As social networking becomes an ever-increasingly key component in driving traffic to news sites, news organizations are working to set social media policies for their organization practices, and even for their reporters. To date, policies vary greatly and have produced a variety of dialogue. The links here should help you understand a bit what news organizations are doing with these policies and show you what some of the debate centers around.

In the latest report from the SPLC, the Center gives an in-depth look at "Understanding Cybershield Law." It's a great read for any publication that is currently online or ones that are thinking of moving online. It talks about what the courts have said regarding a publication's liability of content posted on its site. It talks about the difference between staff created content and user-generated material and gives some advice on what should or shouldn't be edited from user-generated material.

The piece discusses everything from Cybershield's background and court interpretations to source of challenged content and implications for the student media. It really is worth a look for advisers and students who oversee content on scholastic media Web sites.

You are not allowed to use copyright protected work unless you are using it in a Fair Use situation. Citing your source is not the same as getting written permission and is still breaking the law. While much online content out there is off limits for you to use there are plenty of places to find audio and other items that are available for use.

NOW A LOOK AT THE “SHOULD WE?”

Law tells us the “could we?” when it comes to online and other types of media. Could we include first and last names with photos on our Web site? Could we publish minors’ names if they are found guilty of a crime? Could we write about birth control? Could we publish a letter to the editor without including the writer’s name?

• Policy
  When you design editorial guidelines for your digital media, create them as equivalents with your print or broadcast media. You do not want separate and unequal designations of rights and responsibilities, especially if print and broadcast content also show up on a student-driven Web site.