COURSE TITLE: Media Ethics and Law

Course Code: JM 114
Credit Value: 3 Credits

Contact Hours

• Lectures: 2 hours/week

• Tutorials / Case Study Workshops: 2 hours/week

Duration: 15 Weeks (One Semester)
Prerequisite: JM 111 – Introduction to Journalism, Media and Mass Communication

1. Course Description

This course examines the ethical principles, legal frameworks, and professional standards governing journalism and media practice. Students explore the moral responsibilities of media professionals, the rights and obligations of journalists, and the legal issues affecting media organisations in democratic societies.

Topics include ethical decision-making, media accountability, freedom of expression, freedom of the press, privacy, defamation, contempt of court, copyright, intellectual property, access to information, media regulation, digital communication law, and emerging legal and ethical challenges arising from new media technologies.

Through case studies, legal analysis, and ethical simulations, students develop the ability to identify, evaluate, and resolve ethical and legal issues encountered in professional journalism and media practice.

The course prepares students to operate responsibly, ethically, and within applicable legal frameworks across print, broadcast, and digital media environments.

2. Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Explain the ethical foundations of journalism and media practice.

2. Examine the legal principles governing media operations.

3. Apply ethical decision-making models to professional situations.

4. Analyse legal issues affecting journalists and media organisations.

5. Explain the relationship between freedom of expression, media freedom, and public interest.

6. Evaluate ethical and legal challenges associated with digital media.

7. Demonstrate professional responsibility in gathering, producing, and publishing information.

8. Critically analyse media cases involving ethical and legal controversies.

3. Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:

• Explain the principles of media ethics and professional responsibility.

• Apply ethical frameworks to journalistic decision-making.

• Interpret fundamental legal concepts affecting media practice.

• Distinguish between ethical obligations and legal requirements.

• Analyse cases involving defamation, privacy, copyright, and media regulation.

• Demonstrate understanding of freedom of expression and press freedom.

• Evaluate ethical and legal issues in digital and social media.

• Produce media content that reflects professional ethical and legal standards.