Journalism in cyberspace: Current copyright implications

Abstract

Internet resources in reporting are being embraced by numerous publications and newspapers, as well as journalism schools. The power of these sources is constantly touted, but the potential legal pitfalls are only recently being mentioned. This article deals with the copyright issues surrounding media workers quoting and using sources obtained from computer sources such as computer networks, bulletin boards and electronic mail. A few recent legal cases and the Clinton Administration are beginning to address this issue of copyright in cyberspace. But currently media workers are moving in uncharted waters as they begin to quote more and more from electronic sources. This area might become ripe for copyright lawsuits against media organizations. On the other side of the issue, media organizations that are now putting their publications on‐line should be aware of the possible copyright infringement that can take place against them.