MediaLawLetter December 2017
MLRC
From the Executive Director’s Desk
Santa’s Gift List for Media Players Naughty and Nice
MLRC 2017 Annual Meeting
New Director Elected; A Review of MLRC Projects and Events
Ten Questions to a Media Lawyer: Gregg Thomas
REPORTER’S PRIVILEGE
Illinois Court Quashes Subpoena of Reporter in High Profile Chicago Police Shooting Case
Reporter Supported by RCFP – Media Coalition Amicus Brief
Illinois v. Van Dyke
LIBEL & PRIVACY
Pa. Super.: En Banc Pennsylvania Superior Court Unanimously Vacates Defamation Judgment Against Newspaper
Plaintiff Failed to Meet Burden on Damages
Menkowitz v. Peerless Publications
Ga. App.: Court Dismisses Libel Claims Against Reporter Who Questioned Plaintiff’s Military Service Record
Thorough Opinion with Close Inspection of Facts
Ladner v. New World Communications of Atlanta, Inc.
Tenn. App.: Court Reverses Order Compelling Reporter Sued for Defamation to Reveal Sources and Documents
Plaintiff Not Entitled to Sources and Documents to Challenge Fair Report Defense
Funk v. Scripps Media
INSURANCE
From the MLRC Insurance Committee
The “Pink Slime” Insurance Coverage Dispute Shines a Spotlight on Media Liability Insurance
PRIOR RESTRAINT
Mich. App.: Court Reverses Probate Court’s Admitted “Prior Restraint” Against Local News Reporter
Probate Court Barred WXYZ from Displaying Photographs or Videos of Elderly Couple
In re Guardianship of Janet Kapp
Iowa: Supreme Court Lifts Prior Restraint Against Des Moines Register
Attorney Interviewd for Article Requested Prior Restraint
McCleary v. Kauffman and Des Moines Register
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
6th Cir.: Court Rules That Anonymous Speaker May Preserve Anonymity Even After Plaintiff Wins Judgment
Important Case of First Impression on Anonymity After Entry of Judgment
Signature Management Team, LLC v. Doe
ACCESS
Ariz.: Public Officials’ Personal Texts and Emails May Be Subject to Arizona Public Records Law
Courts Must Determine if Information Qualifies as Public Record
Lunney v. State of Arizona
M.D. Fla.: Media Coalition Gains Access to Sentencing Letters
Florida Court Releases Letters in Former Congresswoman Corrine Brown Corruption Case