Judge In Knoxville Case Questions Media Intent

Trace Sharp — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 15:11:51 +0000

(Rick) Hollow and attorney Tom McAdams, who represented WBIR-TV, Channel 10, at the hearing, argued that the judge had no legal right to deny their clients’ Internet-based readers their First Amendment right to express themselves.

McAdams deemed the space allotted on media Web sites for commentary as a “giant bulletin board,” the provision of which was a “public service.”

Hollow initially suggested the News Sentinel’s Web site didn’t even turn a buck, a claim Baumgartner immediately questioned and newspaper editor Jack McElroy quickly corrected.

“We generate revenue,” McElroy said.

“Of course you do,” the judge replied.

“I’m saying if there is a profit, there is a responsibility that goes with it. … Those are two things that bother me about your site – anonymity and no prior screening.”

At this point, I think most of us are waiting to see what Baumgartner’s ruling will be.

Background on the case can be found here.Similar Posts:

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Judge In Knoxville Case Questions Media Intent