Media Law Research Articles

A numerical investigation on the conductive drying process for phosphate sludge

Phosphate production generates huge quantities of waste materials that pose both economic and environmental challenges. They are characterized by a high-water content, making disposal a very difficult task. To address this issue, conductive drying emerges as a viable solution to reduce the water content in the phosphate sludge to facilitate handling and specially recycling them as construction materials. This paper presents a simplified numerical model based on Fick's law, depicting heat and mass transfer in porous media to simulate the conductive drying process within the phosphate sludge. To provide more accuracy to the numerical model solution, the experimental data are integrated into the numerical model as boundary conditions, enabling the prediction of temperature profiles, thermal conductivity, and effective moisture diffusivity throughout the conductive drying process. The water evaporation capacity is found between 1.25 and 2.1 kg water/m2.h.These findings could be a tool for designing a suitable dryer for phosphate washing sludge.

Penerapan Kaidah Fiqh dalam Hukum Media Sosial di Era Globalisasi Ilmu Pengetahuan dan Teknologi

The globalization of science and technology continues, especially on social media. On the one hand, the benefits of various conveniences are also clearly felt to cause harm. The research examines social media laws and the limitations of their use concerning fiqh rules. This research includes normative legal research methods with a conceptual approach in the form of Islamic law principles. The study concludes that the original law of social media is permissible (permissible) and will change to be recommended if it brings benefits and change to be forbidden if it causes damage. However, the potential for harm in social media exists, so there must be limits to its use and regulatory restrictions, especially restrictions that apply widely in society through state policymaking. The research results can be considered when responding to developments in technology and information, especially regarding social media, so that we can use social media more wisely. Keywords: Social Media Law, Fiqh Rules, Era of Globalization of Science and Technology

Attitude to Law as an Indicator of the Journalist’s Legal Culture (Based on the Materials of an Expert Survey)

The article discusses an important part of the professional culture of a journalist – legal culture, which is based on knowledge of legal norms and journalists’ attitude to the law, manifested in their lawful behavior and, in general, in the activities of modern Russian mass media. As part of the research project of the Department of Theory of Journalism and Mass Communications at St. Petersburg State University, Professional Ideology of Journalism, a pilot study of the normative-legal discourse of journalists’ professional culture was conducted. The empirical basis for the study was expert interviews with representatives of print media who have extensive experience in journalism, including the position of editor-in-chief. The purpose of the research is to reveal how sectoral legislation determines the content of journalists’ activities; how journalists feel about the Russian On the Mass Media law and the normative regulation of media activities in general; and, ultimately, how journalistic activities embody the three structural components of a journalist’s legal culture: 1) cognitive; 2) motivational-refl exive and 3) activity-practical. The results of the processing of expert interviews show that, in general, journalists have a respectful attitude toward industry-specifi c legislation and consider the current law On Mass Media to be a basic document regulating freedom of expression and many other issues of media activity. Although the freedom of speech, which was enshrined in the Russian law on mass media and later in the Constitution of the Russian Federation, has not become a tradition, a norm of life, creativity and professional culture of journalists. Keywords: law, legislation, legal culture, freedom of speech, journalist, expert survey

Contentious press freedom: Media law and the Supreme Court in the Philippines

The legal environment particularly the body of laws that regulate media operations are telling, yet underexplored, indicators of press freedom. Using the analytical concept of episodes of contention based on a reading of contentious politics, the article examines the ambivalent state of press freedom in the Philippines. The argument is that the protracted issues of media access and libel serve as two episodes of contention that identify extant and emerging sets of actors, mechanisms, and claims that collectively characterize the role of media law in the body politic. Drawing from interviews with journalists and review of the Supreme Court rulings about media access and libel, the hope is to underscore the potential and limits of the Court as an ally of the media in advancing press freedom. The decision of the Court does not at all times favor a liberal interpretation of press freedom but it deploys ways including dissenting opinions that can balance, if not outrightly oppose, the occasional negative view of the Court toward media-related cases.

The European response to Russian disinformation in the context of the war in Ukraine

AbstractDisinformation and propaganda directed at foreign countries is an important tool in Russia's geopolitical power ambitions, including its war against Ukraine. The European Union and individual nation states, both inside and outside the Union, have developed complex responses to this multifaceted phenomenon. This article focuses on just one of them: the EU embargo on the RT television channel. It will review media analyses of RT, some of the legal action taken against it, and analyse the background and rationale behind the EU's blocking regulation. It points out that, while international media law literature has examined the issue from the perspective of freedom of expression, the European Union has treated the channel as a political weapon. The article argues that democracies need to take decisive action to defend their structures, and that this may require unconventional measures in times of disruption to the international order.

