For the fourth year running, Prince Lobel partner Robert A. Bertsche was selected to present a full-day legal overview to a conclave of magazine editors from throughout the country. His presentation to the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) occurred on June 28, 2005 in New York City. Rob has been asked to repeat the presentation in the summer of 2006.
Rob addressed approximately 100 editors of leading national magazines in two interactive three-hour programs. The morning session, entitled “Business Law For Magazine Editors,” focused on contracts with writers, artists, and photographers; copyright; sweepstakes law; advertising; employment and labor issues; and website liability. The afternoon program, “Journalism Law For Magazine Editors,” explored new developments regarding libel, privacy, and newsgathering; international libel issues; the vanishing reporters’ privilege; and liability for photographs.
ASME is the professional organization for editors of consumer magazines and business publications edited, published, and sold in the United States. Organized in 1963 as the successor to the editorial committee of the Magazine Publishers of America (ASME), the society now has more than 850 members located throughout the country. Among other things, ASME provides an opportunity for magazine editors to meet with their peers for the exchange of information on matters of mutual interest. ASME also works to defend editors against external pressures and to speak out on public policy issues, particularly those pertaining to the First Amendment.