Description
We are all journalists and publishers now: at the touch of a button we can send our words, sounds and images out to the world. No matter whether you're a traditional journalist, a blogger, a public relations practitioner or a social media editor, everything you publish or broadcast is subject to the law. But which law?
This widely used practical guide to communication law is essential reading for anyone who writes or broadcasts professionally, whether in journalism or strategic communication. It offers a mindful approach to assessing media law risks so practitioners can navigate legal and ethical barriers to publishing in mainstream and social media.
This sixth edition has been substantially revised to reflect recent developments in litigation, and the impact of national security laws and the rising gig economy where graduates might work in the news media, PR, new media start-ups, or as freelancers. It covers defamation, contempt, confidentiality, privacy, trespass, intellectual property, and ethical regulation, as well as the special challenges of commenting on criminal allegations and trials. Recent cases and examples from social media, journalism and public relations are used to illustrate key points and new developments.
Whether you work in a news room, in public relations or marketing, or blog from home, make sure you have The Journalist's Guide to Media Law at your side.
'Whether you're an MSM editor or reporter, a blogger, a tweeter or a personal brand, this book might save your bacon.' - Jonathan Holmes, former ABC Media Watch host
'The leading text book from which most journos learned their law' - Margaret Simons, associate professor in journalism, Monash University
Table of Contents
PART 1 DIGITAL LEGAL LITERACY
1. Media law in the digital era
2. Free expression and mindful practice
3. The legal system
PART 2 ISSUES IN JUSTICE AND TRANSPARENCY
4. Open justice and freedom of information
5. Contempt of Court
6. Covering court
PART 3 THE MEDIA AND REPUTATIONS
7. Identifying defamation
8. Defending defamation
PART 4 SECRETS, TERROR AND DISCRIMINATION
9. Keeping secrets: Confidentiality and sources
10. Anti-terrorism and hate laws
PART 5 KEY ISSUES FOR THE DIGITAL ERA
11. Intellectual property: Protecting your work and using the work of others
12. Privacy
13. The law of PR, freelancing and media entrepreneurship
Appendix 1: MEAA Code of Ethics
Appendix 2: Australian Press Council Statement of Principles
Index
