1. RESEARCH CURRENT LEGAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES AND INVESTIGATE THE WAY THAT THEY REGULATE AND CONTROL THE JOURNALISM AND DIGITAL MEDIA INDUSTRY. Enquiry

2. ANALYSE BROADCAST JOURNALISM OUTPUT AND CRITICALLY EVALUATE IT IN LIGHT OF ARGUMENTS ABOUT LEGAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES. Analysis

3. DEMONSTRATE UNDERSTANDING AND APPLICATION OF THE ISSUES LEARNED BY ANALYSING A CURRENT ETHICAL ISSUE IN JOURNALISM AND DIGITAL MEDIA. Communication

4. DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING IN RELATION TO APPLICABLE LEGAL REGULATIONS AND FRAMEWORKS IN RELATION TO JOURNALISM AND DIGITAL MEDIA Knowledge & Understanding

30% 2000 Word Written Assessment: Essay that demonstrates theoretical understanding of a current ethical or legal issue and how it affects broadcasters in practice. [Learning Outcomes 1,2,3]

70% Examination A two-hour class based test on legal and regulatory frameworks and the application of legal principles. (50%) [Learning Outcomes 1,2,3]

This module is designed for students to enable them to develop an understanding of how the law, broadcasting regulations, codes of conduct and ethical issues all have an impact on the decisions journalists make on a day to day basis. Students will look in depth at the role of Ofcom, the pressures facing the BBC, the future of public service broadcasting in general and the advance of digital, satellite and pay per view broadcasting. They will consider the impact this is likely to have on news and current affairs programmes, and consider what practical and ethical issues this is likely to have on broadcast journalists. They will also look at current legal issues, particularly contempt of court, defamation and privacy, and analyse the way changing trends in the law affect broadcast output.

Other topics such as copyright and confidentiality, use of images and Defamation & Privacy will underpin your legal understanding from a journalist ’s perspective. . Court cases featuring in the news will also be included where appropriate to underpin teaching and learning. Additionally, you will learn how to critically read and evaluate source material to allow you to develop your academic skills.

This module is designed for students to enable them to develop an understanding of how the law, broadcasting regulations, codes of conduct, and ethical issues, all have an impact on the decisions journalists make on a day to day basis.

Learning Strategies can include:

Contact/Scheduled learning and Teaching Activities:
One-to-one tutorials
Risk Assessment, health and safety, ethics input
Academic workshops/presentations
Small group sessions (seminars, tutorials, debates)

NB: This module will be accompanied by a comprehensive handbook and VLE support.
You will be expected to take advantage of the extensive library facilities and on-line tutorials via Lynda.com and BoB.

Guided Independent Study Activities:
Independent practice
Research
Group meetings
Personal development planning
Teamwork
Networking events
Blackboard VLE, Lynda.com and BoB access
Independent Study in support of your project work.

The most recent additions of the following texts, which will be available through online study links. The following are the most recent editions:

Bell, R/Hyland, A. Hand to Eye: Contemporary Illustration
Blackshaw. R/Farrelly, L. Scrawl: Dirty Graphics & Strange Characters
Hyland, A. Pen and Mouse: Commercial Art & Digital Illustration
Nicholas, G./Manco, T. Illusive: Contemporary Illustration & Its Context
Stein, B. From Word to Image and Back Again
Spiegelman, A. Maus: A Survivor's Tale
Sabin, R. Comics, Comix and Graphic Novels

It is essential that you watch, listen to and watch radio and TV news on a regular basis and be aware of developments taking place in the broadcasting industry.
The Media Guardian (Monday) contains articles about broadcasting industry issues.
UK Press Gazette - weekly industry journal which covers broadcasting as well as print journalism.
The Daily Telegraph - has the fullest versions of national court stories
The Times Law Reports - important legal cases, including libels
Internet - www.news.bbc.co.uk/news
www.ofcom.org.uk
www.guardian.co.uk/media