Media Law Evolutions tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2009-06-16:/aren0109/medialaw//10413 2009-08-11T15:03:07Z A nook for all those interested in mass communication & social networking and the laws and legal implications that surround them. Includes links to cases, useful websites, and research ideas. Movable Type Enterprise 4.25 Broadcast Company Sued Over Water-Drinking Contest tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2009:/aren0109/medialaw//10413.187821 2009-08-11T14:45:32Z 2009-08-11T15:03:07Z Sarah Arendt The civil trial resulting from a radio station contest-gone-wrong will begin Aug. 31, when Entercom Communications Corp. will attempt to defend itself against multiple wrongful-death and emotional distress claims.

The lawsuits are a result of the death of Jennifer Strange, who died after competing in the "Hold Your Wee for a Wii" contest.  The January 2007 competition, which was hosted by one of Entercom's radio stations based in Sacramento, called on contestants to drink 8-ounce bottles of water every ten minutes.  Strange reportedly died from water intoxication. 

The three other contestants have reported anxiety attacks and an irrational fear of bottled water.  Entercom alleges that the other contestant's claims only started after Strange's death and questions their legitimacy. 

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]]> Another Twitter Lawsuit - Sign of a Potential Trend? tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2009:/aren0109/medialaw//10413.186809 2009-07-28T15:23:21Z 2009-07-28T15:30:03Z Sarah Arendt Another lawsuit involving an allegedly defamatory tweet has been filed, this time in Cook County.  The suit was filed by Horizon Group Management against Amanda Bonnen, a Chicago woman living in one of their apartment properties. 

 According to the lawsuit, Amanda Bonnen wrote, "Who said sleeping in a moldy apartment was bad for you?  Horizon really thinks it's ok."

 If Horizon wins the over $50,000 in damages it has requested, this case could be a harbinger of new standards for the micro-blogosphere.

]]> Love is Still at It ... tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2009:/aren0109/medialaw//10413.185854 2009-07-15T19:39:12Z 2009-07-15T19:41:52Z Sarah Arendt Click here to see Courtney Love's latest defamatory Twitter posts.  The reference to the "horrific hag that stole my clothes" if presumably a reference to Boudoir Queen, the plaintiff in the defamation suit currently pending against Love. 

]]> La Russa Pulls Twitter Lawsuit tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2009:/aren0109/medialaw//10413.185270 2009-07-07T21:02:13Z 2009-07-07T21:07:41Z Sarah Arendt Tony La Russa, manager for the St. Louis Cardinals, has dropped his messy lawsuit against Twitter.  La Russa filed suit over an impersonator who tweeted under the name TonyLaRussa and used his picture, charging that imposter was "tastelessly using his name and image" and damaging La Russa's trademark rights to his name. 

Could this failed attempt at a lawsuit encourage even more Twitter users to impersonate celebrities? 

Click here to read more

]]> Hawaii's New Shield Law May Be Invoked tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2009:/aren0109/medialaw//10413.184954 2009-07-01T21:54:25Z 2009-07-01T21:58:10Z Sarah Arendt According to the Associated Press, a documentary filmmaker in Hawaii may be the first person to invoke the state's new shield law.  Will the absolute privilege granted to newsgatherers stand up?

 

Click HERE to read more

]]> Courtney Love Twitter Defamation Case tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2009:/aren0109/medialaw//10413.184873 2009-07-01T03:14:09Z 2009-07-01T03:21:57Z Check out the First Amended Complaint filed by Dawn Simorangkir's (Boudoir Queen) attorneys in Los Angeles.  Love's high-profile defamation case is one of the first to involve Twitter, and will probably not be the last.  Click here to read the... Sarah Arendt
Click here to read the First Amended Complaint

]]> New design launched using Movable Type tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2009:/aren0109/medialaw//10413.183453 2009-06-17T01:15:30Z 2009-06-17T01:15:30Z Our web site is sporting a new look and feel thanks to Movable Type and the Professional Template Set. The Professional Template Set makes it possible for just about anyone to get up and running with a new web... Sarah Arendt Our web site is sporting a new look and feel thanks to Movable Type and the Professional Template Set. The Professional Template Set makes it possible for just about anyone to get up and running with a new web site using Movable Type. It is literally as easy as just a few clicks. Just pick a new for your web site, select the Professional Template Set and publish. Then viola! a new web site. Thank you Movable Type!

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