Technologies of Freedom (Belknap Press)

A communications revolution is displacing print with cables, computers, videodisks, and satellites. In a masterly synthesis of history, law, and technology, the author lays bare the elements of this problem and suggests measures to ensure the preservation of freedom. Pool surveys the legal history of the different modes of communication--print, carrier and broadcasting -- and shows how the constitutional tradition of a free press and free speech was defined over the past 200 years. Discusses how technological factors have shaped different legislative and judicial approaches to print, mail, telegraph, telephone, radio, and television, involving the government more deeply in regulation and resulting in censorship, prior restraint and licensing banned under the First Amendment. Also covers cable TV, electronic publishing, memory banks and computer networks and their mixed effect on free speech, and shows that technological change need not result in restrictive government regulation. Concludes with measures to ensure the preservation of freedom. ISBN 0-674-87233-9 (pbk.) : $8.95 How can we preserve free speech in an electronic age? In a masterly synthesis of history, law, and technology, Ithiel de Sola Pool analyzes the confrontation between the regulators of the new communications technology and the First Amendment. Annotation In a masterly synthesis of history, law, and technology, Pool analyzes the confrontation between the regulators of the new communications technology and the First Amendment. (Technology) Examines the impact of cable television, computer networks, communication satellites, and other modern technology on free speech and freedom of the press Ithiel De Sola Pool. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.