57012 Regulation of the Media

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences: Journalism
Credit points: 8 cp
Result Type: Grade, no marks

Handbook description

This subject examines the ways in which the production and distribution of media and cultural products are regulated, in the context of broader economic, political, historical and social processes. An underlying theme is a critique of the development of and contradictions among different ideas of free speech, and how these are used to promote or defend a range of communication practices, in particular historical and cultural contexts. The subject aims to develop a working knowledge of relevant areas of media law, such as defamation, copyright and contempt, with an emphasis on understanding the way the law works in practice and the policy issues which arise. A comparative approach is used to explore legal systems in different parts of the world.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On completion of this subject students are expected to be able to:

analyse the substantive content of basic media law and relevant ethical codes and how these apply to journalism
explain the historical and political contexts in which these have developed and are practised
critically analyse of the way notions of 'public right to know', 'freedom of expression' and 'access to information' are deployed in contemporary media practice
develop an understanding of debates about freedom of expression in an international and cross-cultural context.

Contribution to graduate profile

This subject contributes to the development of graduates who have:

a knowledge and critical understanding of the media
a knowledge of the historical, philosophical, ethical and cultural foundations underpinning journalism and strive to promote the important role of professional and ethical journalism in the service of the public
an understanding of the role of the media in local, regional, national and global contexts
an understanding of the relationship between media theory and practice
a critical understanding of issues of gender, race, ethnicity, disability and class and the way these are linked to issues of media representation, production and reception
an understanding and commitment to ethical journalism professional practice.

Teaching and learning strategies

Learning activities include seminars, group discussions, reading and reading groups, independent research, simulation games and media monitoring.

Content

The subject is delivered in modules selected from the following topics:

Freedom of expression in an international context
Debates around constitutional protection of freedom of expression
Contempt
Confidential sources
Ethical self regulation
Copyright and journalism
Defamation
Whistleblowing and leaks
Censorship
Hate speech
Freedom of information.

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Minor take home assignment

Objectives	The learning objectives of this assignment are to: test whether students have acquired a basic but working knowledge of the laws and codes which impact on the work of media and cultural producers assess the development of research skills which enable media professionals to keep up to date in relation to relevant professional issues which arise during their careers and to contribute constructively and critically to discussions of the subject matter of the course.
Value	30%
Due	Week 6, April 7
Task	Students will be given a hypothetical set of facts and students will be asked to develop answers to a set of questions. This assignment will test knowledge of basic legal principles and the law of defamation and contempt as it applies to media and information professionals. The take home assignment will be handed out to students in the lecture in Week 6.
Assessment criteria	Evidence of understanding of regulatory and legal concepts being tested. Evidence of ability to develop a concise analytical argument in response to question. Evidence of ability to apply understanding of concepts to a particular situation. Clarity of response.

Assessment item 2: Research project

Objectives	a, b, c
Value	40%
Due	Week 11, May 12
Word limit	3000 words
Task	Students will complete a research essay on a topic relevant to media and the law and notions of freedom of expression. They can choose from a list of essay questions or develop their own question. Original research through interviews, archival or transcript research is encouraged. Students developing their own question will need to clear final essay topic with their tutor.
Assessment criteria	Demonstration of having read broadly on the topic. Evidence of understanding of principles and concepts involved in the topic. Evidence of ability to develop an analytical argument. Evidence of ability to use scholarly conventions appropriately. Evidence of clarity of writing and competence in written expression. Evidence of original research extending knowledge and understanding of material introduced in lectures and tutorials.

Assessment item 3: Online simulation game

Objectives	a, b, c
Value	30%
Due	End Week 15. Game begins Monday 26 May and ends Monday 9 June.
Task	Students will participate in teams in an Online simulation game over a period of two weeks. Roles will include lawyers, judges, regulators, journalists, police and activists. The game will be conducted on UTS Online. Students will be allotted their roles two weeks before the game begins and will research and introduce their roles to other players online.
Assessment criteria	Evidence of understanding of relevant material introduced in this course. Evidence of creative thinking in application of how regulatory legal processes work in process. Evidence of understanding of how regulatory legal processes work in practice. Evidence of clarity and competence in written expression. Evidence of overall contnribution to the success of the game.

Minimum requirements

Students are expected to read the subject outline to ensure they are familiar with the subject requirements. Since class discussion and participation in activities form an integral part of this subject, you are expected to attend, arrive punctually and actively participate in classes. If you experience difficulties meeting this requirement, please contact your lecturer. Students who have a reason for extended absence (e.g., illness) may be required to complete additional work to ensure they achieve the subject objectives.

Recommended text(s)

The textbook for this subject is:

Pearson, M. (2007) The Journalist's Guide to Media Law – dealing with legal and ethical issues. Third Edition Allen and Unwin.

This book will be available at the Co-op book shop. Materials will be provided in class for Weeks one and two or will be found on the UTS Library site under Subject Resources. Go to Regulation of the Media.

There is a well developed UTS On line Regulation of the Media site which has a large library of links to cases, media items and other important research materials. These are organised into folders in Course Documents on the On Line site.

Students are advised to keep in touch with contemporary events by monitoring the media. There is a Course blog on the Online site. If you see something of interest, post it on the Media Regulation Blog.