by Lacey Hampton 

The center will address topics including freedom of information, intellectual property, media consolidation, national security, indecency, privacy, advertising, the First Amendment, reporter’s privilege and libel.

Other planned components of the center include a national advisory board, annual national symposium, Web site and blog, graduate fellowships, and continuing and executive education programs.

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin J. Martin, a 1989 Carolina graduate, addressed an audience of University students, faculty, staff and community members on March 5 in Chapel Hill for the center’s inaugural event.

Martin’s speech emphasized what he described as critical issues surrounding rapid changes in the media, broadband access and media ownership.

He cited broadband technology as a key driver of economic growth that has an impact on the lives of many U.S. citizens, and he said competition is important to bringing technology’s benefits to a wider audience. “In general, I continue to end up basing most of our regulatory decisions on a fundamental belief that a robust competitive marketplace, not direct regulation, is ultimately the greatest protector of the public interest,” Martin said. “The communications landscape is going through a time of unprecedented change.”

Martin said that advancements in cellular, television, Internet and other technologies provide opportunities and challenges. He said the FCC has to make sure these technologies are regulated in the best way to serve the public by stimulating investment and innovation in technology and services.

Wade Hargrove, a national media attorney and UNC graduate, conceived the center and helped secure its initial funding. “It’s important that we engage the University’s traditional expertise in media law to create innovative solutions to the issues affecting the relationship between journalists, media organizations and government regulators,” Hargrove said.

The School of Journalism and Mass Communication and the School of Law also are collaborating to offer a new dual degree program in law and mass communication. Through the program, students who wish to pursue careers in media law or journalism and related fields can earn an M.A./J.D. in four years instead of the five it would take to earn each degree separately. Assistant Professor Michael Hoefges said the program will welcome its first students in fall 2007. ♦

Lacey Hampton was graduated from the school’s news-editorial sequence in May.