Legal Accountability in the Digital Sphere: a Cross-Jurisdictional Study of Social Media Laws in the UK and Bahrain

Legal Accountability in the Digital Sphere: a Cross-Jurisdictional Study of Social Media Laws in the UK and Bahrain

Fractionalization of Forchheimer’s correction to Darcy’s law in porous media in large deformations

Fractionalization of Forchheimer’s correction to Darcy’s law in porous media in large deformations

Peculiarities of the intrinsic symmetry of linear and nonlinear optical susceptibility tensors in nonabsorbing inhomogeneous media with nonlocality of optical response

We show that using the Landau–Lifshitz form of the constitutive equations to construct electrodynamics of inhomogeneous nonabsorbing media with nonlocality of optical response leads to previously unknown intrinsic symmetry relations of the spatially dependent tensors of local and nonlocal optical susceptibilities guaranteeing that the energy conservation law is fulfilled. The discovered relations drastically differ from the analogous relations for homogeneous spatially dispersive media and make it possible to correctly write down the balance equation for the energy conservation law in inhomogeneous media with nonlocality of optical response without the previously accepted artificial addition of any new terms to the classical constitutive equations suggested by Landau and Lifshitz.

Research on the distribution law and dynamic response characteristics of loose media in soft foundation waste dump slope

Research on the distribution law and dynamic response characteristics of loose media in soft foundation waste dump slope

REVIEW: Defending the right to confidential sources and whistleblowers

Journalists and Confidential Sources: Colliding Public Interests in the Age of the Leak, by Joseph M Fernandez. Routledge Research on Journalism Series. Abingdon, UK: Routledge, 2021. 287 pages. ISBN 9780367474126 IN 2015, media law professor Joseph M. Fernandez co-authored a comprehensive article for Pacific Journalism Review (Fernandez & Pearson, 2015) about the status of Australia’s shield law regime, drawing on his research to see whether it met journalists’ expectations and whistleblower needs in an era of unprecedented official capabilities. It didn’t, as can be seen from growing concerns over court cases that, according to the peak journalists’ organisation Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA), ‘clearly demonstrate Australia’s patchy and desperate journalist shields fail to do their job’.

Soft-landing dynamics of a type of four-legged space lander

Analyzing the landing dynamics response is essential for enhancing the success rate of surface explorations on celestial bodies like Mars, the moon, and asteroids. This paper develops a comprehensive dynamics model for a space lander equipped with four sets of buffer legs. Each set comprises a primary strut, two secondary struts, and a footpad. The compression force of the buffer struts is determined through interpolation of real experimental data, while the contact force between the footpad and the ground is calculated using Archimedes law for granular media. The Lagrange equation of the second kind is employed to construct the dynamical model for the lander with minimal degrees of freedom. The proposed dynamics model is validated through experiments involving touchdowns of a single legged lander and a four legged lander. Moreover, key physical quantities such as the buffer force, energy absorption and body acceleration are computed for both 1-2-1 and 2-2 landing configurations. The results indicate that the buffer strut is capable of absorbing approximately half of the impact energy, leading to a 50-fold reduction in the shock acceleration of the main body in both landing configurations. However, it is observed that the maximum compression of the buffer strut is greater in the 1-2-1 landing configuration than in the 2-2 landing configuration. Furthermore, these simulations can be completed within seconds, enabling extensive simulations for the design and optimization of soft landing processes.

Media Freedom and Censorship: A Comparative Case Study of Media Freedom under Previous and Current Taliban Governments

The study compares media freedom and censorship under the present Taliban regime in Afghanistan to that under the previous Taliban rule (1996–2001). It looks into how the two regimes' changes to media laws and regulations affected journalists and media organizations. The study questions are concerned with the variations in media freedom, certain types of censorship, and the influence of technology development on media freedom. The study uses a comparative case study methodology to examine the legal system, media regulation, and public access to media coverage in the past and present. Collecting data entails compiling facts from academic research, human rights reports, media observers, and news articles. The study indicates that Taliban regime has become flexible in their policies toward media freedom in contrast to total ban in Taliban’s initial regime on media freedom. The study's importance rests in giving policymakers, human rights organizations, and media professionals’ information on how media freedom was affected by the Taliban's control. This will help them support that Freedom and fight for journalists' rights in Afghanistan.

