This document provides a summary of journalism law for copy editors. It discusses key concepts like the First Amendment, libel laws, invasion of privacy, copyright, and use of anonymous sources. Regarding the First Amendment, it notes that while it protects several freedoms, these rights are not absolute and must be balanced with other interests. It defines libel and provides examples of libelous statements. It also discusses the elements of invasion of privacy torts like public disclosure of private facts. The document covers copyright law basics and exceptions like fair use. It addresses legal issues around using anonymous sources and notes policies vary among news organizations.
This document discusses citizen journalism, which refers to ordinary people contributing news and information online through blogs, social media, photos, and videos. The rise of citizen journalism corresponds with new communication technologies enabling public reporting of events. Examples highlighted include Twitter updates from the 2009 Iranian protests and from witnesses of a plane landing in the Hudson River. While citizen journalism increases the speed, range of sources, and personal perspectives on events, it also poses risks of reducing quality and reliability if media relies too heavily on non-professional content. The document argues citizen journalism will continue to both influence and collaborate with traditional media.
This presentation is for use when covering media ethics in an introductory mass media course. Includes media organization ethics, the need for ethics, types of ethics, ethical media examples.
Impact of Internet on Journalism and Digital Media EthicsRashid Hussain
Impact of journalism on the internet.
Usage of the Internet for journalistic tasks
Web revolutionized journalism
Traditional media started the online presence
Digital media Ethics and challenges for CJ
The document discusses various topics related to citizen journalism and its relationship to mainstream media. It provides examples of how citizen journalism has emerged through user-generated content on important events like 9/11 and the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Theorists discussed include Dan Gillmor, who coined the term "We Media" and argued that ordinary people collectively know more than any single journalist. Axel Bruns believed citizen journalism needs to offer less oppositional reporting and focus on dialogue. Andrew Keen was more pessimistic, arguing it flattens talent and offers opinions over facts.
The document summarizes key concepts and thinkers related to media ethics, including truthfulness in reporting, conflicts of interest, sensationalism, photo editing standards, and balancing commercial and public interests. It discusses Aristotle's golden mean of virtue, Kant's categorical imperative, Mill's principle of utility, and Rawls' veil of ignorance as ethical frameworks. It also covers challenges like deliberate deception, balancing corporate and reporting interests, and the role of advertising in media.
The document discusses the social responsibility theory of the press. It argues that while the press is free from government interference, it can still be controlled by corporate interests if it is not vigilant. The press has a duty to provide information needed for political systems and self-governance, act as a government watchdog, bring together buyers and sellers, provide entertainment, and be profitable enough to avoid outside pressures. The theory essentially advocates for non-authoritarian media controls, as seen in some form in France, Israel, and Sweden.
Codes of ethics are meant to guide journalists and ensure truth, accuracy, impartiality and other standards. They help journalists deal with ethical dilemmas and provide accountability. The codes emphasize getting facts right, presenting all sides, maintaining credibility, and correcting errors. Case studies show how codes can be applied, such as protecting sources in the Watergate story or deciding whether to publish a decades-old accusation before an election. Overall, codes are intended to support ethical journalism and avoid issues like paid news or unnecessary religious provocation.
This document discusses media ethics and privacy issues related to journalism. It provides definitions of ethics, morality, and privacy. It outlines several codes of ethics for journalists, including truthfulness, accuracy and prohibiting discrimination. The document also discusses the Malaysian Personal Data Protection Act of 2010 and its 7 data protection principles. Examples are given of privacy being misused, such as leaked nude photos of a Malaysian politician in 2009.
This document discusses citizen journalism, which refers to ordinary people contributing news and information online through blogs, social media, photos, and videos. The rise of citizen journalism corresponds with new communication technologies enabling public reporting of events. Examples highlighted include Twitter updates from the 2009 Iranian protests and from witnesses of a plane landing in the Hudson River. While citizen journalism increases the speed, range of sources, and personal perspectives on events, it also poses risks of reducing quality and reliability if media relies too heavily on non-professional content. The document argues citizen journalism will continue to both influence and collaborate with traditional media.
This presentation is for use when covering media ethics in an introductory mass media course. Includes media organization ethics, the need for ethics, types of ethics, ethical media examples.
Impact of Internet on Journalism and Digital Media EthicsRashid Hussain
Impact of journalism on the internet.
Usage of the Internet for journalistic tasks
Web revolutionized journalism
Traditional media started the online presence
Digital media Ethics and challenges for CJ
The document discusses various topics related to citizen journalism and its relationship to mainstream media. It provides examples of how citizen journalism has emerged through user-generated content on important events like 9/11 and the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Theorists discussed include Dan Gillmor, who coined the term "We Media" and argued that ordinary people collectively know more than any single journalist. Axel Bruns believed citizen journalism needs to offer less oppositional reporting and focus on dialogue. Andrew Keen was more pessimistic, arguing it flattens talent and offers opinions over facts.
The document summarizes key concepts and thinkers related to media ethics, including truthfulness in reporting, conflicts of interest, sensationalism, photo editing standards, and balancing commercial and public interests. It discusses Aristotle's golden mean of virtue, Kant's categorical imperative, Mill's principle of utility, and Rawls' veil of ignorance as ethical frameworks. It also covers challenges like deliberate deception, balancing corporate and reporting interests, and the role of advertising in media.
The document discusses the social responsibility theory of the press. It argues that while the press is free from government interference, it can still be controlled by corporate interests if it is not vigilant. The press has a duty to provide information needed for political systems and self-governance, act as a government watchdog, bring together buyers and sellers, provide entertainment, and be profitable enough to avoid outside pressures. The theory essentially advocates for non-authoritarian media controls, as seen in some form in France, Israel, and Sweden.
Codes of ethics are meant to guide journalists and ensure truth, accuracy, impartiality and other standards. They help journalists deal with ethical dilemmas and provide accountability. The codes emphasize getting facts right, presenting all sides, maintaining credibility, and correcting errors. Case studies show how codes can be applied, such as protecting sources in the Watergate story or deciding whether to publish a decades-old accusation before an election. Overall, codes are intended to support ethical journalism and avoid issues like paid news or unnecessary religious provocation.
This document discusses media ethics and privacy issues related to journalism. It provides definitions of ethics, morality, and privacy. It outlines several codes of ethics for journalists, including truthfulness, accuracy and prohibiting discrimination. The document also discusses the Malaysian Personal Data Protection Act of 2010 and its 7 data protection principles. Examples are given of privacy being misused, such as leaked nude photos of a Malaysian politician in 2009.
Citizen journalism allows non-journalists to report and share information through writing, blogging, photos, videos, and commentary. It has become significant due to its ability to report news when large organizations are unable to. While it provides immediate perspectives, citizen journalism lacks the training of professional journalists in verification and impartiality. Anyone with internet access can be a citizen journalist by posting online.
