Legal Hotline

LEGAL HOTLINE: (717) 703-3080

One of PNA’s most popular services to our members is the free Legal Hotline. PNA members may contact the hotline with legal questions about laws that impact journalists and the publishing industry as well as for quotes, background information, pre-publication review and for litigation-related resources.

PNA attorneys routinely provide members with advice on the Right to Know Law and other public records laws, the Sunshine Act, libel and invasion of privacy, court access issues, First Amendment, copyright and trademark, independent contractors, the Pennsylvania Shield Law, publication of notices, and advertising issues to name a few. In addition, many reporters from PNA member news organizations also rely on PNA’s attorneys for quotes in stories involving media law issues. PNA attorneys also routinely provide pre-publication review of advertising as well as editorial and news content.

PNA also participates as amicus curiae (friend of court) in litigation involving PNA members and in cases that impact the media industry. We also maintain a robust list of attorneys, law firms and clinics with media law expertise for referrals. The Legal Hotline can address requests for amicus participation, referrals, and other litigation-related resources.

You can reach the PNA Legal Hotline at (717) 703-3080 or melissam@pa-news.org.

Access the Legal Hotline Archive

Legal Hotline: Act 22 and Law Enforcement Recordings

Q:  Are police dash and body camera videos public records under the Right-to-Know Law? A:  No, the records are not subject to public access under the RTKL.  Act 22 of 2017 removed…

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Legal Hotline: Sunshine Act Penalties

Q: I believe the Sunshine Act may have been violated. Are there penalties for violations and if so, how do I pursue them? A: The Sunshine Act allows for the imposition of civil…

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Legal Hotline: Complex Data Fees Media Exemption

Q: My reporting focuses on data, and I routinely request complex data sets like geographic information system records from public agencies. Several agencies have given me fee estimates based on market rates,…

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