Transformation of the media system of Afghanistan in the context of the formation of statehood

The object of the study is the media of Afghanistan. The subject of the study is the genesis of methods for regulating the media system in Afghanistan. The article pays special attention to the formation of the media system of the modern period, which the authors have been defining since the end of 2021. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the media system of Afghanistan has been formed under the influence of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF, acted in accordance with resolution No. 1386[39] The UN Security Council of December 20, 2001) and the desire to create a liberal democratic state in the understanding of the ISAF leadership. Freedom of speech, expression and the media, which were achieved during this period, has been under the control of the Interim Government of Afghanistan since August 2021. This article defines the methods used by the current government of Afghanistan to regulate the media system. The main method of research is the content analysis of documents and information on the practice of law enforcement, compliance with current legislation. Naturally, he could not be divorced from the method of systematization of information - the study of information objects. For the first time in the scientific literature, an empirical study is presented, which represents important material on the history of the media system of Afghanistan, its current state, and the analysis of legislative changes. The study seems to be significant and expands knowledge about the media in this region. For 20 years, the media system of Afghanistan has been formed under the influence of an international coalition led by the United States, which tried to create a liberal democratic state. It was based on a compromise of Western "democratic" and Islamic values, more pluralistic and free than before and after this period. In August 2021, another political force came to power, forming a state based on other principles, which began to exercise control over all spheres, including the media, taking Sharia norms as a basis. One of the conclusions of the study was the strengthening of the traditional identity of the state by the new political power, which was "shaken" by Western reforms. After coming to power, the interim Government of Afghanistan repealed the 2004 Constitution and the 2009 Media Law. The Law on Access to Information in 2019 has not been officially repealed, but it is not respected in the country. Thus, the transformation of the state's media system has begun in the country.

Government 2.0: Government-Citizen Engagement through Social Media in Pakistan

This study aims to analyze how the Pakistani public engages with e-government, particularly at the local government level. The research focuses on the social media tools utilized by selected institutions, their social media management practices, institutional policies, and the impact of their initiatives. The study highlights the limited responsiveness of Pakistanis towards e-government adoption. The study shows that Pakistani government institutions are increasingly using social media platforms to engage with the public, establish connections, and receive feedback. However, certain departments need to transition to online platforms, necessitating more digital integration. Government social media administrators include CEOs, regional directors, information officers, and media officers, highlighting the complexity of public sector social media management. The study indicates that numerous social media management departments use data to highlight teamwork but have fewer senior female officers. The most commonly used social media platforms by government agencies are Facebook, official websites, and WhatsApp. Meeting citizens' expectations requires addressing issues, responding to queries, and maximizing the potential of social media. However, despite the popularity of social media, residents still prefer contacting government entities by phone and in person. Therefore, the study emphasizes the importance of clear social media policies for government bodies. The study underscores the need for government institutions to adapt their social media strategies based on public preferences. The report suggests that standard operating procedures (SOPs), varied social media teams, and explicit government social media laws can help improve the situation. The study provides a reliable framework for future research and legislation on government-citizen social media engagement, although it primarily reflects government officials' viewpoints.

Limitation of Religion Information Spread under Media Law

Limitation of Religion Information Spread under Media Law

Assessing media mergers and acquisitions: The power pyramids of regulatory cooperation

Due to the media goods’ dual economic and cultural role, merger and acquisition (M&A) assessments are complex and differ from M&As in other sectors. An additional layer of complexity is added to the assessment when various authorities are involved. An even more complicated matter is when the authorities have different remits. These authorities mostly comprise National Competition Authorities that enforce competition law, focused on economic considerations, and National Regulatory Authorities that enforce and oversee the application of media law, focused not only on setting rules and limitations on the media market but also on considering non-economic elements such as plurality. In certain countries, ministries and government authorities can intervene in these assessments. There have been discussions on the need for cooperation between authorities, however, mostly at the international level. Thus, little is known about the current cooperation procedures at the national level. The article proposes a typology of cooperation at the EU member states level and the United Kingdom and introduces the concept of the ‘power pyramid’ to represent the hierarchical relationships between authorities. Cooperation proves that competition policy and media-specific regulation are intertwined and are complementary. Furthermore, the article shows that having more than one authority assessing media M&As leads to media pluralism being more often explicitly one of the criteria used in the assessments, and thus providing a more holistic approach.

Navigating Globalization: An In-depth Analysis of China's Media Regulation in the Face of Economic and Technological Transformation

The research investigates the intricate interplay between globalization, the dynamics of the media industry, and regulatory frameworks, with a specific focus on China. Employing the literature review method, this study aims to provide a nuanced understanding of how globalization influences media law, regulation, and governance. It explores the repercussions of economic global integration and technological advancements, with China as a case study. Special attention is given to the multifaceted impact of globalization on the complex fabric of media regulation in China. Economic globalization and technological progress are identified as pivotal factors shaping regulatory frameworks. The research not only examines challenges but also explores potential opportunities for synergy between global forces and national regulatory structures. The findings, including globalization's significant impact on the media industry, especially in the Chinese context, especially in the Chinese context, contribute to the existing knowledge by shedding light on how nations navigate the delicate balance between global interconnectedness and the preservation of distinctive media regulatory landscapes. This study holds significance for scholars, researchers, and policymakers grappling with the evolving global media landscape.

