Media Law

In this course specifically designed for community broadcasters, non-profit media bodies, and student and early career journalists, you will get the opportunity to learn from industry and academic experts about critical issues such as defamation, codes of practice, court reporting, copyright, vilification, and ethics.

You will grapple with the rationale behind media law and understand the mechanics of community radio codes of practice. You will be given the opportunity to see how these codes and laws are applied to organisations’ editorial policies.

The importance of ethical journalism practices will also come under the spotlight, from the basics of checking your sources through to editorial approval processes.

Through a series of interviews and case studies, you will engage with the specific legal topics of defamation, vilification, copyright and contempt of court. You will also consider the impact of social media technologies

You will be guided by experts including:
Peter Fray, Head of journalism, Professor of Journalism Practice, UTS
Melanie Withnall, Managing Director 2SER 107.3
Derek Wilding Co-Director of the Centre for Media Transition
Grant McAvaney, CEO at Australian Copyright Council
Kym Middleton, Head of Editorial & Events, The Ethics Centre
Baron Alder, Partner and insurance law expert, Moray and Agnew
Tracey Holmes, Senior Lecturer, Journalism Program

Course structure: 

1. Defamation and social media
2. Contempt of court
3. Copyright
4. Hate speech
5. Privacy
6. Practical ethics
7. Codes of practice
8. What to do if something goes wrong