Media Law Prof Blog

McCain Campaign Objects To YouTube Policy of Taking Down "Infringing" Clips

The McCain campaign and YouTube are having a difference of opinion on how the popular video sharing site takes down clips alleged to have infringed on copyright. The campaign would like YouTube to hold off on pulling such clips until it has undertaken a "full legal review". YouTube's policy is to honor takedown requests filed under the DMCA. Read more here in a Guardian article. Here's a link to the letter sent by Senator McCain's counsel to YouTube.

Trial Begins In Case of Murdered Russian Journalist

Three men have gone on trial for the murder of Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya, who was killed two years ago outside her Moscow apartment. But this week, the attorney who represents Ms. Politkovskaya's children reported finding high levels of mercury in her locked car, a fact she reported to the French police. Thus, she was unable to attend the beginning of the trial.

Outcoming Ofcom Chair Says Agency May Get More Power To Regulate Internet

The outcoming Chair of Ofcom says the agency is likely to get more powers over the Internet because of a perceived demand for more control over content. David Currie noted that the Internet is no longer a nascent medium, but also told listeners to his Annual Ofcom Lecture that rules applicable to traditional media would probably not simply be "imported" to the Internet. Read more here. Read the full text of his remarks here.

Jury Selection Will Begin Soon In Spector Retrial

Here's an update on the progress of record producer Phil Spector's trial for the murder of Lara Clarkson. Jury selection will begin soon. Mr. Spector's earlier trial ended in a mistrial last year.

Former al-Jazeera Employee Loses Discrimination Case

Jo Burgin has lost her wrongful dismissal and discrimination case against al-Jazeera. A London-based tribunal that heard the case issued a unanimous ruling in favor of the network. Read more here.

Express Newspapers Issue Apologies To McCann Dining Companions

Yet another apology from the Express Newspapers over false statements printed to persons the Daily Express and Daily Star linked to the Madeline McCann disappearance. This time the papers issued apologies to seven dining companions of Kate and Gerry McCann, the so-called "tapas seven" who were with them the night the little girl vanished. The payment of 375000 pounds will go to the Find Madeline Fund. Read more here in a Guardian story.

Turkish Court Issues Order To Block Newspaper Website

Adnan Oktar, a Turkish writer who believes in creationism, has succeeded in getting an order to block the website of Vatan, one of Turkey's most popular newspapers, within the country. Mr. Oktar alleges and has gotten a court to agree, that the newspaper has insulted him. He has also been successful in blocking the website of Dr. Richard Dawkins, a leading scientist, thinker, and proponent of the theory of evolution. "Vatan" means "motherland" or "homeland" in Turkish.

Vietnamese Reporter Sentenced To Two Years in Prison for "Abusing Democratic Freedoms"

Vietnamese journalist Nguyen Viet Chien has been sentenced to two years in prison for "abusing democratic freedoms to infringe upon the interests of the state". He had written articles about the actions of members of a government ministry who had used foreign aid money to finance betting operations. One of his colleagues was given a two-year suspended sentence. Read more here in a Financial Times article (registration may be required; free).

Journalist Alleges Man Acquitted of Killing Another Reporter Is Harassing Her

The BBC reports that a man recently acquitted of murdering a TV anchor is now being investigated after a reporter for Sky News who interviewed him after his acquittal complained that he had subsequently harassed her. Journalist Kay Burley apparently has alleged that Barry George had visited her workplace after the interview. He denies wrongdoing. Read more here.

Customers Sue DirecTV Over Early Cancellation, Change of Service Fees

Two California subscribers of DirecTV have filed suit in state court, alleging that the company hides fees and charges them without customer approval when subscribers terminate or change service. The company has responded that the information is in the form that subscribers sign when they first have the service installed. Read more here.