The legal and ethical issues confronting the online journalist will be considered. The wider implications of the electronic networks and online news outlets will be addressed through contemporary debates, for example the projected demise of newspapers and the role of electronic literacy in contemporary society. This subject aims to introduce students to the complexity of journalism concepts, theories and practices in the international news paradigm. The structure, process, power and underlying culture of news production and practices are the key themes for this subject. This subject is a final-year compulsory unit.
Students undertake an industry placement in print, audio, visual or on-line media.
Placements in the newsrooms of overseas newspapers, news magazines or radio or television networks are encouraged, and in 1998 students were given placements in Britain, India, China, Japan, Singapore and Indonesia. This subject provides a comprehensive introduction to the laws relating to Australian media. It also has a comparative component that places Australian media law in the context of other legal and regulatory requirements including those of the United States and Asian countries. The subject also addresses the role of ethics in relation to Journalism, and raises questions regarding the differences between legal and ethical requirements, for example in the protection of journalists' sources. Students or prospective students should contact the School to receive the most recent advice.