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 call the hotline with any legal questions.
PNA attorneys routinely provide members with pre-publication review and advice on the Right to Know law, the Sunshine Act, independent contractors, libel, court access issues, First Amendment, copyright and trademark, the Pennsylvania Shield Law and advertising issues. Many reporters from PNA member news media organizations also 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: Sunshine Act – Right to Object
Q: A local agency is utilizing advanced communication technology to hold virtual public meetings during the COVID-19 disaster declaration. The board does not allow the public to submit comments during the meeting…
Read MoreLegal Hotline: Public Comment – Taxpayers and Residents
Q: I recently attended a township supervisor meeting where the supervisors refused to allow public comment from a few attendees based on their address, even though they own property in the township. …
Read MoreLegal Hotline: CAN-SPAM Act
Q: We would like to market our printed and online products via email. Is there a “Do Not Email” law that prohibits marketing emails? A: There is no “Do Not Email” law,…
Read MoreLegal Hotline: Beer Delivery Ads
Q: During the COVID lockdown, we’ve gotten several new clients who want to run beer delivery ads. Is beer delivery permitted and if so, can they advertise the service? A: Yes, businesses…
Read MoreLegal Hotline: Price Gouging Act
Q: What is the Price Gouging Act and would it impact price increases scheduled for the end of the month? A: The Pennsylvania Price Gouging Act is a consumer protection law that…
Read MoreLegal Hotline: Digital Millennium Copyright Act
Q: Occasionally readers will post copyright protected material on our Web site. Is there any way to avoid a potential copyright infringement claim in this situation? A: Yes, the Digital Millennium Copyright…
Read MoreLegal Hotline: Public Comments Prior to Meeting
Q: A local agency is holding a virtual public meeting and it is requiring public comments to be submitted in writing 1 day prior to the meeting. However, the agency is not…
Read MoreLegal Hotline: Copyright Basics
Q: What are the general rules of copyright and does it protect the content we create or works created by others that we use? A: Original news content is protected by copyright,…
Read MoreLegal Hotline: Trademark Basics
Q: What are the basic rules of trademark that apply to our classified advertising section? Is the publication liable if an advertiser uses a trademark without permission from the trademark holder? Does…
Read MoreLegal Hotline: Regular Meeting Notice
Q: Does the Sunshine Act require agencies to provide a general meeting notice at the beginning of the year, and if so, what are the requirements? A: Yes. The Sunshine Act requires…
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