InternetNZ workshop to examine New Media landscape

InternetNZ (Internet New Zealand Inc), is pleased to announce it is hosting a free workshop later this month for legal, media and Internet professionals to discuss the Law Commission's recently-published 'News Media meets New Media' report.

The workshop is being held in Wellington on Tuesday 28 February (2-5pm) at the Hospitality Suite, St James Theatre. Speakers and a panel will consider the report from a variety of perspectives. Attendees will have an opportunity to discuss their views and raise issues.

Confirmed speakers so-far include Law Commissioner John Burrows, Blogger David Farrar and InternetNZ Chief Executive Vikram Kumar.

Please register your interest by emailing rsvp@internetnz.net.nz. Attendance is open to all.

InternetNZ Chief Executive Vikram Kumar says the evolving digital landscape has presented challenges for traditional media regulatory models. The Law Commission is looking for comments to their report. Submissions are due by 12 March 2012.

Several interesting issues are raised in the report, including where bloggers fit into the media regulation landscape. A Communications Tribunal is also proposed, to respond quickly to harms occurring online, such as defamation and malicious impersonation.

"The Law Commission Report presents an important opportunity for the community to discuss these challenges, both ‘traditional’ and ‘new’ media, and I encourage all to attend the workshop," says Kumar.