Kurt Lewin originally developed the concept of gatekeeping theory to describe how information is filtered for dissemination through various channels of communication. Gatekeeping refers to the process by which individuals or organizations make decisions about allowing or blocking information to pass through different gates. At each gate, a gatekeeper determines what information is appropriate or inappropriate to pass through based on various influences like social norms, ethics, and policies. Gatekeeping theory is now widely used in fields like journalism and mass media to understand how and why certain information gets selected for publication or broadcasting while other information gets rejected.
The document summarizes Cultivation Theory, which was developed by Professor George Gerbner to analyze the long-term effects of television viewing. Some key points:
- Cultivation Theory predicts that heavy television viewing shapes peoples' perceptions of the real world by cultivating exaggerated beliefs, such as that the world is a more violent place.
- Studies found heavy viewers overestimated statistics like crime rates compared to light viewers. This supported the theory's key concept of a "Mean World Syndrome" from extensive television exposure.
- The theory was later modified to include the concepts of "Mainstreaming," where heavy viewing converges viewpoints across groups, and "Resonance," where effects are stronger for vulnerable populations.
-
The document provides guidelines for writing news stories, including starting with the climax, using a dramatic structure of climax, cause, and effect, and following conventions like attributing quotes, using the present tense, and rounding numbers. It also discusses formats for television news like package stories, live shots, voiceovers, and mini documentaries that incorporate video, sound bites and interviews. Proper news writing aims for correctness, clarity, a conversational tone, and allowing the listener to visualize the story.
The document discusses the transition from traditional to digital/online journalism and the rise of social media. It provides an overview of key social media platforms and statistics on their global usage. It also outlines how reporters can now source stories, conduct interviews and distribute content online. The document advocates training reporters in multimedia skills and using social media to engage communities and raise traffic/readership.
The document discusses the history and purpose of news agencies. It notes that news agencies were originally created to provide newspapers with a variety of news from around the world. Over time, other modern media like radio, television, and the internet also began using news agencies. Some of the earliest news agencies mentioned include the Associated Press, founded in 1846 in New York, Reuters founded in 1851 in England, and Wolff founded in 1849 in Germany. The document provides the founding dates of several other major news agencies from the United States, Russia, France, and India.
The document discusses sources for news and source considerations for journalists. It identifies two types of news sources: primary definers like politicians and experts who frame issues, and secondary definers like the public who comment on issues. Journalists rely on a limited number of reliable sources they contact regularly through calls or their contact books. They have power to choose sources and perspectives but news also comes from a wide range of organizations and events.
The presentation explains about the Mass Media scenario, its Social responsibility and the phenomena of commercialization in Mass Media.theory, Change, Entertainment
This document discusses guidelines for journalists in dealing with sources of information. It outlines different types of sources including eyewitnesses, officials, organizations, and documents. It emphasizes the importance of transparency in relationships with sources and protecting sources, especially vulnerable ones. The document provides questions for journalists to consider regarding clarifying the relationship with sources, ensuring sources understand publication terms, assessing source motivations, exhausting other options before granting anonymity, and avoiding overly close relationships that could undermine independence.
The document discusses four normative theories of the press: the authoritarian theory, libertarian theory, social responsibility theory, and Soviet communist theory. Under the authoritarian theory, all forms of communication are controlled by governing elites or authorities to protect national interests. The libertarian theory advocates for complete press freedom with no government control. The social responsibility theory balances press freedom with reasonable controls and social obligations. Finally, the Soviet communist theory views media as an instrument of the state to promote communist ideology and governance.
Looking at how social media is influencing the way we consume news, who can produce and publish news and how these new platforms are influencing journalistic practices
This document provides guidelines for writing effective radio news features. It discusses that radio news features should have:
1) A well-researched topic that is of interest to the intended audience.
2) An introduction that hooks the listener with a brief overview of the story.
3) A main body that covers the essential details of who, what, when, where, why and how in a clear narrative.
4) Quotes and interviews from relevant individuals to support the story.
5) A conversational writing style that is easy for a radio announcer to deliver.
6) Attention to tone that is appropriate for the topic and engages the audience.
7) A
The document discusses the rise of online and user-generated journalism through tools like blogs, social media, and crowdsourcing. It notes that blogs have become a popular way for non-journalists to publish content online, with over half of bloggers being under 30 years old. The document also explores the concept of "crowdsourcing" where news stories are collaboratively researched and produced by professionals and amateurs working together. Some examples of crowdsourced journalism projects are discussed, as well as the pros and cons of user-generated content and reporting.
This document discusses news values, which are guidelines used to determine what makes a news story worthy of being published or reported. It identifies nine main news values: timeliness, proximity, impact, controversy, magnitude, prominence, currency, oddity/novelty. Each value is then defined and an example is provided to illustrate how it determines the newsworthiness of a story. Timeliness refers to recency, proximity refers to local relevance, and impact, controversy, magnitude, and prominence refer to the number of people affected or interested in a story. Currency tracks issues that remain topics of public interest, while oddity/novelty means unusual or unique stories. These values help journalists decide what is essential, important information to report on
The document discusses the different types of publics that organizations must consider in public relations. It defines key publics like stakeholders, traditional vs nontraditional, primary vs secondary, internal vs external, and intervening publics. It emphasizes understanding each public's ability to influence goals, interests, decision makers, demographics, and opinions of the organization. Specific publics covered include employees, news media, government, investors, communities, consumers, voters, and businesses.
1 st presentation# normative theories of mass communicationMuhammad Ibraheem
Normative theories describe how media should operate within a society according to specific social values and political environments. The document discusses four main normative theories: authoritarian theory which supports government policies; libertarian theory which emphasizes press freedom; social responsibility theory which balances informing the public with ethics and private interests; and Soviet communist theory where media serves the state. It also covers the origins, assumptions, and criticisms of each approach.
Mojo – or Mobile Journalism is an emerging trend in news gathering and storytelling.
A person, armed with nothing more than a smartphone can record, edit and then broadcast news in a multitude of formats.
This document discusses various aspects of news editing mechanics. It explains that editing for mechanics involves proofreading work to correct errors in spelling, punctuation, and capitalization. It also discusses selecting and sorting creed material, translating news stories while considering cultural and political contexts, and structuring news stories using techniques like the inverted pyramid or narrative/storytelling approaches. The document notes that rewriting may be necessary when a story contains serious flaws and inaccuracies after initial editing.
This document provides an overview of journalism law in the United States. It discusses how the First Amendment protects press freedoms but is not unlimited, covering issues like censorship, libel, obscenity, and invasion of privacy. It also outlines reporter's privilege and shield laws, as well as freedom of information laws governing access to public records and meetings. The future of these laws as they apply to online journalism is uncertain.
This document discusses the evolution of libel law in the United States, beginning with the landmark 1964 Supreme Court case New York Times Co. v. Sullivan. That decision established the "actual malice" standard, requiring public officials to prove the media knew statements were false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth. This shifted libel from a strict liability tort to incorporate First Amendment protections for the press. The decision helped usher in major changes to libel law that remain influential today.
Citizen journalism allows non-journalists to report and share information through writing, blogging, photos, videos, and commentary. It has become significant due to its ability to report news when large organizations are unable to. While it provides immediate perspectives, citizen journalism lacks the training of professional journalists in verification and impartiality. Anyone with internet access can be a citizen journalist by posting online.
