What is the legal definition of a news organization?
A news organization, also referred to as a media outlet, is a business or organization that collects, produces, and distributes news to the public. Under Texas media law, news organizations are granted certain exemptions from certain regulations, such as libel and copyright laws, in order for them to gather and publish newsworthy information. The Texas Legislature has established certain thresholds for determining what constitutes a news organization. For example, the organization must publish or broadcast news at least once a week in Texas, and it must demonstrate a commitment to accuracy in its reporting. Additionally, the news organization must engage primarily in the dissemination of news and not primarily in other activities, such as those of a business or a charity. In addition to these requirements, the Texas legislature has established criteria for who may be classified as a journalist within a news organization. These criteria include: being employed by the news organization in the capacity of a reporter, editor, or photographer; having written or edited at least three news articles within the past year for the news organization; and having had their credentials as a journalist accepted by the organization. In summary, Texas media law defines a news organization as a business or organization that collects, produces, and distributes news to the public. The organization must meet certain requirements, and the individuals employed by the news organization must have certain credentials, in order to be considered a news organization and to receive certain exemptions from libel and copyright laws.
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