Before my media law class I hate to admit it, but I was oblivious to laws pertaining to journalists. I was unaware of the Freedom of Information Act, or Shield Laws, and virtually only knew the precedent that stood in the 1st Amendment and a few major supreme court cases such as NY Times v. Sullivan. However, I was not aware of the difference between actual malice and negligence, or the importance of a public figure versus a private figure.
I think all journalists should take time and learn about their rights and privileges, as well as precedent that makes certain practices unconstitutional. Utah has a state shield law known as GRAMA, which is actually one of the strongest shield laws in the nation. I never was aware of this until taking my media law class.
I feel like several people are unaware of our legal system, and think this is something that needs to change in future generations.
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