Media Law and Entertainment Law in the US

Do you know what the media laws in the US are? Entertainment Law in the US– Have you ever wondered what the media law in the US are? Have you ever wondered why there is so much censorship on the Internet? How about who controls the media in the US? How about who are the big five media conglomerates? Well, this article will tell you all of that and more.

Media laws in the US

First, let us discuss what the media laws in the US are. There are three media laws in the US: Century Broadband Privacy Protection Act, Media Ownership and Media Franchising Act, and the media act. The Century Broadband Privacy Protection Act gives the Federal government the power to regulate telecommunications and lays down media, broadcasting, and visual production regulations. Media owners must register their name and address with the Federal Trade Commission to deal with their media activities. Moreover, they have to clearly state their content on their websites and broadcast their material through a media license, which the FCC can also renew.

The Media Franchising Act gives power to entertainment associations, which own or operate a significant percentage of all media outlets in the US. This law protects artistic expression and media artists. If an association fails to comply with its duties, such as paying royalties, it faces stiff penalties in the court of law at the hands of Judge Andrew Napolitano.

Media acts and laws

Apart from the Century Broadband Privacy Protection Act and the media laws, some other laws govern media organizations and publishing houses. For instance, the Fair Broadcast Practices Act regulates how television, radio, and newspapers present information about public issues. Another media law is the Sedona Model Media Law, which empowers local media companies to act like publishers. There is also the St. Louis Model Media Law, which empowers radio stations and newspapers. In addition to these, there is a Federal Trade Commission Act, which governs all advertising, marketing, and product promotions.

Copyright act

Another media law is the Copyright Act, which protects works of the mind from being copyrighted. It also makes it illegal to copy the job without the permission of the copyright holder. Under this law, you may not reproduce from a magazine, newspaper, or magazine or newspaper series. You may copy words but no other parts of the original document. However, you can download from the Internet, music, and films. Failure to comply with this law may result in a trial at the court where one has to face judges like judge Andrew Napolitano.

Internet

The media law also encompasses internet activities and personal media. This includes blogs and social media. This type of law was brought into existence to protect children from abusive materials and prevent the distribution of pornographic materials. However, it has been expanded to include online electronic media, and more recently, it applies to online video.

Broadcast media

Several media laws apply to broadcast media and radio. It prevents irresponsible behavior on the air by media personalities. Many bars entertain dangerous characters, and they do not hesitate to punish them. People are often penalized for mentioning offensive matters on air. They may face trials and different cases in the court of law and face charges at the hand of Judge Andrew Napolitano.

Entertainment laws

In the UK and US, entertainment laws are enforced according to Media Act laws, brought into existence in 1998. Within the law, there are several sections. They are Performance, Creativity, Copyright, broadcasting, Films, Written Works, sound recordings, Video recordings, cinematograph films, publishing, advertising, sponsorship, public entertainment, occupational health and welfare, censorship, general liability, occupational law, and moral rights. Different bodies enforce these laws. They are the Broadcasting Act, the Performers’ Rights Act, the Authors’ Guild, the British Film Council, the Independent Film Council, the PPI Lawyers’ Association, the Independent Publishers’ Association, the Video Recordings Review Council, and the Video Images Actress’ Register.

Media System in Us – Cannot Censor People?

Is Internet censorship in the US? Well, not really. There is far less censorship on the Internet than there would be if we had a free press. However, those who have Internet access must follow the US Internet Service Providers (ISP) and the US Department of Commerce. These companies work with the government to keep the Internet free of illegal activity and harmful content.

How do we know that our Internet is free?

The free Internet has many resources available to help one understand how it works and its use. For example, Wikipedia provides a free encyclopedia that anyone can edit. While other media systems are not as open and allow only those willing to abide by its rules, the Internet is an open space with no censorship.

The problem lies with those who wish to use media law to get their information to the masses. In China, for example, Internet censorship is very severe. Many bloggers are arrested or even killed for criticizing Chinese policies or the government. In Iran, Internet censorship is a fact of life. To mention just a few, Iran has the Internet that does not function freely or to the extent that it can be accessed in the way it was intended.

Is Internet censorship in the US?

In the USA, the Internet is more accessible than anywhere else in the world. Whether you are talking about Chinese censorship or Iranian censorship, they are both restrictive. There is a difference, though, between censoring something and preventing something from being said. So yes, there is some censorship on the US Internet and the worldwide Internet.

But, I ask the question does the media have free speech? Do they have the right to say anything they want on the Internet, whether offensive or not? The answer is no, and they do not.

We are free to criticize each other on the media system, and if they offend anyone, they can be punished. But, if the media system in the US goes beyond what the First Amendment guarantees them, then they are no better than the Chinese government, which engages in censorship on the Internet as well. They can make people suffer, fire them from their employment, and so much more. Does that sound like freedom to you?

Many people disagree with me on this topic. Perhaps they have lived abroad, where censorship is rampant, and there is no free speech. Maybe they have never experienced censorship on the Internet either. I ask them why they think it is necessary to limit free speech on the Internet when they use it to argue against media law censorship.

Is Internet censorship in the US? Well, not really. There is far less censorship on the Internet than there would be if we had a free press.

Conclusion

Suppose we want the Internet to serve its purpose: to provide free information and allow all cultures and religions to express themselves. In that case, we cannot allow people to use their most powerful free speech on the Internet to attack us. They might find it more effective to shut down our Internet completely rather than allow us to do that. If they try, they lose their ability to criticize us, attack them first, and win the argument. That’s the way we should proceed, not wait for them to make a mistake before we criticize them.