Special Issues for Media Companies

Seminar A: Newspaper Distribution in a Changing World

The distribution of newspapers is taking place against a changing background of legal and business requirements. With many papers experiencing declining home delivery circulation and increasing single copy circulation, distribution systems that are efficient, cost effective and distribute the maximum number of papers are hard to find. This presentation explores methods of distribution through independent distributors, employees and delivery contractors, together with the advantages and pitfalls of each. The discussion focuses heavily on the conflict between systems that are both cost effective and distribute the maximum number of papers each day. The changing legal environment and the opportunities that it presents are also reviewed.

Seminar B: Meeting the Challenge of Newsbox Regulation

Since the end of the Second World War, newsboxes have played an increasingly important role in single-copy sales, especially in metropolitan sales. With the shift of the country's population to urban centers, the availability of home delivery carriers and corner newsstands has steadily declined. Local governments have frequently responded to the proliferation of newsboxes with a variety of regulatory measures that often violate the First Amendment and threaten the broad dissemination of the news.

The Firm has advised newspaper clients about how to deal with attempted restrictions on newsboxes, and it has litigated cases challenging ordinances and government efforts designed to curtail newsboxes. This presentation provides insights into government encroachments and suggests ways newspapers can monitor them. In addition, the presentation includes a practical program for dealing with local governments to prevent the passage of restrictive rules and offers suggestions for challenging rules which are overly restrictive and undermine circulation.

Seminar C: Newspaper Advertising and the Fair Housing Laws

Just as there are laws to prevent discrimination in employment, there are laws that prohibit discrimination in housing. The Fair Housing laws make it unlawful to make, print, or publish advertisements for the sale or rental of dwellings indicating a preference, limitation, or discrimination based on various protected categories. Both private and public agencies often focus on newspapers and other advertising media that make, print, or publish housing ads. This seminar is designed to provide a brief overview of the Fair Housing laws, why we have them, why the First Amendment does not immunize newspapers from these laws, what kind of advertising is prohibited, how to spot and prevent discriminatory ads, and how to tactfully encourage advertisers to prepare proper advertisements.