Policy Advocacy

Device is a monthly book discussion with a science-based twist, hosted by creator Emily Griffiths. The podcast focuses on how authors often rely on scientific phenomena as plot devices, altering what’s scientifically possible to create an engaging plot line, which can often result in great storytelling, but the science can be exaggerated or lost in the process. Currently distributed by KPBS as part of its Explore Local Content Project, Device talks to local scientists in San Diego and throughout California to talk what’s real, and what’s science fiction.

Once a program like Device is up and running, creators will often reach out to various distributors to share their content on broader platforms and with audiences throughout the world. There are legal needs at all stages of producing content like a podcast, and New Media Rights was glad to be able to provide services to Emily to help interpret and understand her distribution agreement with KPBS.

Staff Attorney Erika Lee and Student Fellow Alexandra Inman will be at the KPBS Explore Local Content Program orientation workshops on August 27th and 28th at 7pm!

They'll be speaking about what kind of legal issues filmmakers, podcasters and other content creators need to be aware of throughout all stages of production, as well as how copyright and music licensing affects production.

Executive Director Art Neill and Legal Fellow Alexandra Inman spoke to arts teachers and administrators from across San Diego County on Friday May 10, 2019 about copyright, fair use, openly licensed resources, and educational exceptions. We had a great time discussing what students need to know to fully exercise their rights to create, as well as the importance of understanding the business end of creating. We also made sure teachers know that they have unique abilities to use copyrighted works in the classroom that are protected by law. 

New Media Rights recently teamed up with California Western's Community Law Project (CLP) to present a media and privacy law presentation at Hoover High School!  

Assistant Director Shaun Spalding and Staff Attorney Erika Lee talked to three freshman classes about some of the laws that control deceptive advertising online, data collection laws like the Children's Online Privacy Act, and how social media sites comply with these important laws. We also got to talk about how some artificial intelligence technologies learn from the content that people post online. READ MORE

Staff Attorney Erika Lee will be participating in the "Funding and Distribution for Feature Films" panel duriing San Diego Film Week 2019! On Saturday at 1:30pm, Erika will be discussing film financing and distribution for the local San Diego market, and exploring the different or nontraditional approaches that are available.