Kurt Lewin originally developed the concept of gatekeeping theory to describe how information is filtered for dissemination through various channels of communication. Gatekeeping refers to the process by which individuals or organizations make decisions about allowing or blocking information to pass through different gates. At each gate, a gatekeeper determines what information is appropriate or inappropriate to pass through based on various influences like social norms, ethics, and policies. Gatekeeping theory is now widely used in fields like journalism and mass media to understand how and why certain information gets selected for publication or broadcasting while other information gets rejected.
The document summarizes Cultivation Theory, which was developed by Professor George Gerbner to analyze the long-term effects of television viewing. Some key points:
- Cultivation Theory predicts that heavy television viewing shapes peoples' perceptions of the real world by cultivating exaggerated beliefs, such as that the world is a more violent place.
- Studies found heavy viewers overestimated statistics like crime rates compared to light viewers. This supported the theory's key concept of a "Mean World Syndrome" from extensive television exposure.
- The theory was later modified to include the concepts of "Mainstreaming," where heavy viewing converges viewpoints across groups, and "Resonance," where effects are stronger for vulnerable populations.
-
The document provides guidelines for writing news stories, including starting with the climax, using a dramatic structure of climax, cause, and effect, and following conventions like attributing quotes, using the present tense, and rounding numbers. It also discusses formats for television news like package stories, live shots, voiceovers, and mini documentaries that incorporate video, sound bites and interviews. Proper news writing aims for correctness, clarity, a conversational tone, and allowing the listener to visualize the story.
The document discusses the transition from traditional to digital/online journalism and the rise of social media. It provides an overview of key social media platforms and statistics on their global usage. It also outlines how reporters can now source stories, conduct interviews and distribute content online. The document advocates training reporters in multimedia skills and using social media to engage communities and raise traffic/readership.
The document discusses the history and purpose of news agencies. It notes that news agencies were originally created to provide newspapers with a variety of news from around the world. Over time, other modern media like radio, television, and the internet also began using news agencies. Some of the earliest news agencies mentioned include the Associated Press, founded in 1846 in New York, Reuters founded in 1851 in England, and Wolff founded in 1849 in Germany. The document provides the founding dates of several other major news agencies from the United States, Russia, France, and India.
The document discusses sources for news and source considerations for journalists. It identifies two types of news sources: primary definers like politicians and experts who frame issues, and secondary definers like the public who comment on issues. Journalists rely on a limited number of reliable sources they contact regularly through calls or their contact books. They have power to choose sources and perspectives but news also comes from a wide range of organizations and events.
The presentation explains about the Mass Media scenario, its Social responsibility and the phenomena of commercialization in Mass Media.theory, Change, Entertainment
This document discusses guidelines for journalists in dealing with sources of information. It outlines different types of sources including eyewitnesses, officials, organizations, and documents. It emphasizes the importance of transparency in relationships with sources and protecting sources, especially vulnerable ones. The document provides questions for journalists to consider regarding clarifying the relationship with sources, ensuring sources understand publication terms, assessing source motivations, exhausting other options before granting anonymity, and avoiding overly close relationships that could undermine independence.
The document discusses four normative theories of the press: the authoritarian theory, libertarian theory, social responsibility theory, and Soviet communist theory. Under the authoritarian theory, all forms of communication are controlled by governing elites or authorities to protect national interests. The libertarian theory advocates for complete press freedom with no government control. The social responsibility theory balances press freedom with reasonable controls and social obligations. Finally, the Soviet communist theory views media as an instrument of the state to promote communist ideology and governance.
Looking at how social media is influencing the way we consume news, who can produce and publish news and how these new platforms are influencing journalistic practices
This document provides guidelines for writing effective radio news features. It discusses that radio news features should have:
1) A well-researched topic that is of interest to the intended audience.
2) An introduction that hooks the listener with a brief overview of the story.
3) A main body that covers the essential details of who, what, when, where, why and how in a clear narrative.
4) Quotes and interviews from relevant individuals to support the story.
5) A conversational writing style that is easy for a radio announcer to deliver.
6) Attention to tone that is appropriate for the topic and engages the audience.
7) A
The document discusses the rise of online and user-generated journalism through tools like blogs, social media, and crowdsourcing. It notes that blogs have become a popular way for non-journalists to publish content online, with over half of bloggers being under 30 years old. The document also explores the concept of "crowdsourcing" where news stories are collaboratively researched and produced by professionals and amateurs working together. Some examples of crowdsourced journalism projects are discussed, as well as the pros and cons of user-generated content and reporting.
This document discusses news values, which are guidelines used to determine what makes a news story worthy of being published or reported. It identifies nine main news values: timeliness, proximity, impact, controversy, magnitude, prominence, currency, oddity/novelty. Each value is then defined and an example is provided to illustrate how it determines the newsworthiness of a story. Timeliness refers to recency, proximity refers to local relevance, and impact, controversy, magnitude, and prominence refer to the number of people affected or interested in a story. Currency tracks issues that remain topics of public interest, while oddity/novelty means unusual or unique stories. These values help journalists decide what is essential, important information to report on
The document discusses the different types of publics that organizations must consider in public relations. It defines key publics like stakeholders, traditional vs nontraditional, primary vs secondary, internal vs external, and intervening publics. It emphasizes understanding each public's ability to influence goals, interests, decision makers, demographics, and opinions of the organization. Specific publics covered include employees, news media, government, investors, communities, consumers, voters, and businesses.
1 st presentation# normative theories of mass communicationMuhammad Ibraheem
Normative theories describe how media should operate within a society according to specific social values and political environments. The document discusses four main normative theories: authoritarian theory which supports government policies; libertarian theory which emphasizes press freedom; social responsibility theory which balances informing the public with ethics and private interests; and Soviet communist theory where media serves the state. It also covers the origins, assumptions, and criticisms of each approach.
Mojo – or Mobile Journalism is an emerging trend in news gathering and storytelling.
A person, armed with nothing more than a smartphone can record, edit and then broadcast news in a multitude of formats.
This document discusses various aspects of news editing mechanics. It explains that editing for mechanics involves proofreading work to correct errors in spelling, punctuation, and capitalization. It also discusses selecting and sorting creed material, translating news stories while considering cultural and political contexts, and structuring news stories using techniques like the inverted pyramid or narrative/storytelling approaches. The document notes that rewriting may be necessary when a story contains serious flaws and inaccuracies after initial editing.
This document provides an overview of journalism law in the United States. It discusses how the First Amendment protects press freedoms but is not unlimited, covering issues like censorship, libel, obscenity, and invasion of privacy. It also outlines reporter's privilege and shield laws, as well as freedom of information laws governing access to public records and meetings. The future of these laws as they apply to online journalism is uncertain.
This document discusses the evolution of libel law in the United States, beginning with the landmark 1964 Supreme Court case New York Times Co. v. Sullivan. That decision established the "actual malice" standard, requiring public officials to prove the media knew statements were false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth. This shifted libel from a strict liability tort to incorporate First Amendment protections for the press. The decision helped usher in major changes to libel law that remain influential today.
