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TechnographNew law show one of a kind
By Erin Kelley
Posted: 3/6/06 Section: News
Of the 193 law schools in the country, the University's is the only one to have their own TV show on a commercial channel. The show, "Illinois Law," was launched March 5 on WCIA at 10 a.m. and will air every other Sunday until May 14.
Dave Johnson, assistant dean of communications in the school of law and the innovator behind the show, said the concept made sense with the increased interest the public has with law.
"When you look at the DI and take away all the local stories, eight of the top ten stories deal with legal issues," Johnson said.
He said the general public is fascinated with law, which is apparent from popular TV shows currently being filmed in the courtroom. Johnson said he is hoping to give viewers a perspective on relevant legal issues and educate with civic lessons as well as promote the college, faculty and alumni.
"It is a very bold move to have a TV show on a commercial channel," Johnson said.
"Illinois Law" is a 30-minute talk show that will discuss a variety of legal issues between the school's faculty, alumni and Amy Gajda, the host and an assistant professor in journalism and law. Gajda said she was thrilled when Johnson approached her with the project.
"It has always been a dream of mine to have a TV show that discusses law," she said.
Gajda said the show is trying to keep the topics as timely as possible. The first episode, titled "Judges," discussed the recent Supreme Court nominations as well as how judges are chosen and what the public should expect from them.
Larry Ribstein, professor of law, was one of the guests on the first show because of his recent blog at www.idealog.org. In the entry, Ribstein projected that Justice Samuel Alito would be selected as the next Supreme Court judge two days before his nomination. The blog picked up by several papers across the country, including the Wall Street Journal. Ribstein said his blog was about the business aspect of Alito's rulings unlike the appointment process that focused on other facts.
Dave Johnson, assistant dean of communications in the school of law and the innovator behind the show, said the concept made sense with the increased interest the public has with law.
"When you look at the DI and take away all the local stories, eight of the top ten stories deal with legal issues," Johnson said.
He said the general public is fascinated with law, which is apparent from popular TV shows currently being filmed in the courtroom. Johnson said he is hoping to give viewers a perspective on relevant legal issues and educate with civic lessons as well as promote the college, faculty and alumni.
"It is a very bold move to have a TV show on a commercial channel," Johnson said.
"Illinois Law" is a 30-minute talk show that will discuss a variety of legal issues between the school's faculty, alumni and Amy Gajda, the host and an assistant professor in journalism and law. Gajda said she was thrilled when Johnson approached her with the project.
"It has always been a dream of mine to have a TV show that discusses law," she said.
Gajda said the show is trying to keep the topics as timely as possible. The first episode, titled "Judges," discussed the recent Supreme Court nominations as well as how judges are chosen and what the public should expect from them.
Larry Ribstein, professor of law, was one of the guests on the first show because of his recent blog at www.idealog.org. In the entry, Ribstein projected that Justice Samuel Alito would be selected as the next Supreme Court judge two days before his nomination. The blog picked up by several papers across the country, including the Wall Street Journal. Ribstein said his blog was about the business aspect of Alito's rulings unlike the appointment process that focused on other facts.
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