chapter 15. a false & defamatory attack in written form on a persons reputation or character ...
TRANSCRIPT
Chapter 15
A false & defamatory attack in written form On a persons reputation or character Be careful if ▪ You are negligent in publishing▪ Uncertainty▪ Inaccuracy▪ Lack of follow up▪ Targets specific persons reputation
Truth is the best defense against libel
Public officials/Public figures Must prove actual “Malice” More difficult to prove libel
Private figures Easier to prove libel
Paramount for a good journalist Mistakes▪ Jeopardize organizations credibility▪ Result in printing of corrections
▪ Should you show your story to sources or read to them before you print?
Absolute Privilege▪ Public officials (Including law enforcement)▪ Are exempt from libel▪ If statements are made in the course of their official
duties
Qualified Privilege▪ Defamatory statements can be printed by
media▪ If they are made by those with absolute privilege▪ And don’t contain errors
“Person of interest” Term being used for someone being
investigated▪ But hasn’t been arrested or charged
Never call anyone a “Murderer”▪ Unless they have been convicted
▪ Neighbors Statements (who aren’t officials)▪ Can’t be printed
Grounds for invasion of privacy court cases▪ Intrusion▪ Public disclosure of private & embarrassing
facts▪ False light▪ Misappropriation of person’s name or image▪ Without permission
Chapter 16
Before using any form of deception▪ “Is there any other way to get the story”
Three things to consider▪ 1. Is the information of such overriding public
importance that it can help people avoid harm?
2. Is there any way you could obtain the information through conventional reporting methods, such as standard interviews or public records?
3. Are you placing innocent people at risk? Posing as a nurse, police officer, etc or a
job you are not trained for
Plagiarism▪ Using others words without attribution
Fabrication▪ Making up quotes▪ Adding false description▪ Passing fictional material off as news
Size doesn’t matter Small papers & Large papers deal with it
Public officials▪ When is the private life of a public official
relevant?▪ When does it serve the public interest to report it
Naming suspects▪ Most media withhold the name of a suspect
until formal charges are filed
▪ Are there any instances where you think the suspect should be named prior to being charged?
Rape Cases▪ Currently accusers names are withheld▪ Accused names are published▪ Do you think both should be named or both
withheld?
Photo subjects▪ Legally…if you are on public property you can
take any photo with in shooting range▪ Whether it should be published is another question
▪ Where should the line be when publishing photos▪ Violence, grief, gore, bloodshed, etc