Here are the answers to the quiz questions:
1. The press code of conduct is a set of rules established by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) that British newspapers, magazines and websites have agreed to follow.
2. The 16 areas covered by the press code of conduct include accuracy, privacy, harassment, intrusion into grief or shock, children, hospitals, reporting of crime, clandestine devices and subterfuge, financial journalism, conflicts of interest, discrimination, children in sex cases, social security, medical records, consent and confidential sources.
3. We have a press code of conduct to ensure fair, accurate and honest reporting and to protect individuals from intrusion into privacy, harassment or inaccurate/
The document discusses various laws and court cases related to the regulation of media in the United States, including the First Amendment protections of free speech and the press, prior restraint, defamation laws, copyright, advertising regulations, and the regulation of broadcast media like cable television and radio. It also examines exceptions to free speech like obscenity, privacy laws, and commercial speech standards.
This document provides an overview of the tort of defamation under Australian law. It defines defamation and explains that it aims to protect an individual's reputation from false statements that damage their standing in the community. Defamation can be libel (written statements) or slander (spoken statements). To prove defamation, the plaintiff must show publication of the statement and identification of themselves. There are several defenses available, including justification (if the statement is true), qualified privilege (in certain limited situations), and honest opinion (if the statement was an expression of opinion on a matter of public interest). The document also notes some problems with defamation law, such as the potential restriction on freedom of speech.
The document discusses the evolution of libel law in the United States, beginning with the 1964 Supreme Court case New York Times Co. v. Sullivan. This ruling established the "actual malice" standard, requiring that public officials prove a statement was made with knowledge of its falsity or reckless disregard for the truth in order to win a libel suit. The ruling marked a shift toward protecting press freedom and criticism of public figures under the First Amendment. Subsequent cases extended this standard and defined what constitutes reckless disregard, changing the landscape of libel significantly in favor of media defendants.
Journalism has a long history dating back to ancient times when news was spread via clay tablets, newsletters, and wandering minstrels. Over the centuries, journalism has evolved through technological advances such as printing presses, radio, television, and the internet. Journalism has also played an important role in society by informing the public and defending free speech, though the profession has at times included unsavory characters.
Notes and tips on Australian defamation law and defences. A guide for journalists and communication professionals who want to stay out of legal trouble around libel issues.
This document outlines the responsibilities and obligations of journalists according to the National Union of Journalists (NUJ). It discusses the importance of representing people and groups in a fair, unbiased, and truthful manner by using accurate facts rather than opinions. It also covers specific ethical issues journalists should consider, such as privacy, accuracy, defamation, copyright, and representing vulnerable groups like children appropriately. The overall message is that journalists have a duty to report news in a socially responsible way and follow codes of conduct to avoid harming individuals or groups.
This chapter discusses the history and current state of media law regarding freedom of expression. It covers the development of free speech philosophy from John Milton in 1644 to protections established in the US Constitution. Early laws like the Sedition Acts restricted criticism of government. The Zenger trial established truth as a defense against sedition charges. Current issues around intellectual property, privacy, libel and newsgathering are analyzed, as well as controversies around censorship and conflicting rights like free press versus right to a fair trial.
Libel is a published defamation of character that exposes a person to hatred, shame, disgrace, contempt or ridicule. There are two types of libel - libel per se, which is obviously defamatory, and libel per quod, which requires additional context or circumstances to be understood as defamatory. Journalists must balance upholding individuals' rights to privacy and reputation with thorough and fair reporting for the public good. The best defense against a libel claim is ensuring one's reporting is truthful, accurate, and backed by evidence.
This document discusses various principles of journalism including:
- The government cannot censor media prior to publication due to freedom of the press in the 1st Amendment.
- Journalists have freedom to publish quotes including profanity but airing accidental profanity on TV could result in fines.
- Libel laws make it difficult for public figures like politicians to win lawsuits against media.
- Journalists should avoid fabricating stories, plagiarizing, or accepting gifts to maintain independence and integrity.
- The duty of journalists is to seek truth and not pander to sources or be manipulated by PR efforts.
This document provides an overview of defamation law and its importance for small businesses. It begins with an agenda for topics to be covered, including defining defamation, explaining why it is important for small businesses, identifying types of defamation, compliance with defamation law and available defenses, consequences of non-compliance, and remedies. Key points covered include the elements of a defamation claim, how both written and spoken communication can constitute defamation, and defenses such as truth, privilege, and fair comment. The document aims to educate small businesses about their rights and responsibilities with regards to defamation.
The document discusses the importance of visiting Levelland, Texas. It highlights the town's breathtaking art, including large format mosaics on public buildings and art collections at South Plains College. Additionally, it mentions the affordable accommodations at Best Inn Texas and exploring the small town's historic sites from the early 20th century agricultural era. The summary emphasizes the artistic attractions and small town charm that make Levelland worth a visit.
The document discusses laws related to print media and journalism in the Philippines. It covers constitutional protections for freedom of the press and speech. Publishers can be held liable for printing material that is injurious, threatens public order or morals, or undermines government bodies. Defamation laws, including libel, are discussed. For a statement to be considered libel it must be defamatory, made with malice, published to a third party, and clearly identify the person being libeled. The document also differentiates between libel per se and libel per quod.
The document discusses several common legal issues faced by high school student journalists, including censorship, libel, invasion of privacy, copyright, and freedom of information laws. It provides an overview of key Supreme Court rulings like Tinker v. Des Moines and Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier that define the legal rights of student speech. The document also summarizes key principles around libel, privacy, copyright, and open records laws to help student journalists understand and navigate these important legal topics.
Defamation involves communicating false information about a person to harm their reputation. Journalists must be careful not to publish untrue claims due to personal biases. Copyright law protects creators' ownership over their work and prevents others from stealing and claiming it as their own. Journalists are given guidelines for handling stories about children to prevent exploitation, such as not interviewing or photographing them at school without permission. Confidentiality restrictions apply to protecting sensitive sources from potential risks if their identity is revealed.
This presentation is for use when covering media law in an introductory mass media course. Includes laws impacting the media, new laws, legal changes, definitions of laws, controversy, 1st amendment laws.
This document discusses the balance between privacy and the public's right to know in the internet age. It outlines what types of private information are legally protected from publication, such as private facts, intrusions upon seclusion, or portrayals in a false light. However, newsworthy information can be published. The definition of newsworthiness has been determined by courts on a case-by-case basis. The document also examines what constitutes a public figure and how the concept of false light is defined legally. It summarizes a key Supreme Court case that established precedent for satire. Finally, it shares student views on online anonymity and privacy in social networking.
Experience Adelphi: Emerging legal issues in an online worldCubReporters.org
The document summarizes the key topics that will be covered in Professor Grabowski's lecture on emerging legal issues in an online world, including social media censorship, cybernetics, video games, cryptocurrency, and climate change. The lecture will discuss controversial issues around student speech on social media and investing in cryptocurrencies. It encourages signing up for more information from Adelphi University.
