Media and communication law.

• Author: Ahmad, Nadia B.
• Position: Annual Reports of Committees of The Florida Bar

The Media and Communication Law Committee (MCLC) shares information about the law of free speech and communication, exploring legal issues on a range of communications methods, including print, broadcast, cable, and emerging technologies. MCLC seeks to enhance the communication between The Florida Bar and the news media, focusing attention upon mutual problems and developing amicable solutions to those problems. The committee plans the annual Media Law Conference, Reporters' Workshop, Media Awards, and produces and updates the Reporter's Handbook.

* Reporters' Workshop--Craig Waters, chief spokesperson for the Florida Supreme Court, chaired the 2015 Reporters' Workshop, which was attended by a diverse group of 24 print and broadcast journalists reporting from media outlets throughout Florida. Mamie Joeveer (Hogan Lovells LLP) served as co-chair of the 2015 Reporters' Workshop. Among the participants, Florida Supreme Court Justice Ricky Polston provided an introduction to the Supreme Court and led a courthouse tour. Reporters learned more strategies for legal reporting and covering the state courts from lawyers, judges, and experienced journalists on topics such as gay marriage, high-profile bar grievances, public records access, and journalism and social media. Supreme Court Justice Barbara Pariente spoke to the reporters about judicial merit retention in Florida.

* Media Awards--In October 2015, Samuel Morley of the Florida Press Association chaired the Media Law Awards, which was held during a dinner reception at the Capitol. Welcoming remarks were delivered by Bar President Ramon Abadin who presented plaques to recipients. Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Jorge Labarga emphasized the importance of the free press and the media's role in strengthening democracy in the keynote address. Neil Skene and Nadia Ahmad presented the media awards. The 60th annual contest, sponsored by the MCLC, recognizes outstanding journalism highlighting the system of law and justice as it affects Floridians. This year, thanks to generous donations of event sponsors, awardees received distinction for their contributions and prize awards. In addition to existing categories for print, television, and radio, a new category for online-only media coverage of the legal system and justice affecting Floridians will be offered to recognize the changing nature of news delivery. The cash awards follow other state bars' and press associations' media recognition programs...