Course objectives:

This course surveys the laws and regulations applicable to the
electronic media in the United States.  We begin by reviewing the
process by which law and policy are developed.  Following that
review we will consider regulatory philosophy and the impact the
First Amendment has on media regulation.  Then we will look at
specific regulations governing mass media:  broadcasting, multi-
channel video (e.g., cable systems and direct broadcast satellite),
and the Internet.  The next portion of the course covers non-media
specific aspects of regulation such as copyright, communications
torts, and some issues relating to electronic journalism. Finally we
will consider regulation of telephone systems.

During the course of the semester we will cover the initiation of
service (licensing and franchising), industry structure through
communication regulation and anti-trust policy, rate regulation, the
direct regulation of media content, and current regulatory issues
affecting the electronic media.

By the end of the semester students completing this course should
have a good general background in contemporary U.S.
telecommunications regulation.  This should prepare you for more
advanced and theoretical law and policy studies.  Students will also
complete a major research paper which should be appropriate for
submission to communications conferences.

Course Format:

Most of the course will be conducted in a lecture/discussion
format.  The final portion of the course will be a seminar in which
students present and discuss their research with the class.

Grading procedures:

Students will be evaluated based upon performance on a mid-term
examination, a comprehensive final examination, a research paper and
class participation.

Required texts:

1.  Carter, Franklin, & Wright, The First Amendment and the Fifth
Estate, 6th Edition, Foundation Press, 2003.

2.  Aufderheide, Communications Policy and the Public Interest,
Guilford Press, 1999.

3.  Supplemental readings course pack.

4.  Broadcasting & Cable.

5.  Communications Headlines service provided by the Benton
Foundation. Go to benton.org, then to the Communication link.  There
you will be able to access the daily communications headline
service.  The service is also available as a listserv for direct
daily delivery to your email account.

6.  Meeting times:

9:30 - 10:45, Mondays and Wednesdays.  Radio-TV Center, room 169.