Waller Lansden represents media clients, including a network television affiliate, newspapers, cable television service providers and cable television networks, and Internet service providers. Our work for these clients involves corporate and commercial transactions, state and local tax issues, lobbying and government relations, contract negotiations dispute resolution and litigation.
Additionally, Waller Lansden has experience in matters involving constitutional issues related to the First Amendment and media issues. Our attorneys have experience with commercial speech law on behalf of broadcast and print media, as well as the advertising industry, in First Amendment litigation. We have successfully defended clients in numerous defamation and privacy suits, including claims for slander, libel, false light, and related claims. We have handled actions dealing with prior restraints, including successfully defending against a lawsuit and temporary restraining order motion seeking to enjoin the broadcast of a documentary by a national broadcasting entity. Our experience also includes the successful prosecution of the first case in Tennessee leading to the identification of an anonymous Internet poster.
We provide “around-the-clock” pre-broadcast and pre-publication review of print and broadcast materials raising potential defamation or privacy issues or concerning newsgathering techniques. Our attorneys understand the importance for newsrooms to be able to receive a quick and reliable response on a moment’s notice.
We also provide counsel on access to court issues, open meetings and public record issues. We served as counsel in the first case applying the Tennessee Supreme Court’s Rule 30 concerning cameras in courtrooms. Additionally, we have successfully handled cases seeking media access to records and places.
