Sensationalism and yellow journalism has always been a controversial topic concerning ethics and these slides cover the importance of ethics and confidentiality of sources in journalism.

1. Importance of Ethics in the era of
TRP fuelled Tabloid Journalism and
Confidentiality of Sources
Press Laws and Ethics Project
By : Sarah Imran Ali Rizvi
Roll No: TYMM 127
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s College, Andheri

2. Tabloid Journalism
• Emphasizes on
• Sensational crime stories
• Gossip columns about celebrities,
sports stars, politicians etc
• Ethical issues – yellow journalism
• Catchy headlines
• No legitimate news
• Lack of research
• Important ethics
• Truth and accuracy
• Independence
• Fairness and impartiality
• Humanity
• Accountability

3. Case Study
• Meghan Markle sues Associated Newspapers (DMG Media) and it’s tabloid
- THE MAIL on Sunday, in October 2019
• Claims –
• Misuse of private information
• Infringement of copyright
• Breach of the Data Protection 2018
• Mail on Sunday published a handwritten letter from Meghan to her estranged
father in August 2018.
• Statement by Prince Harry – “Deepest fear is history repeating itself”
• Princess Diana – 1980’s and ‘90s

4. The Article of The Mail on Sunday about Meghan Markle’s letter to her father’

5. Confidentiality of source
• Keeping the identity of source hidden
• Reporter’s privilege – US
• Journalist’s right – under State and International laws
• Ethically correct, necessary – Investigative Journalism
• Reasons –
1. Protect the life of the source
2. Shield the interest and trust of the source
3. Protect the reputation of the source
• Viable confidentiality – Don’t misuse for fabrication, work as watchdog
• Evidences – legal obligation
• Laws :
1. No statutory exemption
2. Press Council Act 1978 – Section 15 (2)
3. Indian Evidence Act

6. Case Study
1. Watergate Scandal
• Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein
• Articles relied on someone nicknamed ‘Deep Throat’
• Journalists not forced to invoke protection by US authorities
• Resignation of the then US President Richard Nixon
• W. Mark Felt , in 2005 – Associate Director of US Federal Bureau Of
Investigation
2. During Freedom Struggle
• Bipin Chandra Pal – Editor of Bande Matram daily
• Refused to confirm – Sri Aurobindo was the writer of an article
• Sri Aurobindo later tried for sedition ( Section 124A) – acquitted in 1907
• Pal sent to jail for 6 months for refusing to depose

7. Thread of articles by The Washington Post
Watergate Scandal,1972

8. • Bande Matram weekly (L)
Published photo of Sjt. Aurobindo
Ghosh on his acquittal
• Bipin Chandra Pal (R)
Editor of Bande Matram

9. Thank You