The document provides several tips for revising journalism writing, including using only one space after periods, telling readers facts rather than asking rhetorical questions or making assumptions about what readers know, attributing quotes to sources using "said" instead of other verbs, avoiding inserting opinions into stories and focusing on facts, and trimming unnecessary words when editing.
This presentation explains why AP Style is essential for public relations practitioners and journalists. It covers the 15 most commonly-used AP Style rules. And it features links to practice quizzes.
This document provides information about planning and producing a podcast. It discusses what a podcast is, why they are popular, different types of podcasts, and ideas for podcast content. It emphasizes the importance of planning, including considering timing, recording conditions, and finding your voice. It also lists some basic tools needed like a computer, recording device, and audio editing software. Finally, it discusses dressing up a podcast with introductions and outros to frame the content.
Both sides agree that anyone can be a journalist in the U.S. without a license or requirements for fairness. While problems exist with some media organizations having biases, government regulation could threaten press independence and act as a watchdog against those in power, and consumers playing a role in deciding what stories are popular or not through their views and shares can help shape quality journalism.
This document provides instructions for a 600-word op-ed assignment on a timely, controversial issue related to media law or ethics. The op-ed must take a clear position, provide some background on the issue and why it is timely, and support the position with evidence from sources cited within the text. Students must choose a topic, get approval, thoroughly research the issue finding current examples and data, write the op-ed in third person, proofread twice, submit for feedback, revise if needed, and submit to the assigned newspaper by the deadline.
This document provides guidance on including a sidebar for an enterprise news story assignment. A sidebar is a complementary piece of content like a chart, survey, illustration, photos, map, timeline, or list that helps readers better understand the main story. Acceptable sidebars include statistical comparisons, surveys, photos taken by the writer, maps, timelines, or lists/schedules.
The document discusses several issues related to higher education administration and faculty, including the increasing corporatization of university administration, the lack of viewpoint diversity among faculty which a study found had become more liberal dominated in recent decades, and an anecdote about a professor being told it was inappropriate to say their class required hard work. It also questions why free speech should be protected on campuses and references an old saying about faculty always agreeing to hang the dean.
This document provides tips for starting a successful blog. It discusses why blogging is important for journalists, defines what a blog is, and provides examples of different types of blogs. The document then gives 15 tips for blogging, including choosing a good topic and URL, writing clearly and concisely, using images and links, publishing regularly, and respecting copyright laws. The key points are that blogs should provide value to readers, publish new content regularly, and combine text with multimedia elements to engage audiences.
This document provides instructions for a profile story assignment. Students are asked to write a 650-800 word news story focused on a real, living person who is interesting and newsworthy. Examples of newsworthy subjects include athletes, artists, and people who have overcome adversity or won awards. The person profiled must be willing to be identified and have their story published. Students must pitch their story idea to the instructor in advance and receive approval before profiling someone. The completed story is due on March 6th and must follow standard newswriting practices.
This document summarizes key aspects of advertising law and ethics as taught by Prof. Mark Grabowski. It outlines that commercial speech has some but not as much free speech protections as political or religious speech. Certain types of false, misleading, or illegal ads are prohibited. Ads targeting kids are allowed but regulated. Media outlets can generally refuse advertisers with some exceptions. The largest recent case was Citizens United v FEC in 2010, which found that corporate funding of independent political broadcasts could not be limited. The document stresses that advertisers are responsible not just for what they sell but how they sell it, and should avoid manipulation, stereotyping, or offensive/tasteless ads.
This document provides an overview of copyright law, including what can and cannot be copyrighted, fair use exceptions, and penalties for infringement. Copyright protects original creative works fixed in a tangible form, including photos, stories, illustrations and more. Facts, government works, and expired copyrights are not covered. While copyright protects works online, fair use allows limited use for news or education without permission. Courts weigh four factors to determine fair use, most importantly the economic impact. Ignorance is not a defense against infringement charges, which can be civil or criminal for large-scale copying.
The document discusses free speech protections in the United States as established by the 1997 Supreme Court case Reno v. ACLU. It also notes some restrictions and obstacles in lawmaking regarding privacy issues like employers requesting social media passwords and law enforcement accessing emails without warrants. International hate speech laws are mentioned to vary by country. Some progress in the US is highlighted, such as the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, FCC's Open Internet rules, and the Consumer Review Fairness Act.
Public relations professionals should avoid lying, greenwashing, misleading the public, and conflicts of interest according to this document. They should practice ethical public relations by being truthful and transparent in their communications.
This document discusses the regulation of broadcast media in the United States by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). It notes that broadcast media like radio, television, and satellites are subject to much more regulation than print media due to the scarcity of available frequencies and the potential widespread reach of broadcast content. Regulations have addressed issues like indecency, children's programming, and fairness in coverage of controversial issues. However, some argue that broadcast laws are now antiquated given the rise of unregulated internet media.
This document discusses privacy laws in the United States related to the press and media. It covers four types of privacy invasion claims: public disclosure of private facts, intrusion, false light, and misappropriation. For each claim, the document outlines the elements a plaintiff must prove, examples, and key defenses. It also briefly mentions how U.S. privacy laws lag behind Europe in regulating online privacy and technological advances.
Public trust in the media has declined, with polls showing only 32% trust media to report accurately and 55% of voters believing journalists are biased against Trump. A study found 90% of journalist donations went to Hillary Clinton, and WikiLeaks emails showed coordination between reporters and Clinton's campaign. While some criticize excessive focus on Clinton's emails, others argue media was too soft on her and sensationalized certain stories to boost sales.
This document defines defamation as the publication or broadcast of a false statement of fact that seriously harms someone's reputation. It applies to both printed and spoken statements made online or offline. The document notes that truth is an absolute defense against defamation, but proving a statement is true can be difficult. It also explains that statements of opinion alone cannot be defamatory, and discusses some of the challenges around legislating cyberbullying and internet trolling. The document provides examples of statements that could be considered defamatory and discusses the standards of fault required in defamation cases involving public figures.
The document discusses the key freedoms protected by the First Amendment: freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and the right to petition the government. It provides details on what each freedom entails and prohibits the government from infringing on these rights. However, it notes that the First Amendment only applies to government restrictions and not actions taken by private individuals or companies. Some exceptions to free speech, like threats and copyright infringement, are also outlined.
How to Fix the Import Error in the Odoo 17Celine George
An import error occurs when a program fails to import a module or library, disrupting its execution. In languages like Python, this issue arises when the specified module cannot be found or accessed, hindering the program's functionality. Resolving import errors is crucial for maintaining smooth software operation and uninterrupted development processes.
This presentation was provided by Steph Pollock of The American Psychological Association’s Journals Program, and Damita Snow, of The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), for the initial session of NISO's 2024 Training Series "DEIA in the Scholarly Landscape." Session One: 'Setting Expectations: a DEIA Primer,' was held June 6, 2024.
Strategies for Effective Upskilling is a presentation by Chinwendu Peace in a Your Skill Boost Masterclass organisation by the Excellence Foundation for South Sudan on 08th and 09th June 2024 from 1 PM to 3 PM on each day.
