Legal Hotline
LEGAL HOTLINE: (717) 703-3080
One of the PNA’s most popular services to our members is the free Legal 
Hotline. PNA members may call the hotline with any legal questions.
PNA attorneys routinely provide members with advice on HIPAA, open records, the state Sunshine Act, use of independent contractors, libel, telemarketing, copyrights, the Pennsylvania Shield Law and legal advertising. Many reporters from PNA member newspapers rely on PNA’s attorneys for quotes on stories involving legal issues.
Members may also contact PNA’s Media Law Counsel directly via email.
Legal Hotline: Access to Election Returns
Q: What are the rules regarding public access to election returns? A: The Pennsylvania Elections Code makes election returns public records. In counties that use electronic voting systems, public access to returns…
Read MoreLegal Hotline: Press Access to Polling Places
Q: What are the rules on press access to polling places? A: The Pennsylvania Election Code, 25 P.S. § 3060, provides, among other things, as follows: (a) Until the polls are closed,…
Read MoreLegal Hotline: Political Ads – Last Minute
Q: Isn’t there a rule in Pennsylvania or federal law that restricts last-minute political ads? A: There is no federal law or regulation that prohibits last minute political ads in newspapers, and…
Read MoreLegal Hotline: Political Ads – Size and Placement of Disclaimers
Q: Are there laws that govern the appearance of disclaimers required in political ads? A: Yes, state and federal laws govern the appearance of disclaimers in political ads. State and local election…
Read MoreLegal Hotline: Political Ads – State and Local Elections
Q: We’re getting a lot of political ads for local and state candidates as the election season gears up. What are some of the issues we need to consider when reviewing political…
Read MoreLegal Hotline: Political Ads – Federal Elections
Q: An advertiser wants to place a political ad for the upcoming presidential election, but the advertiser does not want to include any disclaimer. Do political ads have to contain a disclaimer…
Read MoreLegal Hotline: Press Rights on Public Property
Q: What rights do journalists have to gather news and report on newsworthy events occurring on public property? A: The press enjoys significant First Amendment rights to gather news and report from…
Read MoreLegal Hotline: Going Out of Business Ads
Q: Are there any special advertising requirements for “Going out of Business” ads? A: Yes. Advertisers running a “going out of business” sale – or any similar type of sale – must…
Read MoreLegal Hotline: Recording Public Meetings
Q: A borough policy requires citizens to notify the agency 48 hours in advance and get permission if they plan to record public meetings. The policy also threatens criminal sanctions under the…
Read MoreLegal Hotline: State and Local Political Ads
Q: We’re getting a lot of political ads for local and state candidates as the election season gears up. What are some of the issues we need to consider when reviewing political…
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