Acquisitions and Commercial Transactions
Godfrey & Kahn attorneys have the legal and media business acumen to advise on day-to-day business procedures, strategies for market share and cash flow. From buying or selling a single community newspaper to acquiring a group or large metro daily, we have proven experience in helping clients through post-closing integration and clearing the transaction hurdles.
Business Operations
Nationally recognized experience in the First Amendment does not guarantee that state media endeavors will be free from employment lawsuits, workers' compensation disputes, OSHA and environmental claims, and market consolidation. Godfrey & Kahn attorneys are committed to advancing the principles of free speech and enterprise journalism, and combining those efforts with a solid understanding of free press, paid circulation, paid advertising and the media's audience. Our lawyers have designed distribution systems, refined commission sales programs and negotiated labor and vendor contracts.
Commercial Speech, Advertising and Promotional Regulations
Godfrey & Kahn's media attorneys provide advice and guidance to media clients and their advertisers in all aspects of state and federal regulations. Because print, broadcast and Internet media are subject to a host of state and federal regulations concerning advertising, employment, gambling and promotional contests, violation of such rules can result in liability not only for the advertiser but for the station or newspaper as well. We stay abreast of changes in state and federal regulations governing media.
The print, broadcast and Internet media are subject to a host of state and federal regulations concerning advertising, employment, gambling and promotional contests. Violation of those rules can result in liability not only for the advertiser but for the station or newspaper as well. "Do not call" and CAN SPAM regulations restrict efforts to develop client relationships and sales revenue. We provide advice and guidance to the firm's media clients and their advertisers in all aspects of state and federal regulations.
Defamation and Privacy
We provide an aggressive defense for defamation and invasion of privacy claims against the print and broadcast media in both state and federal courts. However, effective legal representation in defamation requires more than just reacting to claims after a news story has been broadcast or published. Our attorneys provide comprehensive pre-publication and pre-broadcast review that can reduce potential legal liability while preserving the full scope and impact of a news story or investigative series.
Media Law and the Internet
The internet has enhanced communication for everyone, but this new medium presents similar legal problems as traditional media. Email, websites, databases and blogs have their own unique legal issues. We represent service providers, electronic publishers and software manufacturers, both national and state, in addressing such issues
Political Broadcasting
Godfrey & Kahn lawyers have direct experience and regular contacts with both the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Election Commission. We regularly advise our media clients of their rights and responsibilities regarding political broadcasting. Especially during election seasons, broadcasters rely on our knowledge regarding political file requirements, reasonable access and equal opportunities rules, lowest unit rate and other political broadcasting laws.
We regularly advise our media clients of their rights and responsibilities regarding political broadcasting, a fluid area in light of legislation such as the federal 2002 Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act and current campaign finance reform efforts in Wisconsin. Especially during election seasons, broadcasters rely on our experience regarding political file requirements; reasonable access and equal opportunities rules; lowest unit rate and other political broadcasting laws. Godfrey & Kahn attorneys have direct experience and regular contacts with both the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Election Commission.
Public Records and Open Meetings
Wisconsin's public records and open meeting laws, together with the federal Freedom of Information Act, provide journalists with important reporting tools and citizens with important rights. Our attorneys have both statewide and regional experience in obtaining access to records, meetings and court proceedings for their media clients, whether through negotiation or trial and appellate litigation.
Subpoenas
Wisconsin has a strong statutory journalists' shield law, Wis. Stat §885.14. Still, responding to subpoenas presents a particular challenge to the state's news media. Whether the subpoena seeks a reporter's notes, outtakes of a broadcast interview or the identity of a source, journalists must protect their First Amendment rights. We regularly represent print and broadcast journalists in judicial and administrative proceedings in the defense of these rights.