May 21, 2024

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Press Freedom



CRAFT

Quick primer on ‘reporter’s privilege’


“Reporter’s privilege protects journalists from having to testify or produce information in court. Sometimes the reporter will be asked to testify or produce information about a story that they have already published. The story itself may have revealed something previously unknown to the public or prosecutors, leading to a criminal or civil trial in which the journalist is asked to testify. Reporters may also be asked to testify about unpublished stories. That’s less common because the fact that the reporter has information from a confidential source isn’t going to be widely known.”


-- Kevin Goldberg, First Amendment specialist for the Freedom Forum, excerpt from “Reporter's Privilege: Protecting the right to know” (Freedom Forum)

Media & The Law: What journalists need to know about copyright & defamation suits. Free webinar on Friday, June 7, 11:30 am ET via Zoom.

Media & The Law Webinar: What journalists need to know about copyright & defamation suits

Knowing the essentials of copyright and libel laws is critical for newsroom journalists and independent freelancers — especially in an increasingly litigious media environment.


Media lawyers report a significant uptick in defamation lawsuits brought against journalists by plaintiffs who don’t want to be called on their false narratives or want to punish reporters for their work. Some of these lawsuits are getting farther in the court system than they used to, costing journalists and news organizations precious time and money.


Copyright violations are a risk for media professionals, too. In an era of artificial intelligence and social media, journalists need to be aware of copyright and fair use law when working with digital content, especially when it is easy to cut, paste, and distribute content online.


Register now for a free, 75-minute webinar on Friday, June 7, that begins at 11:30 a.m. ET. Attorney Chad Bowman of Ballard Spahr will outline copyright and libel law essentials for today’s media environment and take questions to help journalists and freelancers understand their rights and how to follow the law. 

REGISTER NOW
CAREER
 

The case for empathetic leadership


“It is no good talking the talk, unless you can walk the walk. One of the two things I heard time and time again from people … was that many journalists are fearful of speaking about their experiences because they worry doing so will impact their reputations, next deployment, next promotion. Leaders need to ensure this is not the case, that people feel valued and that they are able to show their humanity and for it to be received with empathy.”


-- Hannah Storm, founder and director of Headlines Network, excerpt from “Journalists worry opening up about mental health will impact their career — we must change that” (Journalism.co.uk)

 
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This newsletter is written & edited by the National Press Club Journalism Institute staff: Beth Francesco, Bara Vaida, and Holly Butcher Grant. Send us your questions and suggestions for topics to cover.


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The National Press Club Journalism Institute promotes an engaged global citizenry through an independent and free press, and equips journalists with skills and standards to inform the public in ways that inspire a more representative democracy. As the non-profit affiliate of the National Press Club, the Institute powers journalism in the public interest. The Institute's tax ID number is 52-1750908.