Ch. 22: Media Law
The First amendment is our best friend.
"Congress shall make no law ... abridging the freedom of ... the press."
And then there is the hottest topic in American journalism (at least in my school): Freedom of Information Act. The law makes it easier for journalists and citizens to get access to government records. The Fed. and state governments have "sunshine laws"--ie: open-meeting laws, requiring meetings involving the public to be open to the public. Like many laws, there are always exceptions to the rule.
Libel. My most favorite term.
Thou shalt protect people's reputations.
There are 3 defenses against libel: truth, privilege, and fair comment and criticism.
Truth is your best defense.
Privilege works only when you are covering any ofthe 3 branches of government. Journalists have "qualified privilege," meaning we can report all long as the report is ful, accurate, and fair.
Fair comment and criticism--you are protected as long as what you said was true, based on your facts.
the actual malice test gives journalists the ability to write virtually anything about public officials and public figures unless you know that the statement(s) are false or you are recklessly disregarding the truth of what you write.
Privacy laws:
don't trespass. don't portray a person in "false light." don't publish anything about a person's private affairs if it is offensive.
My Intro. to mass media prof was really good at explaining media law. He made it much less confusing, and much simpler with step by step instructions on what happens if you are sued for libel. I wish I still had the sheet. It's a lot better than this book's watered-down version.
Hidden cameras and investigative reports:
don't use hidden reporting methods unless there is no other way to get your information. and you have to be very careful about it.
Access to Courts, and copyright issues were also addressed in this chapter.
"Assessment of Media Performance"---
Over 41 journalists who covered the 3 Mile Island disaster. Most of the journalists interviewed were really unaware of the full scope of the problem. It was the first time they had to deal with terms like "general emergency," forcing themselves to lean upon their journalistic instincts. Three hundred to 500 journalists were covering the tragedy during the first week (wow!)
About 2,000 newspapers and 8,000 TV and radio stations relied on AP and UPI wire services for there coverage. Pretty pathetic.
Few reporters admitted to sensationalism, although the accident was definitely played up.
Reporters wished that technical and press relations staff were in more contact with the journalists. They believe that most of their problems came from the lack of communication.
"Five Characteristics of Academic or Scholarly Prose:"
Scholarly or academic prose is ineffective. Do try not to use it.
It's long and embellished, and doesn't really emphasize the verb.
"Politics and the English Language:"
Basically, English stinks. It's confusing and makes our actions seems inaccurate. Modern, spoken English, spread by imitation, is full of grammatical mistakes.
The British language at least makes English sound eloquent and smart. I have to agree with that.
Old metaphors are dying, as new ones come alive.
Foreign phrases that have spread to English should not exist. There are a lot of meaningless words that should also be banned.
some basic rules: never use a metaphor, long words, or passive voice. If words can be cut, cut them. Never use a foreign or scientific word if you can think of an everyday English one.
quick re-blurb on ch. 8 cause i have to:
Writing well starts with good reporting. Be precise. Be coherent. Show, not tell.
The end.
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