WEEK 13- Chapter 13 'Online news: journalism's strands converge' & Chapter 17 'Perils of Defamation'

WEEK 13- Chapter 13 ‘Online news: journalism’s strands converge & Chapter 17 ‘Perils of Defamation'

Chapter 13

1. What do media companies need to do in relation to convergence before that can expect their journalists to work in converged newsrooms?

Before media companies decide to converge the newsroom they need to provide journalist with adequate training to work across the various mediums. Media companies should consider a wide range of aspects that will affect journalists due to convergence such as having the skill level to work across the various mediums.

2. What would be the likely outcome if someone, who just wanted to work as a print journalist because they would be nervous on television, was told by the company they worked for that they must report for television as well as print?

Grin and bear it. Today in the journalism field, journalists are increasing expected to be multi skilled. A journalist will always have their strengths and weakness. The likely outcome for this journalist would either they would have to adapt or find somewhere else to work that just focuses on print journalism. Today to further ones journalism career it would be beneficial if they were multi skilled and could adapt to various mediums.

3. Is journalistic convergence just a trendy fad that will run its course then be forgotten about?

When the Internet was introduced, was it just a trendy fad, defiantly not! Just like the Internet, convergence is here to stay. Media companies are converging to cater for consumers. Convergence is a response to consumers’ demands.


5. If you had crystal ball, what would it tell you about the future of radio, television, and the web?

In the future radio, television and the web will continue to play a vital role in the way each medium delivers news. I do not think any of the mediums would be phased out, now with the introduction of digital radio and television. The Internet will continue to grow and delivery of news will be more efficient.

6. Should the idea of multi skilling be integrated into every course in university journalism studies? Why?

Mult-skilling is the future for journalist, so yes I think it would be an important area to integrate into university studies. It would educate students on the issues and skills involved in the area of multi-skilling. However, I do think the fundamental writing skills should take priority, as these skills are an essential factor in journalism.

7. Is society getting to a point where life as we know it could not survive without the Internet and web?

Only for people who rely on the web and Internet to undergo their daily functions, which is the majority of society. For some people the Internet is vital to their studies and careers. The Internet allows society to preform daily functions that would otherwise require them preform face to face or over the telephone. The Internet cuts out the middle.

Chapter 17

1. You are a newspaper editor. One of your reporters has made an honest mistake that defamed someone. You publish an apology. The person defamed is not satisfied and wants you to print a full-page feature story promoting her business or she will sue. What will you do?

I would first try and compromise with the person and hopefully we could reach some agreement. If not I would weigh up the options in taking into factor what decision would result in a bigger lose for the newspapers.

2. Would you support a ‘public figure’ defence for the media that would sharply limit the rights of public figures, ranging from premiers to cricketers and rock stars, to take out defamation suits against the media? Why?

I have mixed feelings on this question. In one why yes, because 'public figures' should understand that being a 'public' figure they are constantly going to be in the eye of the media, so they have to accept positive and negative news. On the other hand defamation cost a whole lot of money. But to keep it safe I would say no because there needs to be some limits with respecting public figures.


3. You have promised a confidential source that you will not identify her. However, you discover that what she told you is untrue. Your newspaper is sued for defamation. You try to contact the person but she has vanished. Do you reveal her identity in court? Why?

Yes, it seems that I got the shorter end of the stick. The fact that she told me was untrue doesn't leave her with a leg to stand on. However I would not go publicising it, as I would still want my other sources to trust me.


Journalism Issue

The key issue to focus on within these reading is defamation. I think point to remember is that when reporting on someone, report the truth minus you opinion. Also ask the question whether you have a right to publish it. If you do have the right to publish it and it is the truth then you should have a legal defence. When in doubt about defamation I would personally always seek legal advice. There is also the argument of defamation suppressing free speech.

'The law of defamation is supposed to protect people's reputations from unfair attack. In practice its main effect is to hinder free speech and protect powerful people from scrutiny.'
http://www.uow.edu.au/arts/sts/bmartin/dissent/documents/defamation.html

Another area that the chapter touched on was how defamation law reform has been on the national agenda since 1978. This is one area that needs to be address. The following article I have provided a link for is interesting to note that the same problems are still arising in 2007.

One of the consequences of Australia's fragmented defamation laws is the capacity of plaintiffs to engage in "forum shopping". Even though, for example, an alleged defamation might be published in a Melbourne newspaper, a sufficient degree of publication interstate is deemed that normally enables a litigant to head for an interstate court. A plaintiff can sue where the chances of a favourable verdict and the highest damages are most likely.’

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/11/16/1068917668644.html?from=storyrhs