730-348 Media Law

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Torts and the Process of Law; History and Philosophy of Law.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

This subject examines and critically evaluates the legal rules which restrict newspapers and broadcasters in obtaining and reporting information and the legal rules and policies which govern the ownership and control of media organisations. Topics include: defamation law; the law of contempt of court; obscenity and blasphemy; D notices; television programming restrictions; rules restricting access to courts and court documents; the role of the Australian Broadcasting Authority, the ABC and SBS: licensing. Students completing this subject should be able to assess the role of the courts and parliament in regulating the media and the role and responsibilities of commercial, public and government funded media organisations. They should be able to assess the extent of media freedom of expression in Australia.

Assessment

Either Research Assignment 4-5000 words (40%) and Final Exam 2 hours (60%); or Final Exam 3 hours (100%).

Prescribed Texts

Printed Materials will be issued by the Law School.

• Act, Broadcasting Services Act. 1992 (Cth).