Libel, Privacy, and Ethics in Journalism

Primary purpose of laws regarding libel, privacy, and access issues

To protect individuals from harm to reputation and balance free speech with privacy rights.

Libel and slander

Libel is written defamation (e.g., print, broadcast), while slander is spoken defamation.

Six elements required in a libel suit

Defamation, Identification, Publication, Falsity, Fault, and Harm.

Difference between public officials and public figures in libel cases

Public officials hold government roles, while public figures can be all-purpose, limited-purpose, or involuntary figures.

Three defenses against libel suits

Truth, Privilege, and Opinion.

Four types of privacy invasion

Intrusion, Publicity to Private Facts, False Light, and Appropriation.

Example of intrusion as a privacy invasion

Recording private conversations without consent.

Common conflict between press and law enforcement

Access to public records, crime scenes, and interactions with law enforcement

Difference between morals and ethics

Morals are personal beliefs about right/wrong, while ethics are professional guidelines.

Importance of ethics in journalism

To maintain public trust and ensure press credibility.

Ethical question journalists should ask

What are the potential consequences of my actions? Is this decision aligned with professional standards and public interest?

Common ethical conduct issues in journalism

Quoting sources responsibly, avoiding conflicts of interest, and preventing misrepresentation.

Difference between hard news and soft news

One is time-sensitive, while the other focuses on human interest and trends.

Examples of feature story types

Profiles, how-to articles, trend pieces, and human interest stories.

Common structures used in broadcast news stories

Inverted Pyramid and Hourglass.

Key sources for broadcast news

Witnesses, officials, documents, and wire services.

Focus of public affairs reporting

Covering government and community institutions to inform the public about policies and decisions.

Essential qualities for public affairs reporters

Persistence, detail orientation, and knowledge of laws.

Typical beats in public affairs reporting

Police/crime, government, and courts.

Difference between internal PR and external PR

One focuses on communication within the organization, while the other targets the public or media.

Key difference between journalists and PR professionals

Journalists aim to inform, while PR professionals advocate.

Why journalists and PR professionals rely on each other

PR provides stories, and journalists offer exposure.

What makes a press release ineffective

Puffery and lack of newsworthiness.

Example of Giving Publicity to Private Facts

Public records: Publishing tax information, even if not widely known, is not grounds for a lawsuit. Offensive disclosures: Often involve sex, nudity, medical information, relationships, or finances.

Example of False Light

• Actor José Solano Jr. (from Baywatch) sued Playgirl magazine:

  • Photo and headlines implied he posed nude, which was false.

  • Headlines included phrases like “TV Guys: Prime Time’s Sexy Young Stars Exposed.”

  • Evidence showed editors knowingly conveyed false impressions (e.g., directive to “sex up” content).

  • Court Ruling: A federal appeals court agreed that the false impression was offensive and actionable.

Appropriation

• Michael Jordan Case:

  • Two supermarket chains used Jordan’s name/jersey number in ads without consent.

  • Result: Jewel-Osco argued their ad wasn’t commercial but lost in federal court.

  • Dominick’s Finer Foods: Jury awarded Jordan $8.9 million; Jewel-Osco settled out of court.