The Legal Side of Podcasting

As each new form of digital media begins to emerge so do the legal issues it creates. If your students are creating podcasts, you need to remind them that they may have some legal responsibilities. Issues like when is a podcaster responsible for the statements of others are beginning to emerge. Podcasters can be held responsible under United States law, if they cross the line from the protected exercise of the freedoms of speech and press to defaming those that are the subject of a podcast. Also the use of foul language and erroneous information in a podcast may come into question. On the positive side, podcasting is a vibrant form of free speech and inexpensive media creation. It’s a great way for students to try creating “real world” media as part of an assignment. Need more info? You can find out how to get started in the Teaching with Technology section of this site. Look for regular updates as well.