This presentation includes basic of PCOS their pathology and treatment and also Ayurveda correlation of PCOS and Ayurvedic line of treatment mentioned in classics.
ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 42001, and GDPR: Best Practices for Implementation and...PECB
Denis is a dynamic and results-driven Chief Information Officer (CIO) with a distinguished career spanning information systems analysis and technical project management. With a proven track record of spearheading the design and delivery of cutting-edge Information Management solutions, he has consistently elevated business operations, streamlined reporting functions, and maximized process efficiency.
Certified as an ISO/IEC 27001: Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) Lead Implementer, Data Protection Officer, and Cyber Risks Analyst, Denis brings a heightened focus on data security, privacy, and cyber resilience to every endeavor.
His expertise extends across a diverse spectrum of reporting, database, and web development applications, underpinned by an exceptional grasp of data storage and virtualization technologies. His proficiency in application testing, database administration, and data cleansing ensures seamless execution of complex projects.
What sets Denis apart is his comprehensive understanding of Business and Systems Analysis technologies, honed through involvement in all phases of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC). From meticulous requirements gathering to precise analysis, innovative design, rigorous development, thorough testing, and successful implementation, he has consistently delivered exceptional results.
Throughout his career, he has taken on multifaceted roles, from leading technical project management teams to owning solutions that drive operational excellence. His conscientious and proactive approach is unwavering, whether he is working independently or collaboratively within a team. His ability to connect with colleagues on a personal level underscores his commitment to fostering a harmonious and productive workplace environment.
Date: May 29, 2024
Tags: Information Security, ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 42001, Artificial Intelligence, GDPR
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Assessment and Planning in Educational technology.pptxKavitha Krishnan
In an education system, it is understood that assessment is only for the students, but on the other hand, the Assessment of teachers is also an important aspect of the education system that ensures teachers are providing high-quality instruction to students. The assessment process can be used to provide feedback and support for professional development, to inform decisions about teacher retention or promotion, or to evaluate teacher effectiveness for accountability purposes.
The simplified electron and muon model, Oscillating Spacetime: The Foundation...RitikBhardwaj56
Discover the Simplified Electron and Muon Model: A New Wave-Based Approach to Understanding Particles delves into a groundbreaking theory that presents electrons and muons as rotating soliton waves within oscillating spacetime. Geared towards students, researchers, and science buffs, this book breaks down complex ideas into simple explanations. It covers topics such as electron waves, temporal dynamics, and the implications of this model on particle physics. With clear illustrations and easy-to-follow explanations, readers will gain a new outlook on the universe's fundamental nature.
A workshop hosted by the South African Journal of Science aimed at postgraduate students and early career researchers with little or no experience in writing and publishing journal articles.
বাংলাদেশের অর্থনৈতিক সমীক্ষা ২০২৪ [Bangladesh Economic Review 2024 Bangla.pdf] কম্পিউটার , ট্যাব ও স্মার্ট ফোন ভার্সন সহ সম্পূর্ণ বাংলা ই-বুক বা pdf বই " সুচিপত্র ...বুকমার্ক মেনু 🔖 ও হাইপার লিংক মেনু 📝👆 যুক্ত ..
আমাদের সবার জন্য খুব খুব গুরুত্বপূর্ণ একটি বই ..বিসিএস, ব্যাংক, ইউনিভার্সিটি ভর্তি ও যে কোন প্রতিযোগিতা মূলক পরীক্ষার জন্য এর খুব ইম্পরট্যান্ট একটি বিষয় ...তাছাড়া বাংলাদেশের সাম্প্রতিক যে কোন ডাটা বা তথ্য এই বইতে পাবেন ...
তাই একজন নাগরিক হিসাবে এই তথ্য গুলো আপনার জানা প্রয়োজন ...।
বিসিএস ও ব্যাংক এর লিখিত পরীক্ষা ...+এছাড়া মাধ্যমিক ও উচ্চমাধ্যমিকের স্টুডেন্টদের জন্য অনেক কাজে আসবে ...
1. Journalism Law PrimerJournalism Law Primer
What copy editors need to know
Presented by Mark Grabowski
for Dow Jones News Fund
2. Why it matters
• The laws affect how journalists are
able to do their jobs: what they can
report on and what they can’t.
• Most countries don’t allow the
freedoms that the U.S. does. But we
tend to take press freedom for
granted.
3.
4. • First Amendment rights must be asserted in
order to be defended.
• If you don’t know what your rights are, it’s
easy for others to trample on them.
• This often happens to students journalists
because they are unaware that school
administrators have violated the First
Amendment.
Why it matters: You have rights
5. Why it matters: The people you
cover have rights, too…
The media has a
lot of influence
and can ruin
people’s lives.
Erroneous and
false reporting
can result in
million dollar
lawsuits. Our
society is very
litigious.
6. First, some history…
It all begins
with the First
Amendment.
Press freedom
is rooted in
this.
7. Congress shall make
no law respecting
an establishment of
religion, or
prohibiting the free
exercise thereof; or
abridging the
freedom of speech,
or of the press; or
the right of the
people peaceably to
assemble, and to
petition the
government for a
redress of
grievances.
The First
Amendment
• A promise by the
government to respect
the individual rights of
its people relating to:
– Religion
– Speech
– Press
– Assembly
– Petition
• First Amendment rights
are not unlimited
8. First Amendment rightsFirst Amendment rights
are not absoluteare not absolute
The Supreme Court often balances First
Amendment rights with other personal rights
and societal interests such as the right to
privacy; to protect reputation; to protect
national security interests; and against
obscenity, to name a few interests that are
sometimes favored over First Amendment
rights.
9. Only applies to government!
• The First Amendment does not regulate the
behavior of private actors
• Private schools can restrict speech
• Your editor/boss can restrict your ability to publish
content
• Webmasters can delete comments they don’t like
• While you may have a right to publish something,
there may be consequences (subscription
cancellations, loss of advertisers, Twitter shaming,
etc.)
10. Has evolved over time
• The First Amendment was ratified in 1791
• Back then, there were only newspapers
• The 20th
Century brought radio and TV
• In the 21st
Century, the Internet is the main
source of news
• Technology has created new issues and
challenges for press freedom
11. Beyond First Amendment
• Press freedom is
rooted in the First
Amendment and no
law can be created
that limits the
freedoms guaranteed
in the First
Amendment.
• However, the First
Amendment isn’t the
only law that concerns
the media.
• State laws, for
example, address
reporter’s privilege.
Local zoning laws
regulate where
newspaper stands go.
13. 1. Censorship
The Supreme Court has said injunctions
preventing the exercise of speech should be
viewed very skeptically--they carry "a
presumption of unconstitutionality." See
Pentagon Papers. But some exceptions:
– Gag orders for trials
– Pre-publication agreements for gov’t
employees
– Media coverage of military ops
15. Remember
• Just because your newspaper may exploit
the First Amendment to gather and report
news doesn’t mean they won’t restrict
speech when it comes to publishing
viewpoints, letters to the editors,
comments, etc.
• Learn what your newspaper’s standards are
for community commentary.
