LAM-NMJ Timeline Goal
My original goal prior to taking the course entitled Legal Aspects of Media can be best described as “learning traditional media laws and their application to new media journalism.” Although at face value, this goal seems rather general, I was able to incorporate the foundational tools learned in New Media and Communications, as well as Writing for Interactive Media within my class assignments. Furthermore, I learned how to best apply what was learned in this class in a methodical cause and effect analysis. I loved learning both sides of writing, from the legal freedoms to the legal restrictions that I have as a journalist. I found that week by week I learned just how important this class is in terms of whether I hope to not only pursue a career in journalism, but to maintain one.
My favorite assignment had to be in week three within the discussion board. The topic that was covered included intellectual property issues, elements of copyright infringement, and limitations of the fair use defense. I enjoyed learning what exclusive rights I have as a journalist and the legal caution I should take in regards to copyright law when it comes to publishing anything online. Out of all of the topics covered this month, I will have to stick to copyright law being the most helpful in my continuous journey as a journalist. In general, the knowledge I have built this month in “legal aspects of media,” has prepared me in providing a vigilant foundation for the work that I will produce. It is best to answer that my expectations of this class went above and beyond my original expectations. To provide a better explanation, the presentation and organization were well managed but the content of each principle I learned this month will be added to the front of my toolkit.