News & Opinion

FCC asks 2nd Circuit to review fleeting-expletives ruling

Federal regulators are appealing a recent court decision that struck down a 2004 government policy that says broadcasters can be fined for allowing even a single curse word on live television. August 27, 2010 By The Associated Press WASHINGTON —A three-judge panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York threw out the Federal Communications Commission policy last month, saying it was unconstitutionally vague and left broadcasters uncertain of what programming the

Read More »

NFL cheerleader wins $11 million libel suit

A gossip website has been hit with an $11 million judgment for libel and slander after posting false accusations about a northern Kentucky teacher who sidelines as a Cincinnati Bengals cheerleader. August 26, 2010 By The Associated Press  LOUISVILLE, Ky. —The judgment against Dirty World Entertainment Recordings, which runs the site Thedirt.com, came yesterday after the site declined to answer a lawsuit brought by Sarah Jones. The high school teacher filed suit after her picture

Read More »

Iran thought to ban reporting on opposition leaders

A letter from the Iranian government appearing on opposition web sites orders the media to refrain from reporting on two defeated presidential candidates, Mir Hussein Moussavi and Mehdi Karroubi, as well as former President Mohammad Khatami. -db The New York Times August 25, 2010 By William Yong and Robert F. Worth TEHRAN — In a further clampdown on Iran’s cowed political opposition, the authorities have issued a ban on any news relating to the leaders

Read More »

Southern California: Fontana school board president justifies silencing citizens during public comments

The Fontana Unified School District board president said he stopped citizens from talking during public comment period because according to California Education Code Section 7054, citizens could not discuss district issues at school board meetings to promote ballot measures or political candidates. -db Fontana Herald News August 26, 2010 By Alejandro Cano It has happened at least twice at School Board meetings in the last few months: Fontana Unified School District Board President Gus Hawthorn

Read More »

EFF offers help to defendants in copyright lawsuits

The Electronic Frontier Foundation has offered to help bloggers caught in Righthaven’s copyright infringement web. -db Electronic Frontier Foundation Commentary August 25, 2010 By Eva Galperin The Electronic Frontier Foundation is seeking to assist defendants in the Righthaven copyright troll lawsuits. Righthaven, founded in March of 2010, files hundreds of copyright infringement lawsuits on behalf of newspaper publishers against bloggers who make use of news content without permission. To that end, Righthaven searches the internet

Read More »