16. 2. Libel
Publication or broadcast of a false
statement of fact that seriously
harms someone’s reputation.
Applies to printed statements and
spoken statements, both online and
offline.
18. Libel defined…
Publication or broadcast of a false
statement of fact that seriously
harms someone’s reputation.
Applies to printed statements and
spoken statements, both online and
offline.
19. Beware!
•Libel can appear is news
stories, headlines, captions,
etc.
•If your newspaper prints a
libelous letter to the editor, it
can be liable for libel
20.
21.
22. Libel defined…
Publication or broadcast of a false
statement of fact that seriously
harms someone’s reputation.
Applies to printed statements and
spoken statements, both online and
offline.
25. Libel defined…
Publication or broadcast of a false
statement of fact that seriously
harms someone’s reputation.
Applies to printed statements and
spoken statements, both online and
offline.
26. Truth is an
absolute defense
to defamation.
But there’s a
catch: Knowing
something is
true and proving
it’s true can be
two different
things.
27. Libel defined…
Publication or broadcast of a false
statement of fact that seriously
harms someone’s reputation.
Applies to printed statements and
spoken statements, both online and
offline.
30. Myth
As long as you preface your statement with a
qualifier such as “In my opinion,” or
“allegedly,” or “I think,” you cannot be
successfully sued for defamation.
False: While such qualifiers have their place,
there are no “magic words” that will always
shield you from liability.
31. Libel defined…
Publication or broadcast of a false
statement of fact that seriously
harms someone’s reputation.
Applies to printed statements and
spoken statements, both online and
offline.
32. This may be a lie, but does it
really harm a reputation?
33. Red Flag Statements
• Accusations of illegal conduct or
involvement with the criminal justice
system or criminals
• Charges of sexual misconduct or
promiscuity
• Statements that attack a person’s honesty
or integrity
34. Be especially careful
with crime stories
• Use correct terms
• Don’t convict people of crimes before
they’ve gone to trial
35. Terms: Some journalists confuse robbery,
burglary, larceny and theft…
•Larceny encompasses any wrongful taking of property.
•Theft is larceny without a threat or violence, such as a picked pocket. Many
forms of white-collar financial crimes are variations of theft.
•Fraud is a form of theft, sometimes defined as theft by deception.
•Tax evasion is another form of theft.
•Auto theft is self-explanatory.
•Robbery is a larceny accompanied by violence or threats, including a finger
under the jacket to indicate a gun.
•Burglary is the unlawful entering of a premises with the intent to commit a
crime. A burglary does not involve violence. But if a homeowner discovers the
burglar and violence ensues, the burglary becomes a robbery. (“Home
invasion ,” a phrase that became popularized in the 1990s and was followed by
special-penalty laws, is a break-in robbery.)
36. Avoid sloppy allegations…
•Remember, in the U.S., people are presumed innocent until
proven guilty.
•So, until someone has been convicted of a crime by a judge or
jury, you can not call him a criminal, burglar, murderer, etc.
•Instead, use language such as “He has been charged with
[crime]” or “She was arrested on charges of [crime]” – and
attribute any allegations to police.
•Otherwise, your media outlet could be sued for libel.
Sometimes charges are dropped. Sometimes police botch
investigations. Sometimes suspects win their cases and are
vindicated. Be very careful with how you word your crime
stories. People’s reputations are at stake, including yours.
39. One more requirement:
Fault Required
The First Amendment
requires that in order for
defendants to be held
responsible for defamation,
the person suing must show
— at a minimum — that the
reporter/editor acted
unreasonably.
40. Public figures
Under New York Times v. Sullivan, public
officials and public figures are required to
prove “actual malice” in defamation cases.
Some other caveats…
41.
42.
43.
44. Good news: You’re not legally responsible for libelous
comments made by others on your newspaper’s website.
45. – Fair report privilege
•Allows journalists to
report anything said
in official
government
proceedings.
•Must be accurate
and fair.
Privilege and protection
for sources and stories
– Opinion privilege
•Protects written
opinions from libel
suits.
•Distinction between
facts and opinion.
46. 3. Invasion of Privacy
Certain details about people, even
though true, may be "off limits" to the
press and public
Truth is not a defense
47. a. Public Disclosure of Private and
Embarrassing Facts
• Examples: Publishing detailed information about a
private person’s sexual conduct, medical/mental
condition, educational records
• Look for facts that are:
– Sufficiently Private
– Sufficiently Intimate
– Disclosure would be highly offensive to
reasonable person (shocking!)
• Defense: Newsworthiness; consent
48. Examples
• Examples could include publishing detailed
information about a person’s:
• Sexual conduct
• Medical/mental condition
• Addiction recovery
• Educational records
49.
50.
51.
52. b. Intrusion
• Generally based on the act of newsgathering
• Publication not required
• Three most common types of intrusion:
– Trespass: Going onto private property without the
owner's consent
– Secret Surveillance: Using bugging equipment, hidden
cameras, other electronic aids
– Misrepresentation: Invalid or exceeded consent
(often in the context of undercover reporting)
• Defenses: Newsworthiness; consent
55. c. False light
• The unflattering, highly offensive portrayal —in
words or pictures— of a person as something that
he or she is not
• Examples: Misleading caption published with a
photo, inaccurate attribution of letter to the
editor; careless use of photo morgue
• Not recognized in all states
56.
57. A student sued his school claiming that his face was used in
a newspaper article warning teenagers about sexually
transmitted diseases.
59. Purpose of Copyright
• Progress/Advancement of Arts & Sciences
– Recognized by framers of Constitution
• Reward creative efforts
• Encourage societal knowledge
61. Copyright can
protect:
• Photos
• Stories
• Illustrations
• Logos
• Even wallpaper
Copyright does not
generally protect:
•Facts/ideas
•Most federal
governmental records
•Works in public domain
(e.g. copyright expired)
•Odds & Ends (titles,
•slogans, short phrases,
•familiar symbols, etc.)
62.
63. The General Rule
If you didn’t create it and/or you
don’t own the copyright to it,
you must get permission to use it
Except…
64. Fair Use: An Exception
to the Rule
• Using a limited amount of a copyrighted
work for news, educational or
informational purposes without consent
may be permissible as a “fair use”
• Not every use by a media or educational
organization is a fair use
65. No magic formula to determine
copyright infringement…
• The Nation magazine was successfully sued
by a book publisher after it published only
300 to 400 words of verbatim quotes from
a 500-page presidential autobiography
without the permission.
66. Other things to remember
about copyright law
• Law requires permission from copyright
owner, not just attribution
• Protects the works you create as well as
those you may want to use
• Ignorance of the law is not a defense
68. Original work is being created now more than ever
thanks to the Internet…
69. Using Facebook and Twitter pics
without permission is illegal
• A federal court ruled that Agence France-
Press committed copyright infringement
when it used a photo posted on Twitpic.
• This applies to using photos from both
professional photographers and regular
people.
• Fair Use likely won’t protect you.
