DEFAMATION. Now that I have your attention, welcome to our issue on Media Law, focused on the legal ins-and-outs of the ways in which we communicate. Get tips for media relations, a primer on protecting sources for journalism, a more nuanced understanding of fake news and the idea of “emotional contagion,” and more information about both edges of social media. Be introduced to the unique and progressive European idea of “data obscurity.” Learn about the rise of DEFAMATION cases, efforts to reform the area of law, and the policy considerations those efforts engage. Learn what CBABC president Ken Armstrong’s Twitter handle is, and behold his excellent use of acronyms. TL; DR: Media Law is the law of the way we communicate. Like law, communication is involved in nearly every area of human endeavour, which engenders a desire to understand and control the domain. — Brandon D. Hastings, Chair, BarTalk Editorial Board
