Media Law: A Guide to Understanding Mass Communication Law
Edition: 6
Copyright: 2026
Pages: 530
Edition: 6
Copyright: 2026
Pages: 554
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The health of the American democracy in the 21st Century will depend largely upon the health of American media. Information is the lifeblood of a free republic. Yet, the internet and social media have provided media professionals with new legal challenges regarding privacy, security and credibility. If the free flow of ideas and news is to continue, those who work in the media must understand the principles and laws that protect our right to know.
In Media Law: A Guide to Understanding Mass Communication Law, Mark Hanebutt provides a concise summary of those precepts to help media professionals in their day-to-day task of presenting information. The publication cuts through non-essential discussion and presents the basics. As such, it presents a readable desk reference for students, journalists, advertisers, and public relations specialists.
Mark Hanebutt, a former reporter and editor for The Orlando Sentinel, is professor of journalism at the University of Central Oklahoma and a lawyer in Oklahoma City.
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1 The Purpose, Origin, and Types of Law
Chapter 2 American Democracy and the Law
Chapter 3 The American Legal System
Chapter 4 The First Amendment: A Look at Speech and Press
Chapter 5 The Boundaries of Free Expression
Chapter 6 Libel
Chapter 7 Invasion of Privacy
Chapter 8 Open Records and Meetings
Chapter 9 Protection of Sources
Chapter 10 Free Press/Fair Trial
Chapter 11 Obscenity
Chapter 12 Intellectual Property
Chapter 13 Advertising and Commercial Speech
Chapter 14 Broadcasting and the Internet
Appendix A: The Declaration of Independence: A Transcription
Appendix B: The Constitution of the United States: A Transcription
About the Author
Bibliography
Index
Mark Hanebutt is professor of journalism in the department of mass communication at the University of Central Oklahoma where he teaches courses in news reporting and media law. In addition, he is a member of the Oklahoma Bar Association and is of counsel to Magill & Magill, P.L.L.C., Attorneys and Counselors at Law, in Oklahoma City, where he mediates and consults on media law issues and cases. A former reporter, editor, and syndicated writer with The Orlando Sentinel, he is also the author of The Journalist’s Primer: A No-Nonsense Guide to Getting and Reporting the News (Kendall Hunt 2019). He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism, a Master of Arts degree in English and a Juris Doctor degree in law and has received fellowships from the American Press Institute and the Gannett Foundation.