James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2000

[Contents]

IA2110:03

Media Law and Ethics

Townsville

Inadmissable Subject Combination: CA2110

12 lectures, 24 tutorials. Residential 2 and flexible delivery.

Available to Diploma of Communications students.

This subject will cover the following media law and ethics areas: defamation, copyright (in both an Indigenous and non-Indigenous context), contempt of court. In addition, the Australian Broadcasting Authority and Media Industry self-regulation will be examined as well as, the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance code of ethics for journalists. Ethics that pertain to Indigenous journalists and the ethics of editing in radio, television and print will be covered.

Learning Objectives:

  1. a working knowledge of defamation and its defences;
  2. how to get copyright clearances for Indigenous and non-Indigenous material and in what situations this is required;
  3. make a complaint about a program, article or advertisement to the relevant body;
  4. demonstrate a knowledge of self-regulation in the various sectors of the broadcasting industry;
  5. a good knowledge of media and journalism ethics in the mainstream and Indigenous media;
  6. court reporting, adhering to appropriate laws and correct protocol.

Assessment by class exercises (20%); one examination (30%); one on-campus assignment (20%); attendance and participation (20%); one off-campus assignment (10%).


[Contents]