The Center for Media & Social Impact has begun a research project funded by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation on the problems filmmakers face when they tackle deep-pocketed, powerful subjects – whether governmental or corporate, national or international. We are interviewing filmmakers, lawyers, insurers, broadcasters, and investigative journalists to find out how filmmakers can protect themselves when making these "dangerous docs." Read more...
A new generation is going to see the fabled documentary "Dream Deceivers," because its director employed fair use.
Back in 1992, David Van Taylor ("A Perfect Candidate," "Good Ol' Charles Schulz") went behind the scenes of a notorious "heavy metal/suicide" trial for his first film. Two young men had shot themselves, and their parents sued Judas Priest, claiming the youths were mesmerized by subliminal messages. The masterfully-edited documentary was a look inside the vortex of moral panic.
A scholar on piracy gave his book away, and boosted his sales.
The great “intellectual piracy” debate is generally conducted without data, but a recent example provides an intriguing case study. Communication scholar Aram Sinnreich writes about piracy and copyright. His latest book, The Piracy Crusade, argues that the music business’ fight against downloaders has been bad for business and for creative expression.Read more...
In an important op-ed in public TV’s industry bible, Current, longtime public TV advocate (and spectrum guru) John Schwartz highlights a grim reality: the FCC’s recent Report and Order on spectrum auctions could jeopardize the future of public TV.
The problem: Public TV stations, like all other TV stations, can put their spectrum up for auction, and do what they like with the proceeds. Read more...
The Center for Media & Social Impact has begun a research project funded by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation on the problems filmmakers face when they tackle deep-pocketed, powerful subjects – whether governmental or corporate, national or international. We are interviewing filmmakers, lawyers, insurers, broadcasters, and investigative journalists to find out how filmmakers can protect themselves when making these "dangerous docs." 
Is it legal to record all of TV and then let viewers search for topics and view relevant segments?
A new generation is going to see the fabled documentary "
A scholar on piracy gave his book away, and boosted his sales.
In an important op-ed in public TV’s industry bible, Current, longtime public TV advocate (and spectrum guru) 