Study Guide: Libel, Ethics, and Public Affairs Reporting

Libel

Defamation can occur through written (libel) or spoken (slander) communication.

How can you prove libel?

Defamation, Identification, Publication, Falsity, Injury, Fault

Reports must ____ at crime scenes and government buildings

Respect access restrictions

What are the four types of ethical conduct?

Plagiarism & Fabrication, Objectivity & Bias, Conflicts of Interest, and Interviewing Victims and Minors

Requires sensitivity and consent considerations

Interviewing Victims & Minors

For Crime & Accident reporting, do you imply guilt using words such as “suspect” and “alleged”?

No. You avoid it.

Crime & Accident Reporting— Do you add graphic details?

No. Respect Victim’s Privacy

Local Government Reporting—What are key public records for this type of reporting?

Budgets, Meeting Minutes, and Local Ordinances

Local Government Reporting—how do you get the information?

Regularly attend meetings and gather sources within government offices

Court Reporting—what is the court’s hierarchy?

Local, state, federal

Court reporting— what are some examples of their court records?

Criminal complaints, indictments, and verdicts

Defamation

Harm to reputation.

Identification

The statement clearly applies to them.

Publication

The statement was shared with others.

Falsity

The information was incorrect.

Injury

The plaintiff suffered harm.

Fault

The defendant acted negligently or maliciously.

Public officials

Must prove actual malice (knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard).

Private individuals

Only need to prove negligence.

Defenses against libel claims

Truth, fair-report privilege, and fair-comment privilege.

Privacy violations

Four types: Intrusion, Publicity to private facts, False light, Appropriation.

Intrusion

Unauthorized physical or technological invasion.

Publicity to private facts

Publicizing embarrassing, non-newsworthy information.

False light

Distorting facts in a misleading way.

Appropriation

Using someone's name/image for commercial gain.

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Grants access to federal records.

Shield laws

Protect journalists from revealing sources but vary by state.

Key Ethical Questions for Journalists

Consider impact on individuals and communities.

Purpose of the Story

Is it newsworthy or sensationalism?

Ethical Conduct

Plagiarism & Fabrication - Never acceptable.

Objectivity & Bias

Journalists must remain neutral and verify information.

Conflicts of Interest

Avoid gifts, personal relationships, and financial conflicts.

Potter Box Model for Ethical Decision-Making

Define the situation, Identify values, Apply ethical principles, Choose a course of action.

Crime & Accident Reporting

Police reports are primary sources, but journalists must verify details independently.

Local Government Reporting

Understand how local governments function, including City councils, County governments, School boards.

Court Reporting

Differentiate between criminal and civil cases.