The Possibility of a Uniform Legal Language at the Interplay of Legal Discourse, Semiotics and Blockchain Networks

This paper explores the possibility of a standard legal language (e.g. English) for a principled evolution of law in line with technological development. In doing so, reference is made to blockchain networks and smart contracts to emphasise the discontinuity with the liberal legal tradition when it comes to decentralisation and binary code language. Methodologically, the argument is built on the underlying relation between law, semiotics and new forms of media adding to natural language; namely: code and symbols. In what follows, I will concentrate on the study of factors that explain why such approach can be fruitful for the future of law and innovation. I have three reasons for selecting this topic. The first is a more pragmatic reason, based on my current research of law as a linguistic phenomenon. Secondly, the topic does also touch the matter on binary code language, rivalrous to legal alphabetic language. Lastly, the study aims at emphasizing the pivotal role of the jurist as an interpreter in a changing society accommodating diverging realms of reality. The study is structured as follows. Firstly, a quick exam of the traits of blockchain networks would provide the contextual link to establish the arguments in support of the need of a standard legal language. Secondly, a comparison between liberal legal institutions and theory of semiotics is set to perceive their functioning and ascertain their limits in the light of todays unprecedented changes. Thirdly, a summary on blockchain networks’ legal features would constitute the thrust behind the idea of a uniform legal language. Methodologically, the argument does also establish some relations with classical laws of physics and philosophy of media. Its aim is to demonstrate how the suggested legal interpretation and semiotic-based approach can contribute to overcome existing stumbling blocks including, but not limited to, the lack of cooperation at the international level as well as the gap in State norms when it comes to innovation. In this sense, the proposed strategies do not intend to replace current advances in the legal thought. In contrast, it seeks to harmonise their results providing a methodical approach that can concur to inform a new technique to address new controversial issues. In practice, the proposed method regarding the adoption of a uniform legal language would lower transactive costs in terms of normative coordination in the matter of international cooperation and in the definition of applicable law among different legal systems. Alternatively, it might contribute to the convergence of legal systems and/or their underlying concepts. Differently put, article’s contribution can be envisaged in fostering juridical consistency with regards to different forms of languages’ coexistence.

The Best Practices and Strategies for Crisis Communication and Reputation Management in Kenya

Purpose: The aim of the study was to the best practices and strategies for crisis communication and reputation management in Kenya
 Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
 Findings: the best practices and strategies for crisis communication and reputation management in Kenya revolve around timely and transparent communication, local context sensitivity, community engagement, digital media utilization, collaboration with traditional media, partnerships with government agencies, internal communication, preparedness, stakeholder engagement, and ethical conduct. These findings provide valuable insights for organizations and government bodies in Kenya seeking to navigate and mitigate the impact of crises while preserving their reputation.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Situational Crisis Communication Theory (SCCT), image restoration theory & cultural context theory may be used to anchor future studies on the best practices and strategies for crisis communication and reputation management in Kenya. Proactively develop crisis communication plans tailored to Kenya's unique challenges, such as natural disasters or political instability. Align crisis communication practices with Kenya's legal and regulatory framework, including data protection and media laws.

The Impact of Fake News and Misinformation on Political Communication and Civic Engagement in Nigeria

Purpose: The aim of the study was to the impact of fake news and misinformation on political communication and civic engagement in Nigeria
 Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
 Findings: Fake news and misinformation have a significant impact on political communication and civic engagement in Nigeria. They hinder informed decision-making, fuel political polarization, and erode public trust in institutions. These issues also contribute to the spread of rumors and conspiracy theories, undermining the credibility of accurate news sources. Furthermore, fake news is used for political manipulation and inciting violence in the country. Addressing this problem requires a comprehensive approach, including media literacy programs, fact-checking efforts, and legislative measures to combat the dissemination of false information.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Agenda-setting theory, selective exposure theory & social identity theory may be used to anchor future studies on impact of fake news and misinformation on political communication and civic engagement in Nigeria. Proactively develop crisis communication plans tailored to Kenya's unique challenges, such as natural disasters or political instability. Align crisis communication practices with Kenya's legal and regulatory framework, including data protection and media laws.