You will consider the issues most relevant to contemporary news and feature writing, namely defamation, contempt of court and privacy.
You will also examine ethical and moral aspects of journalistic writing embodied in the Editors’ Code of Practice and Ofcom regulations. You will do this by learning about the philosophy of ethics and morals and how these relate to Media Law in practice.
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.


Dodd M. & Hanna M. (2020): McNae’s Essential Law for Journalists. Oxford University Press, 23rd edition. Note: do not use an earlier edition.

In-class Assessment = Learning outcomes 1-4



This is an “Open Book” style assessment. This means the student can refer to law course textbooks. The use of McNae’s or equivalent texts is permitted.



Employability

A basic knowledge of media law is a must for new employees at all credible media employers. Even if students go on to work as self-employed media practitioners, then a sound knowledge of media law is essential, as it could help avoid legal problems.


Diversity

Focus will be made on equality (gender/race) issues that impact the law and ethics of the media workplace

One three-hour mixed mode session per week (13x3 hours)
Reading and other tasks as appropriate

1. Show knowledge of the broad concepts of the judicial system and their impact on media law and ethics

2. Understand how stories across the range of journalistic media (print, broadcast, on-line) are produced to be legally safe and ethically sound

3. Use appropriate sources of information to seek solutions to legal problems arising in news or feature writing

4. Demonstrate your awareness of ethical considerations in your journalistic writing and reflect on their impact

Course book
Module notes (Blackboard)
Extra reading (Blackboard)
Specimen examination papers and revision tips (Blackboard)

Dodd M. & Hanna M. (2020): McNae’s Essential Law for Journalists. Oxford University Press, 23rd edition. Note: do not use an earlier edition.
McBride K. & Rosenstiel T eds. (2014): The New Ethics of Journalism. Sage.
Thom C. (2016): Online Law for Journalists. First Edition. Clean Copy Publishing.

This module will develop your understanding of legal and ethical constraints on reporting and on the media in general. It is specifically designed for people who will work in the media, whether this be print, broadcast or online. You will learn to understand the legal obligations and codes of practice under which journalists work. A focus on the vital areas of contempt of court, defamation and privacy are at the centre of the module. You will also learn how to use this knowledge to critique others’ writing and content and evaluate any potential legal or ethical risks.