishers have been entering into with Hollywood.
Media Copyright & Trademark Committee Meeting: Plagiarism vs. Copyright Infringement
With Scott Sholder of Cowan, DeBaets, Abrahams & Sheppard LLP and Dan Novack of Penguin Random House.
Pre-Publication/Pre-Broadcast Committee Call
We will be discussing some interesting trademark issues that can arise in the pre-pub/pre-broadcast process
Next Gen Committee Call
Join the Next Gen Committee for its next general body meeting.
Media Deals Committee Kick-Off Call: Behind the Deal Making Scene
We will welcome three experienced executives who regularly work with lawyers and are uniquely positioned to share insights on deal making trends, predictions for the year to come, and what makes for good lawyering in the business generally
Litigation Committee Meeting
With the economic realities facing today’s content providers, is it still possible to engage in impact litigation that expands newsgathering or makes law on key issues?
Employment Committee Meeting
A session exploring the current state of the various federal vaccine mandates, with a particular emphasis on those affecting government contractors.
Anti-SLAPP Committee Meeting
Bob Nelon, who will discuss a favorable decision from the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals affirming dismissal of a defamation/false light/other claims suit under the Oklahoma Citizens Participation Act
Advertising & Commercial Speech: Trends & Legal Developments in the Audio Space
A fireside chat with Hannah Taylor (FKKS) & Brian Rideout (NYTimes)
The 3rd Annual Claims/Underwriting Review and Virtual Holiday Party
A virtual holiday party and two substantive panels: 2021 Media and Entertainment Claims Review and Trends, and Underwriting Market Conditions - Present, Current and Future.
Internet Law Committee Meeting: Data Access and Investigative Journalism — Legal Challenges and Issues
Following from the Summer programming on data journalism, this panel event further explores the importance of data to investigative journalism, and the legal barriers to accessing information for data-driven reporting on issues of public interest.
MLRC Data Privacy and Security Meeting – International Data Transfers: What’s the state of the world?
Guest speaker David Zetoony will provide an update on the state of international data transfers
2021 DCS Annual Meeting
Our usual Carmine's lunch is virtual this year, but it's still a good opportunity to mingle with colleagues and discuss the accomplishments and plans of MLRC's diverse roster of committees. All members are welcome.
Hear The Very Latest On Copyright Litigation!
Hear Cameron Stracher and Edward Rosenthal share their insights and join your fellow committee members in a dynamic discussion on these rapidly developing areas of copyright litigation.
Advertising & Commercial Speech Committee Meeting: Hot Advertising Issues for Online Media Publishers
Topics include CBD/cannabis advertising, sports gambling, cryptocurrency, privacy and political advertising.
Pre-Pub and Insurance Committees Joint Meeting on Corrections, Clarifications and Retractions
Paul Glader of Vett News discuss a new software system to streamline the handling of requests for corrections. The second half of the meeting is an open discussion of recommended approaches for effective handling of corrections.
Internet Law Committee Meeting
A discussion with Santa Clara Law Professor Eric Goldman and Google Public Policy Analyst Jess Miers about how the current legal landscape safeguards free expression online and empowers Internet services to responsibly manage content.
Entertainment Law Committee Meeting
Join the MLRC Entertainment Law Committee as the group reviews several important developments over the last month.
Newsgathering Committee Call: The Right to Record Police – Is It a Right Without a Remedy?
Join Steve Zansberg as he leads a discussion of the current state of law on recording police in the performance of their official duties and current cases testing the remedies against police efforts to shut down that recording.
UnDoxxed: A Criminal Law Committee Discussion on Combatting Online Harassment
We talk with journalists, editors, and in-house counsel about the digital threats their newsrooms are experiencing and how to support them while balancing our First Amendment principles.
International Committee Meeting
Dorien Verhulst explains the current state of digital services and markets regulation in Europe, updating the topic of a terrific article she recently co-authored for the MLRC Legal Frontiers in Digital Media conference. Mark Stephens follows with a few remarks on the state of play in the UK.
Media Law 101: Insurance
A workshop on the application and underwriting process, key policy provisions to look for, effective claims reporting and handling, types of coverages needed and current hot topics.
Media Law 101: Pre-Pub/Pre-Broadcast
This workshop will be structured as issue spotting around one or more hypotheticals, identifying reporting potential legal pitfalls, including defamation, privacy, newsgathering, right of publicity and agreements with sources.
Media Law 101: Newsgathering
We discuss open records (FOIA) and open meetings laws, access to courts and their participants (including gag orders), other access issues (such as access to private property, surveillance and drones), police issues (such as recording the police and responding to police demands on scene), phone recording and wiretap, promises of confidentiality to sources, lawful obtainment…
Media Law 101: Data Privacy
This workshop will provide an overview of U.S. and international data privacy and security laws, with a focus on advising companies on how to comply with a patchwork of emerging requirements, operationalize a privacy program, and prepare and respond to data security breaches.
Media Law 101: Copyright
How copyright does (and does not) protect, who owns it, how long does it last, what constitutes infringement, defenses to infringement, and fair use.
Media Law 101: Libel
This workshop covers what the plaintiff has to prove in a libel case, defenses that you might have under the First Amendment and common law, the differences in defending cases brought by public and private figures, and the effect of corrections, denials, implications of fact, and using anonymous sources.
Internet & Employment Committees Joint Presentation on Potential Reforms & Amendments to Section 230
Our discussion is led by Seth Stern, of Funkhouser, Vegosen, Liebman & Dunn Ltd.
Internet Law Committee Meeting: Supporting Data Journalism: Legal Issues and Challenges
The Internet Law Committee is proud to present a discussion on the legal challenges that hinder journalists access to data.
Newsgathering Committee Meeting: Cutting Edge Tools in Authenticating Digital Content
Two Adobe reps will join us to discuss its new Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI), a slate of new tools for authenticating the provenance of digital content.
International Committee Meeting: Journalism in Asia
Two guest speakers will discuss the contemporary challenges faced by journalists across Japan, China and Russia.
2020 DCS Annual Meeting
Annual meeting of the MLRC Defense Counsel Section with reports on the year's meetings and publications and plans for 2021.