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