Media Scrums

Media Scrums in Journalism are a common thing on big stories.

Errors and Corrections are made in news stories all the time.

• Mistakes are a fact of life. 
• Problems can arise if mistakes are not corrected. 
• Admission of error - corrects in accurate information, neutralises damage and provides an explanation / apology.

Regulatory Mechanisms - Internal codes of conduct - 'in-house', Print media in Australia also accountable to the Press Council, Radio and TV ultimately answerable to the ACMA. MEAA is the Australian Journalists' Association (AJA) has a code of ethics.

MEAA members engaged in journalism commit themselves to; Honesty, Fairness, Independence & Respect for the rights of others.

Ethics and Social Responsibility

Some things can be legal, but unethical. Is a story a matter of public interest? What benefit will the public receive? Police may ask journalists not to report on a particular issue, Chequebook journalism (accepting money for work), Treat people with sensitivity and courtesy, Balance between privacy issues and press freedom, new technology aids the invasion of privacy.

Privacy

Publicity can help solve a crime. The right to know and the right to privacy. Do people involved in newsworthy events forfeit their right to privacy.

New technology and privacy

Listening devices, Camera phones, Manipulating digital images, legal issues.

Race, sex and religion

Is it ever relevant to report on a person's race, Is it ever relevant to report on a person's sexual persuasion.
 
Equity and Responsibility

Recognise religious and ethnic sensitivity towards words / phrases. People with a disability are, and should be portrayed as, part of the community.

Homosexuality should not be portrayed as abnormal.

Potholes for the unwary

Conflict of interest - When should someone else do the story?

Gifts and freebies - assumption of influence.

Advertising - to what extent should media outlets please advertisers.

Should journalists hold back from joining clubs and community organisations.

Let the reader decide

Often there are no black and white answers because many situations are different.

Journalists only have one real master - the public.

The purpose of defamation law

We all have a duty to avoid unnecessarily damaging someone's reputation as a result of your work.

It can be written or spoken words, a photograph, drawing or comic.

Defences - Truth, known as justification, qualified privelege, publication of public documents, fair report of proceedings of public concern, honest opinion, triviality, innocent dissemination.