Wiley Rein LLP


Kathleen A. Kirby
Practice Areas
Education
  • J.D., Columbus School of Law, The Catholic University of America; Dean’s Scholar
  • B.S., University of Virginia
Law Journals
  • Executive Editor, Catholic University Law Review
Bar & Court Admissions
  • District of Columbia Bar
  • U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Third, Ninth and District of Columbia Circuits

Kathleen A. Kirby

PARTNER

202.719.3360  |  kkirby@wileyrein.com


Ms. Kirby represents media clients, including major radio and television group owners, on regulatory and transactional matters before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).  She has additional expertise in newsgathering, content regulation and First Amendment issues.  Regularly rated by Chambers USA as one of Washington, DC’s “Leading Lawyers” in her field, Ms. Kirby is commended in the 2010 edition for her “superior subject expertise, commitment to her clients and great connections within the industry.”


REPRESENTATIVE EXPERIENCE

  • Advises clients on media transactions, including compliance with FCC ownership and attribution rules.
  • Advises broadcast clients on FCC regulatory compliance, including rules governing indecency, political advertising, children's programming, closed captioning, license renewal and reporting requirements.
  • Assists clients with drafting and negotiating network affiliation, multichannel use, syndicated programming and other license agreements.
  • Assists clients with business and legal issues associated with digital and online distribution platforms, including content licensing, copyright and defamation.
  • Counsels clients on rulemaking and legislative initiatives impacting the mass media.
  • Counsels clients on newsgathering issues, including privacy, libel, audio-visual coverage of courtroom proceedings, access and reporters' privilege.
  • Drafts FCC comments and Congressional testimony.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

  • First Amendment Counsel, Radio Television Digital News Association (1994-Present).
  • Radio-broadcaster with extensive experience in news, operations, sales and marketing (1978-1988).

AFFILIATIONS

  • American Bar Association (ABA).
    • National Co-Chair, Women in Communications Law Forum (2010-2012).
    • Communications Law Forum.
  • District of Columbia Bar, Arts, Entertainment and Sports Law Section, Media Law Committee.
  • Federal Communications Bar Association (FCBA).
    • Co-Chair, Video Programming & Distribution Committee.
    • Co-Chair, Mass Media Practice Committee (2009-2011).
  • The Media Institute, First Amendment Advisory Council.
  • The Media Law Resource Center (MLRC).
    • Co-Chair, Legislative Affairs Committee (2007-2011).
  • Vice-Chair, Board of Directors, Student Press Law Center (SPLC) (2001-2007).

HONORS & AWARDS

  • Radio-Television News Directors Association's Rob Downey Citation (2008).
  • Inductee, National Freedom of Information Act Hall of Fame.
  • Named one of DC's "Top 50 Women Lawyers" (2012-2013) and "Super Lawyers" (2011-2013) for First Amendment/Media/Advertising by Super Lawyers magazine.
  • Listed by Chambers USA as one of "America's Leading Lawyers for Business" (2007-2012).
  • AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell's highest ranking by peers for general ethical standards and legal ability.

PUBLICATIONS

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SPEECHES

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NEWS RELEASES

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IN THE NEWS

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