BSJ Bachelor of Journalism: Ethics and Legal Principles 5

Question 1

A photographer takes a candid photo of a celebrity in a public park and sells it to a magazine. The celebrity sues for invasion of privacy. The most likely outcome is:

Accepted Answer

The photographer wins because individuals in public spaces have a reduced expectation of privacy

Answer

People in public spaces generally have a reduced expectation of privacy, making photography of them there legally permissible in most jurisdictions.

Question 2

A reporter uses a quote from an interview conducted three years ago in a new story without re-contacting the source for comment. This practice may raise concerns about:

Accepted Answer

Accuracy and whether the source's views may have changed

Answer

Using old quotes without verification may misrepresent a source's current position, raising accuracy and fairness concerns.

Question 3

The legal concept of 'libel per se' refers to statements that:

Accepted Answer

Are so inherently damaging that harm to reputation is presumed without proof of actual damages

Answer

Libel per se covers categories of statements—such as falsely accusing someone of a crime or loathsome disease—where reputational damage is presumed.

Question 4

A news editor discovers that a story was sourced from a fabricated document. The ethically and professionally correct immediate action is:

Accepted Answer

Kill the story, investigate the lapse, and consider issuing a correction or retraction if the story ran

Answer

Journalistic integrity requires halting publication of material based on fabricated evidence and, if already published, issuing a full retraction.

Question 5

The 'neutral reportage' privilege, where recognized, allows journalists to:

Accepted Answer

Accurately report serious charges made by responsible organizations against public figures, even if the charges are defamatory

Answer

Neutral reportage protects media that accurately and dispassionately reports newsworthy accusations made by credible sources, even if the underlying claims are defamatory.

BSJ - Bachelor of Journalism Practice Test

BSJ - Bachelor of Journalism Practice Test

BSJ Bachelor of Journalism: Ethics and Legal Principles 5