Medium Law

2017 | Law

Why should anyone care about the medium of communication today, especially when talking about media law? In today's society and digital age, many emphasise a focus on convergence and seek new regulatory approaches. In Medium Law, however, the 'medium theory' insights of Harold Innis, Marshall McLuhan and the Toronto School of Communication are drawn upon as part of an argument that differentiates between media and technological definitions that continue to play a crucial role in the regulation of the media. Indeed, Mac Sithigh argues that the idea of converged, cross-platform, medium-neutral media regulation is unattainable in practice and potentially undesirable in substance. This is demonstrated through the exploration of regulation practices in a variety of platforms such as films, games, videos-on-demand and premium rate telephone services. Such regulatory areas discussed include content regulation, copyright, tax relief for producers and developers, new online services, conflicts between regulatory systems and freedom of expression.

This timely and topical volume will appeal to postgraduate students and postdoctoral researchers interested in fields such as Law, Policy, Regulations, Media Studies and Cultural Studies.

Daithi Mac Sithigh (Author)