Ethics in Media

1
Ethics in Media

• Chapter 15

2
Media Law (quick and simple)

• Prior Restraint censoring information before
  the information appears or is published.
• Libel A false statement that damages a persons
  character or reputation by exposing that person
  to public ridicule or contempt.
• _________ exposes someone

3
Proving Libel

• The statement was communicated to a 3rd party.
• People who read or saw the statement would be
  able to identify the person, even if that person
  wasnt actually named.
• The statement injured someones reputation or
  income or caused mental anguish.
• The journalist or the print/broadcast
  organization is at fault.

4
Libel Defenses?

• Truth
• Privilege (Discussions during legislative and
  court proceedings)
• Qualified Privilege freedom of the press to
  report what is discussed during legislative and
  court proceedings
• Fair Comment. (Opinions)

5
Privacy Law

• Each state has its own privacy protections for
  citizens
• how reporters can get the news
• what can be published
• Invasion of privacy
• By intruding on a persons mental or physical
  solitude.
• By publishing or disclosing embarrassing personal
  facts.
• By giving someone publicity that places the
  person in a false light.
• By using someones name or likeness for
  commercial benefit

6
False Light Right of Publicity

• False Light The charge that what was implied in
  a story about someone was incorrect
• Right of Publicity Prevents the unauthorized
  commercial use of an individual's name, likeness,
  or other recognizable aspects of one's persona

7
Ethics

• No unified field of media ethics offers rules or
  standards that apply to all media fields.
• Ethics is an issue for ______ in media

8
Mixed Media Culture

• Began with ___________________
• Has 5 characteristics
• a never-ending news cycle makes journalism
  _________________
• sources are gaining power over ______
• there are no more __________ (sorta)
• Argument is overwhelming _________
• The blockbuster mentality

9
Mixed Media Culture

• Made for TV Movies
• Famous trials and controversies are ___________.
• ___________ people.
• People begin questioning the role of
  communication media in society.

10
Source Issues

• Source Confidentiality
• Woodward Bernstein
• Nixons Watergate
• Deep Throat
• Judith Miller (!)

11
Sensationalism

• Makes jury selection _________.
• Related to the ______ of reporters.
• Tempted to break law to get story
• Security breaches?!?!
• Should reporters be ______ w/sources?
• Undercover / Investigative reporting

12
Bribery

• Tempting to allow someone to pay reporters
  expenses.
• Junket an expense-paid trip that the sponsor
  hopes will attract the attention of reporters or
  influence how a subject is portrayed
• Payola 2000!!!
• 190 Conglomerate Owned Stations

13
Ethics, Technology The Future

• Capturing news events on video
• Difficult to check
• Technology can be used to deceive

14
Citizenship Points Opportunity

• This one ROCKS. ? (trust me)
• View the Merchants of Cool at
• http//www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/cool
  /view/
• 53 minutes
• Answer questions on announcements page
• Due by 4/14 (yes Friday. You can put it in my
  box outside my office door)