70. Digital Millennium Copyright
Act
If you manage a blog or website that allows users to
submit comments or post content, you can avoid
being held responsible for copyright infringement
by readers. The federal Digital Millennium Copyright
Act (DMCA) has a limited safe harbor allowing
publishers to escape liability for copyright
infringement if they promptly pull down infringing
material posted by outside parties (not staffers)
after getting notice of the infringement.
71.
72. Anonymity Abound
The Internet has created an explosion of
anonymous information…
Who doesn’t
like hearing a
juicy secret?
73. Journalist’s dilemma
• Journalists shouldn’t just print anything. SPJ Ethics
Code states: “Seek the truth and report it.”
• The reporter’s job is, as fully as possible, to conduct
interviews and seek information on the record.
• However, some people will only share information off
the record.
• Every good reporter wants a scoop, an exclusive story
no one else has. But equally important is a reporter’s
reputation. Can we trust the info?
• Media needs to get facts right. Don’t want to get sued.
74. Issue
• Anonymous sources, per se, aren’t bad.
– Some of journalists’ best sources never appear
in their stories, even as an “anonymous
source”
– Reporters may use anonymous tipsters to
point them to public records and to on-the-
record sources
• The issue is quoting them in stories.
– e.g., “a source who spoke on the condition of
confidentiality said…”
75. Copy Editor’s Role
• If the reporter tells you who’s the source, you
could be exposed to legal liability.
• Question whether use of an anonymous source
is truly necessary – rarely is it necessary.
• Know employer’s policy: Your newspaper may
not even allow use of anonymous sources.
• If you do cite an anonymous source, explain as
much about source as possible & why it’s
necessary for him/her to be anonymous.
Readers deserve to know.
76. Policies differ
• A poll conducted by the
Associated Press and
the AP Managing
Editors Association
found that editors at
about one in four
newspapers say they
never allow the use of
anonymous sources.
77. On the other hand
• Unnamed sources have
played a valuable role in
journalism. From the
Pentagon Papers to
Watergate to the Abu
Ghraib scandal, granting
sources anonymity has
provided the public with a
window to important
information that might
otherwise have gone
unreported.
78. Then again…
• Journalists and media outlets have also gotten
burned by anonymous sources:
– Most O.J. Simpson reporting from unnamed
sources was later deemed inaccurate.
– Newsweek retracted a story based upon an
unnamed source about a Qur'an being flushed
down a toilet that led to riots in the Middle East
– The L.A. Times retracted an article that relied on
anonymous sources and implicated Sean "Diddy"
Combs in the beating of Tupac Shakur
– Unethical journalists sometimes disguise
fabrications using anonymous sources
79. Clamp down on practice
• One study found that large
newspapers' use of
anonymous sources dropped
dramatically between 2003
and 2004. The Project for
Excellence in Journalism found
use of anonymous sources
dropped from 29 percent of
all articles in 2003 to just 7
percent in 2004.
80. Legal Issues
• Most states, including New York, have a
“shield law” or other protections that give
reporters protection against being forced
to disclose confidential information or
sources
• But…
– There is no federal law
– The state laws do not provide unlimited
protection
81. Legal Issues
• Branzburg v. Hayes (1972) found no right to
protect sources
• Gov’t can only ask for source’s identity as
last resort and when there’s an “overriding
and compelling state interest.”
• So, a reporter who refuses to reveal his/her
source could go to jail.
• A copy editor privy to the source’s identity
could also be subpoenaed.
82. Legal Issues
• If you promise a source anonymity and
violate that confidentiality, you could be
sued for breach of contract
– See Supreme Court ruling in Cohen v Cowles
(1991)
83. Avoid accidental anonymity
• Provide full names of sources.
• Avoid things like:
– “John said”
– “A waitress said”
• Remember: unnamed sources diminish
your credibility. Avoid gratuitous use of
them.
84. • The Poynter Institute, a renowned journalism
think tank, offers criterion for assessing
whether to use an anonymous source…
Question whether anonymity
is necessary…
85. How to decide
• Is the information of overwhelming public
concern?
• There's no reason to use them when
someone is attacking someone’s
reputation, or speculating, or defending an
institution, or even saying something
completely innocuous
86. How to decide
• Would speaking on the record put the
source in danger? Get them fired? Risk
future access?
• If not, be wary because the source may
have ulterior motives
• SPJ’s Ethics Code warns: “Always question
sources’ motives before promising
anonymity.”
87. How to decide
• Is there no other way to get the essential
information on the record?
• Don’t use anonymous sources if you could
get the same information on the record –
from records or another source.
88. How to decide
• Does the source have verifiable and first-hand
knowledge of the story?
• Even if the source cannot be named, the
information must be proven true. You need
solid evidence, not just a hunch.
• It's pretty tough to defend a libel lawsuit
where your primary source for an allegedly
defamatory statement can't be called to the
stand in your defense.
89. How to decide
• Are you prepared for the legal
consequences?
• Reporters have gone to jail in
increasing numbers over the last few
years to keep promises they have
made to confidential sources in
defiance of a court order.
• Reporters have been pressured and
sued for not revealing anonymous
sources.
90. To use or not?
1. A Jets’ official said the team did not want to sign Richie
Incognito because he would “poison the locker room.”
2. A source who insisted on anonymity said…
3. Sources at The Post asked not to be identified “for fear of
appearing to embarrass a colleague.”
4. A man who came upon an assault victim in Manhattan feared
speaking on the record because the attacker was still free.
5. The private college’s cafeteria received a poor grade from the
New York City Department of Health because an inspector found
evidence of mice and cockroaches, said a cafeteria employee
who asked to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation.
91. 6. Employee Rights
There are some employment-related issues
you should keep in mind. Remember, only
the government can’t punish your speech.
Your employee, however, can – even if you
work for the press.
92. You don’t have privacy at work
• Don’t send personal emails using work WiFi
or devices. Courts have ruled that employees
and students have no reasonable expectation
of privacy when using an organization’s
computer. Interns have been fired for emails
they sent using their company’s email
address.
• It’s also OK for employers and prospective
employers to Google stalk you. So manage
your online reputation.
93. Your portfolio may expose
you to liability
• Be careful with your personal journalism
portfolio.
• If you’re posting content on your personal
website that you were paid to produce as part
of an internship or job – and it’s hidden
behind the newspaper’s paywall – you’re
technically violating copyright. Your employer
probably won’t mind, but it’s best to ask
permission to use.
94. • Be careful what you post online. Reporters have
been fired for making posts about their jobs.
They’ve even been fired for making tweets that
are unrelated to their jobs on their personal
blogs – you risk damaging the goodwill of your
newspaper in the community’s eyes.
– e.g., TV reporter Shea Allen
• In many states, employers can legally require
you to share your social media passwords with
them.
Social Media
95.
96. Disclaimer
This is not legal advice. This
presentation was just a crash
course to help copy editors
recognize common legal issues
that may arise. When in doubt,
consult an attorney.
97. About the Presenter
Mark Grabowski is a professor at Adelphi University in
New York, where he teaches journalism & media law.
Previously, he worked as a lawyer and a journalist. He
holds a J.D. from Georgetown Law. For more info, visit
markgrabowski.com or email mgrabowski@adelphi.edu.