2. Journalism law basics

4. “ Go f**k yourself.” - Dick Cheney to Senator Patrick Leahy, June 2004

5. Can the government stop the media from running the exact quote?

6. No. “ Go fuck yourself.”

7. The government cannot prohibit you from cursing in newspapers.

8. “Keep fucking that chicken.”

9. Is there anything wrong with airing that?

10. A television station, in theory, could be fined by the FCC. Remember Chase Utley?

11. Fleeting expletives. Even accidental cursing is unacceptable, according to the Supreme Court.

12. “He’s a jackass.”

13. Is that acceptable? In print? On air?

14. Freedom of the press is written into the First Amendment. That doesn’t mean we can get away with anything.

16. Can we still be government watchdogs?

18. Isn’t that endangering our national security? Didn’t the New York Times reveal military secrets?

19. Journalists have a great deal of freedom. Americans are free to express themselves.

23. While laws exist, they are all arguable.

24. Libel = published information about private citizens that is false and damaging. Libel is a written defamation of character.

25. Public figures must prove “ reckless disregard ” to win libel cases. The journalists had to know the information was incorrect in order for libel to be declared.

26. Libel, for public figures, is difficult to prove.

27. Who is a public figure?

30. What about me? Am I a public figure?

31. Probably not. So I would not have to prove reckless disregard. I would only have to prove the published material was false and damaging.

34. Seriously. No fabricating, plagiarizing or pandering.

35. Ever.

38. So what?

40. So what?

41. Why did he do it? Was it just easier and more fun to make stuff up?

44. Does your duty to society tell you to champion this cause?

45. Neutral reporting wouldn’t necessarily reveal discrepancies in punishments. Would pointing out the differences show a bias?

46. In 50 years, will you look back and cringe when you think about what you did? (or didn’t do?)

48. Our ultimate duty should be to the truth. As best as you can tell, that is.

49. Don’t pander to anyone. Your obligation is to the truth, not the people who help you out (unless you are talking about confidential sources).

51. Why?

52. Journalists must avoid the appearance of impropriety. Be aware of public perception.

53. How far does that go?

54. Journalists love swag. Many media outlets ban staff from accepting gifts worth more than $25.

55. Junkets = Evil Don’t sell your sell for a cruise. Don’t sacrifice your integrity for access to the stars.

56. Public relations experts will try to manipulate you.

57. Stonewalling: Refusing to answer questions.

58. Framing: Shaping how people see the issues.

62. If PR people set up events, should journalists cover them?

64. Do you have a greater duty to your audience? Or do you stand by your principles?

65. The code of the Society of Professional Journalists: Ethical journalists treat sources, subjects and colleagues as human beings deserving of respect.

66. Do you buy that?

67. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKUkwh8TmM0 Is this good journalism?Is it legal?