Internet
Newspapers/magazines
NCTJ materials
Regulatory guidelines e.g. PCC, Ofcom

The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.

BBC Editorial Guidelines
Crone, T., Law and the Media, 4th edition, Focal Press, 2002.
Greenwood, W., Welsh, T., McNae's Essential Law for Journalists, Butterworths, 21st edition, 2012.
Hadwin, S,. and Bloy, D. Law and the Media. Sweet and Maxwell, 2007.
Journalism Dept. Journalism Style Guide. Staffordshire University, 2007.
Ofcom Broadcasting Code
Quinn, F. Law for Journalists, Third edition Longman, 2011.
Rudin, R., and Ibbotson, T., An Introduction to Journalism - Essential Techniques and Background Knowledge, Focal Press, 2002.
Smartt, U. (ed), Media Law for Journalists, Sage, 2006.

The teaching time in the module is mainly in the form of lectures (25%) and workshops (75%) in which the law and the underlying principles of broadcast regulation and licensing are considered. How they shape patterns of ownership and organisation across the range of broadcast media are discussed. Each of these areas is subject to ongoing debate and independent study is concerned with researching the opposing arguments (e.g. for and against various forms of censorship). Students are also introduced to the broad practical effects that legislation, broadcast regulation and organisational policies have on individual programme makers.
Students will be encouraged to read the broadcasting press and keep up to date with day-to-day changes in the broadcasting industry. The majority (80%) of independent guided learning involves researching the topics to be discussed in seminars, and the rest (20%) is preparation and revision for the class tests and assessment (50% class test/ 50% online assessment)

Key Information Set Data:
16% scheduled L&T activities
84% guided independent learning

A class test weighted at 50% (comprising essay-type questions based on industry-standard test-papers) [Learning Outcomes 1-4]

An online test delivered through Blackboard covering factual information about the broadcasting industry and appropriate actions on examples of regulatory issues [Learning Outcomes 5-8]

Individual presentation in a formal debate on a regulatory issue, supported by written notes, equivalent to 1500 words. [Learning Outcomes 5, 6 & 8]

Key Information Set Data:
75% Written exam
25% Coursework

This module provides journalism students with an overview of legal and ethical issues. Current issues will be discussed as they arise. The module looks at the law from the perspective of the journalist and provides students with the knowledge to help protect them from legal action over published or broadcast items. They will learn about the laws of defamation and contempt of court as well as wider ethical issues such as freedom of speech, and the right to privacy. The module also provides information about the regulatory bodies responsible for providing broadcast journalists with a professional code of conduct.
This module also surveys the current organisation of the established radio and television industries in the UK: along with their emerging relationship with online distribution through streaming and other forms of 'web presence'. Students will identify the key characteristics by which the industry sectors are described: public service, commercial and the 'alternative' / 'community' / 'third' sector. They learn how the practical consequences of corporate ownership, various funding models, institutional organisation and employment structures are related to the decisions broadcasters make and hence to the content that UK audiences typically receive - with reference to overseas and historical examples to illustrate broad principles. Ofcom's regulatory and licensing roles in the UK are considered and how these, along with legal constraints and responsibilities arising from the laws of the land, determine and/or influence broadcast practices. This introductory understanding relates to current debates about the convergence of technologies, 'time-shifted' viewing and listening and the proliferation of channels.