Media Law and Ethics in the 21st Century : Protecting Free Expression and Curbing Abuses

Published in conjunction with the International Bar Association, this high-profile collection of writings brings together judicial, legislative, regulatory, journalistic and academic perspectives on the current state of media laws in the UK and in the US, scrutinising their efficacy in relation to the rights for privacy and free expression. The exposure of the excesses of the tabloid press, the Leveson Inquiry and subsequent fears over relinquishing rights to free expression have highlighted the importance of serious journalism for a civilised society and a fully functioning democracy. This collection of writings brings together some of the foremost authorities on law, journalism and ethics in order to illuminate the unique and ongoing debates on media ethics and the competing rights to privacy and free expression. The chapters present a range of different perspectives on 21st century events in light of key concerns, including public interest, privacy protection and the challenges posed by the internet, offering responses to media practices and informing public policy. In addressing the current and future challenges facing different parties, and considering how to strike a balance between freedom of speech and confidentiality, this volume stands as a pertinent and influential examination of the efficacy of media and privacy laws in the UK and the US Front Matter....Pages i-xxxi Front Matter....Pages 1-2 Privacy: A Judicial Perspective....Pages 3-34 The Rights of Journalism and the Needs of Audiences*....Pages 35-45 Why We Write: Three Magic Words – ‘The Public Interest’....Pages 46-60 Front Matter....Pages 61-62 The Ultimate Balancing Test....Pages 63-77 Privacy Protection – Luxury Goods or Essential Commodity?....Pages 78-103 ‘People are so much more interesting than things’: Protecting Free Expression....Pages 104-127 ‘You say tomato ...’: A Comparison of English and US Privacy Law Principles....Pages 128-147 Front Matter....Pages 149-150 Privacy and Free Expression: Competing or Complementary Rights?....Pages 151-166 The Internet as a Lens: Concepts of Privacy in Online Spaces....Pages 167-192 Back Matter....Pages 193-195