Here are some media notes for Wednesday, December 11, 2013:
The Australian Broadcasting Corp. is taking the unusual step of conducting audits by those outside its organization on the presence of bias in its programs. The process will start with audits on radio program interviews with the prime minister and opposition leader in this year's election campaign, but spread to other shows and topics. ABC chairman Jim Spiegelman outlined the plans this week, and while he said he does not believe there is any systematic bias in the programs, he accepts there might be instances.
Huffington Post has followed through on its earlier announcement to end anonymous comments on its site. Tim Mcdonald, the director of community, announced the new comment process Tuesday as a measure to improve accountability and civility. Huffington Post had already moderated comments before they appeared. Users will be asked to sign in through their Facebook accounts and be required to use their real names to comment. Anyone fearful of retribution for their comments can request anonymity by applying through a form.
Beastie Boys have stepped up their legal action against the GoldieBlox toy maker for rewriting one of its songs and using it in a commercial without their permission. Gigaom reports the suit says the company did not seek rights to use the song and that its commercial exceeds what could be legally termed fair use of the material. The group is seeking any profits earned from the song. The case is an important one because it stands to clarify the fair use provision in the U.S.
The Australian Broadcasting Corp. is taking the unusual step of conducting audits by those outside its organization on the presence of bias in its programs. The process will start with audits on radio program interviews with the prime minister and opposition leader in this year's election campaign, but spread to other shows and topics. ABC chairman Jim Spiegelman outlined the plans this week, and while he said he does not believe there is any systematic bias in the programs, he accepts there might be instances.
Huffington Post has followed through on its earlier announcement to end anonymous comments on its site. Tim Mcdonald, the director of community, announced the new comment process Tuesday as a measure to improve accountability and civility. Huffington Post had already moderated comments before they appeared. Users will be asked to sign in through their Facebook accounts and be required to use their real names to comment. Anyone fearful of retribution for their comments can request anonymity by applying through a form.
Beastie Boys have stepped up their legal action against the GoldieBlox toy maker for rewriting one of its songs and using it in a commercial without their permission. Gigaom reports the suit says the company did not seek rights to use the song and that its commercial exceeds what could be legally termed fair use of the material. The group is seeking any profits earned from the song. The case is an important one because it stands to clarify the fair use provision in the U.S.
