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