Key Information
Mass Communication Law in Idaho, 3rd Edition, Edited by Rebecca J. Tallent & Robert J. Taylor
2017 [ISBN: 1-58107-306-2; 254 pages; 6 x 9 inch; soft cover] $36.95
Media law in Idaho is sometimes sticky, but is often clear-cut if one takes the time to look up the law. Unfortunately, too many people do not have the time nor the understanding of where to turn for the information.
That is why this book was re-written. The first book was written in 1986, but the first under this title was published in 1992 by New Forums Press and re-issued under another title in 2003. In all cases, the intent of the authors was and is to help people understand media law in the state — a central location to find out about open meetings, shield law, advertising law, defamation and other media law issues in Idaho.
The Contents
Foreword vii
Chapter 1: Open Records in Idaho 1
Chapter 2: Idaho Open Meetings Law 27
Chapter 3: Uncertain Shields 43
Chapter 4: Defamation and Libel 51
Chapter 5: Obscenity and Indecency 85
Chapter 6: Idaho’s Print Advertising Laws 97
Chapter 7: Broadcast and Telecommunications Laws 119
Chapter 8: Newsroom Searches and Court Access by Media 139
Chapter 9: Commercial Speech and Advertising 153
Chapter 10: Invasion of Privacy 165
Chapter 11: Native American Press Laws in Idaho 197
Appendix A: Title 74, Transparent and Ethical Government 209
Appendix B: Open Meetings Law 239
Biographies of Authors and Editors 241
The Editors
Rebecca J. Tallent, Ed.D., is an award-winning journalist and public relations specialist with more than 12 years’ experience as an energy, environmental and financial journalist, plus an additional 20 years’ experience as a public relations specialist, primarily with state government agencies. In addition to her UI teaching, Becky was the ombudsman for the Spokane The Spokesman-Review in 2008 and is a member of the UI American Indian Studies faculty. She is also a member of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) and the Native American Journalists Association (she is of Cherokee heritage). In 2013 she was elected to the national SPJ Board of Directors as a Campus Advisor at Large and serves on the SPJ National Education Committee. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (1975) and her Master of Education in Journalism (1977) from the University of Central Oklahoma and her Doctor of Education in Classroom Teaching/Mass Communications from Oklahoma State University in 1995. As part of her continuing education, Becky attended the Poynter Institute for Media Studies in the summer of 2007 to learn more about teaching Diversity Across the Curriculum. In 2007-2008, she held a Diversity Leadership Fellowship with the Society of Professional Journalists.
Robert J. Taylor, J.D., in addition to practicing law through Taylor Law & Mediation, PLLC, in Mountain Home, Idaho, Robert also serves as an engineer officer in the Idaho Army National Guard and in 2017 he was hired as the Idaho Army National Guard’s public affairs officer. In 2008, he spent six years as a paralegal specialist for the Idaho Army National Guard. Robert attended the College of Southern Idaho before earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Idaho in public relations, a master’s in sports administration from American Military University and a J.D. from the University of Idaho College of Law. Before going to law school, Robert worked as a reporter at the Mountain Home News. He was the assistant adviser for the University of Idaho’s student media department while in law school and has won four Idaho Press Club awards for his work as a journalist.