📰Intro to Journalism Unit 4 – Journalism Law and Ethics

Key Legal Concepts

• Understand the difference between criminal and civil law as it applies to journalism
• Know the elements of a tort (duty, breach, causation, damages) and how they relate to media law
• Recognize the importance of the First Amendment in protecting freedom of the press (speech, religion, assembly, petition)
• Identify the key differences between state and federal laws that impact journalists
• Grasp the concept of jurisdiction and how it determines where a legal case may be filed
• Comprehend the role of precedent in shaping media law through court decisions (New York Times Co. v. Sullivan)
• Distinguish between statutory law passed by legislatures and common law developed through court rulings

First Amendment and Press Freedom

• The First Amendment protects freedom of speech and press from government interference
  • Prevents prior restraint, which is government action that prohibits publication or broadcast
  • Allows journalists to report on matters of public concern without fear of government censorship
• Exceptions to First Amendment protections include obscenity, defamation, and incitement to violence
• The Supreme Court has ruled that the First Amendment applies to all media, including print, broadcast, and online
• Press freedom is not absolute and may be limited in certain circumstances (national security, privacy, fair trial rights)
• The First Amendment does not grant journalists special privileges or access rights beyond those of the general public
• Shield laws in some states provide additional protections for journalists, such as the right to keep sources confidential
• International press freedom varies widely, with some countries having strict government control over media (China, North Korea)

Libel and Defamation

• Libel is a false statement of fact that damages a person's reputation, published in writing or other permanent form
• Slander is a false statement of fact that damages a person's reputation, spoken or published in a temporary form
• To prove defamation, plaintiffs must show the statement was false, caused harm, and was published with negligence or actual malice
  • Private figures must prove negligence, while public figures and officials must prove actual malice (knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard for the truth)
• Truth is an absolute defense against defamation claims
• Opinion and fair comment are protected from defamation claims if based on disclosed facts
• Journalists can mitigate defamation risks by fact-checking, using reliable sources, and publishing timely corrections
• Some states have retraction statutes that allow defendants to limit damages by publishing a prompt correction

Privacy Laws and Journalism

• Privacy laws protect individuals from intrusion into their personal lives and disclosure of private facts
• Intrusion involves physical or electronic invasion of privacy, such as trespassing or hidden cameras
• Public disclosure of private facts involves publishing truthful but highly offensive information about someone's personal life
• False light portrays an individual in a misleading or offensive way, even if the facts are technically true
• Appropriation is the unauthorized use of someone's name, likeness, or identity for commercial purposes
• Journalists must balance the public's right to know with individuals' right to privacy
  • Newsworthiness and public interest can justify reporting on private matters
  • Consent or waiver of privacy rights can also provide a defense
• Some states have specific privacy laws that apply to media, such as California's anti-paparazzi statute

Copyright and Fair Use

• Copyright protects original works of authorship, including articles, photos, videos, and graphics
• Copyright owners have exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, display, perform, and create derivative works
• Journalists must obtain permission or a license to use copyrighted material, unless it falls under fair use
• Fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission for purposes such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, or research
• Four factors determine fair use: purpose of the use, nature of the copyrighted work, amount used, and effect on the market for the original
• Attribution and proper crediting of sources are important ethical practices, even if not legally required
• Creative Commons licenses allow creators to grant specific permissions for use of their work
• Copyright infringement can result in legal action, damages, and injunctions against publication

Ethical Principles in Journalism

• Seek truth and report it: Journalists should be honest, accurate, and thorough in their reporting
• Minimize harm: Journalists should balance the public's need for information with potential harm to individuals and society
• Act independently: Journalists should avoid conflicts of interest and resist pressure from advertisers, sources, or other outside influences
• Be accountable and transparent: Journalists should take responsibility for their work and explain their decisions to the public
• Serve as a watchdog over the powerful: Journalists should hold those in power accountable and expose wrongdoing
• Give voice to the voiceless: Journalists should seek out and amplify diverse perspectives, especially from marginalized communities
• Avoid stereotyping and bias: Journalists should strive for fairness and inclusivity in their reporting
• Respect privacy and human dignity: Journalists should weigh the public interest against individual privacy rights

Confidentiality and Source Protection

• Confidentiality is a promise by a journalist not to reveal a source's identity or other information
• Confidential sources are often essential for uncovering wrongdoing or obtaining sensitive information
• Journalists have a moral and ethical obligation to protect confidential sources, even in the face of legal pressure
• Shield laws in some states provide legal protections for journalists to keep sources confidential
  • However, shield laws vary in strength and scope, and do not exist in all jurisdictions
• Journalists can be held in contempt of court and face fines or imprisonment for refusing to reveal confidential sources
• In some cases, journalists may choose to break confidentiality if a source has lied or if there is an imminent threat to public safety
• Confidentiality agreements should be clear and specific, and journalists should not make promises they cannot keep
• Anonymity is a related concept, where a source's identity is known to the journalist but not revealed in the published story

Digital Media and Legal Challenges

• The internet and social media have transformed the media landscape, raising new legal and ethical questions
• Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act provides broad immunity for online platforms from liability for user-generated content
  • However, this immunity is under scrutiny and may be modified or repealed in the future
• Online anonymity and pseudonymity can make it difficult to identify sources and verify information
• The spread of misinformation, disinformation, and "fake news" online has eroded public trust in media and challenged journalistic credibility
• Deepfakes and manipulated media pose risks of deception and reputational harm
• Data privacy and security concerns have led to new regulations, such as the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
• The "right to be forgotten" allows individuals in some jurisdictions to request removal of online information about them
• Journalists must navigate global differences in laws and norms related to press freedom, censorship, and access to information