The Journalist's Guide to Media Law: Dealing with legal and ethical issuesJournalists don't need law degrees to do their work. They do however need a sound understanding of the principles of press freedom and the ethical and legal limits of what can and should be reported. A new media landscape, following anti-terror, race hate laws and the 2006 defamation reforms makes Mark Pearson's book even more valuable. Chris Masters, ABC TV Four Corners, author of Jonestown Mark Pearson's widely used introduction to media law takes a journalist's perspective. Writing in a clear non-legalistic fashion, he shows how journalists can produce ethical, hard-edged reportage while staying on the right side of the law. He also explains how to negotiate some of the key ethical minefields of day-to-day reporting, focussing on ethical dilemmas which can have legal consequences. This fully revised and much expanded third edition includes new material on defamation, anti-terrorism and intellectual property to reflect changes in legislation. It offers a comprehensive overview of aspects of law which relate to a journalist's work including defamation, contempt, confidentiality, privacy, trespass, intellectual property and ethical regulation. Recent cases and examples are used to illustrate key points. Also included is an introduction to the legal system and guidelines on reporting legal issues. Tips, summaries and a handy flow chart to defamation law make The Journalist's Guide to Media Law a handy reference for professionals and an essential text for students. Pearson blends practical advice with legal cases in an excellent text that will benefit students and journalists. Peter Gregory, Chief Court Reporter, The Age |
