Informational Memorandum

Media Law & Policy

Informational Memorandum

Thank you for your interest in Media Law & Policy(MLP)! As a potential participant in our membership competition, we would like to outline some basic expectations of all members once they are accepted to MLP. The requirements for the membership competition will be distributed on the date the competition begins, and selection to MLP is based entirely on the materials submitted in the competition. Participation in MLP counts for six credits towards graduation for all members who complete the basic requirements outlined in this memo. 

If you have inquires regarding the membership competition, please contact Iolanda D'Ambrosi, Executive Editor, at idambrosi06@nyls.edu. For all other inquires, please contact Rebekah Burford, Editor-in-Chief, at rburford06@nyls.edu. Good luck to all participants!

About the Membership Competition

MLP is looking for dedicated, motivated, and interested law students to become Staff Editors. The membership competition is open to full time, part time and evening students that will be in school for the entirety of the 2008-2009 year. The membership competition will be held July 1, 2008 through July 25, 2008. All eligible and interested students are encouraged to participate. Competition documents (fact pattern, editing assignment, and basic instruction memo) will be posted on our Web site (http://www.nyls.edu/mlp) on July 1 at 5 p.m.

The

fact pattern

will be a closed-universe writing assignment in which participants will need to analyze the problem under the given law. MLP will judge submissions based on quality of analysis, writing style, and conformity to bluebook citations. Additionally, participants will be required to complete a short

editing assignment

. We will provide an unedited version of an article for participants to correct. Participants will need to edit about 10 footnotes.

Students must also include a resume and a brief statement of interest (no more than 2 pages). Please note (1) that MLP will use each component of the competition to determine whether or not the participant is invited to join MLP and (2) that neither component is dispositive of membership. MLP understands that most participants have not yet used Bluebook, and we will take that into consideration.

Submissions will be due by e-mail to medialawandpolicy@gmail.com on July 25 at 5 p.m. No exceptions will be made for late submission regardless of the reason. Please note that there is no minimum GPA requirement for MLP, and we accept members only through this membership competition process.  

NOTE: Students participating in the competition must use the 18^th edition of Bluebook for all citations. Incorrect citation formats will count significantly against the applicant.

About MLP

MLP is dedicated to the advancement and discussion of current topics in the fields of telecommunications, media, and intellectual property law. Founded more than fifteen years ago, over 2,500 readers receive Media Law & Policy including attorneys, business professionals, regulators, and professors around the world. MLPpublishes two issues per year, and accepts articles from academics, professionals and regulators, as well as offering an opportunity for students to submit a note for publication. Additionally, MLPpublishes in conjunction with the Council of Europe and the Media Center.

This is an exciting time for MLP. We are about to distribute our Spring 2008 issue, which features prominent authors as well as notable law students. Brian Lehrer, a radio talk show host, wrote an article entitled A Million Little Murrows, which discusses new media and new politics. Further, Joseph Siprut’s article presents an analysis of Greenberg v. National Geographic Society, which discusses the Eleventh Circuit clarifying the privileged revision doctrine of the Copyright Act. Joshua Block, an NYLS student, wrote an article discussing the regulation of the transition from analog to digital television broadcasting in North America, which included a comparison of the Canadian, U.S., and Mexican experiences. Lastly, Samia Khan, also a law student, wrote an article dealing with the growing occurrence of government boycotts of reporters and news organizations deemed critical in their reporting of a particular administration.

At this time, our current editorial staff is preparing for our Fall 2008 issue. Those students who write on to MLP this summer will be able to work on the articles for that issue.

In addition to publishing a journal, MLP also hosts an annual conference. This past Fall, in connection with Information Gatekeepers Inc. and the MediaCenter at New YorkLawSchool, MLP organized a one-day conference on Digital Television and Public Safety (including a discussion about the recent 700 MHz auction). The conference panel featured academics, scholars, and professionals in the field. Those who write on to MLP this summer will also have the opportunity to be involved in this conference. They are an excellent networking opportunity as you will work closely with experts in the topic area. Last Spring, the conference focused on Wiretapping.

Staff Editor Responsibilities

Editing Duties: Staff Editors are responsible for editing grammar, citations and format of assigned articles. Each editor is required to be familiar with the use of the Blue Book citation system. Editors are given assignments by the Articles Editors and are responsible for completing their assignment by the deadline provided.

Staff Editors are generally given two to three weeks to edit their assigned articles. A second round of edits may be necessary after review by the Articles Editors. The MLP executive board will create a publishing schedule that will allow Articles Editors enough time to complete their assignments at a reasonable pace.

Administrative Duties: All MLP members are required to attend staff meetings. The purpose of these meetings is to discuss progress, ideas, difficulties and other topics related to the production of the journal and various events in which MLP may participate. Meetings will be reasonably arranged to accommodate members’ schedules. Although there may be a conflict, it is incumbent on members unable to attend a meeting to apprise themselves of the topics that were discussed.

Academic Credit: All members will receive 6 credits for their participation on MLP.In order to receive these credits all members MUST complete Federal Regulation of Electronic Media (4 credits), which is offered in the fall semester; and Media Law and Policy Seminar (2 credits), which is offered in the spring semester. 

Federal Regulations: All accepted members of MLP MUST register for the fall 2008 class. The course number is 82381. There are no exceptions to this requirement regardless of the reason.  This class provides students with a background in telecommunications and media law by focusing on FCC regulation, First Amendment issues, and general policy considerations governing the media and telecommunications industries.

Media Law & Policy Seminar: The Seminar instructs MLP members on proper citation format, editing for publications, and publication procedures. All new MLP members MUST take this course in the spring 2009 semester. The course number is 12474.

Thank you for your interest in MLP! If you have any additional questions about MLP please consult our webpage (www.nyls.edu/mlp) or if you have any questions about the membership competition, contact Iolanda D'Ambrosi, Executive Editor, at idambrosi06@nyls.edu. The MLP staff looks forward to reviewing your submission. Good luck!

Sincerely,

Media Law & Policy