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The Journalist's Guidebook: Navigating Media laws and Ethical Practices

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 The Journalist's Guidebook :
Navigating Media Laws and Ethical Practices
Ms. Ritika Choudhary
Dr. Jagriti Basera

The Journalist's Guidebook :

Navigating Media Laws and Ethical Practices

Ms. Ritika Choudhary Dr. Jagriti Basera

The Journalist's Guidebook:
“Navigating Media Laws and Ethical Practices"

Edited by
Ms. Ritika Choudhary

Assistant Professor

Department of Journalism and Mass Communication

School of Journalism and Mass Communication

K.R. Mangalam University, Gurugram

Dr. Jagriti Basera

Assistant Professor

Department of Journalism and Mass Communication

TIAS, GGSIPU, New Delhi

This edition published by

IJMRA Publication First Impression: June 2023

The Journalist's Guidebook: Navigating Media Laws and Ethical Practices

IJMRA Publications
All Right reserved. No Part of this publication may be reproduced or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval
system, without prior permission in writing from the publishers.
No responsibility for loss caused to any individual or organization action
on or refraining from action as a result or the material in this publication can
be accepted by IJMRA publications or the author/editor.

The Journalist's Guidebook: Navigating Media Laws and

Ethical Practices
Published by:
IJMRA Publication
International Standard Book Number (ISBN):
“978-93-91022-17-4”
USA office:
5913 Warren Ridge Dr, Bakersfield
California, USA – 93313

Disclaimer: The Contents of the book The Journalist's Guidebook:

Navigating Media Laws and Ethical Practices is Edited by the Editor Ms.
Ritika Choudhary and Co-Editor: Dr. Jagriti Basera. The originality,
authenticity of the papers, the interpretation and views expressed therein
are the sole responsibility of the authors. Although every care has been

1
The Journalist's Guidebook: Navigating Media Laws and Ethical Practices

taken to avoid errors and omission, this compendium is being published on

the condition and understanding that the information given in the book is
merely for reference and must not be taken as having authority of or
binding in any manner on the author (s), editor(s) of publisher.
The publisher believes that the content of this book does not existing
copyright/intellectual property of others in any manner whatsoever.
However, in case any source has not been duly attributed, the publisher
may be notified in writing for necessary action.
Every effort has been made to avoid errors or omissions in this
publication. In spite of this, some errors might have crept in. Any mistake,
error or discrepancy noted may be brought to our notice which shall be
taken care of in the next edition. It is notified that neither the publisher nor
the author or seller will be responsible for any damage or loss of action to
anyone, of any kind, in any manner, there from. For binding mistake,
misprints or missing pages etc. the publisher liability is limited to replacement
within one month of purchase by similar edition. All expenses in this
connection are to be borne by the purchaser.

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The Journalist's Guidebook: Navigating Media Laws and Ethical Practices

Preface

Welcome to "The Journalist's Guidebook: Navigating Media Laws and

Ethical Practices." In an era where journalism plays a crucial role in shaping
public opinion and holding power accountable, it is essential for journalists
to have a comprehensive understanding of the legal and ethical
frameworks that govern their profession. This guidebook serves as a
compass, equipping journalists with the knowledge and tools they need to
navigate the complex landscape of media laws and uphold ethical
practices in their work.

In this ever-evolving digital age, where news spreads rapidly and

misinformation can quickly take hold, the need for ethical journalism is more
critical than ever. Journalists face numerous challenges, from balancing
the right to freedom of expression with the responsibility to report
accurately, to navigating the legal boundaries that define their work. This
guidebook aims to address these challenges head-on, providing practical
guidance, case studies, and insights to help journalists make informed
decisions and maintain the highest ethical standards in their reporting.

"The Journalist's Guidebook: Navigating Media Laws and Ethical Practices"

is designed to be a comprehensive resource for both aspiring and
experienced journalists. It covers a wide range of topics, including
defamation, privacy rights, intellectual property, access to information,
conflict of interest, source protection, and the evolving landscape of digital
media ethics. Each chapter delves into key concepts, explores real-world

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The Journalist's Guidebook: Navigating Media Laws and Ethical Practices

examples, and offers practical advice that journalists can apply in their
daily work.

We recognize that media laws and ethical considerations vary across

different jurisdictions and cultures. Therefore, this guidebook takes a global
perspective, incorporating principles and best practices from around the
world. It encourages journalists to engage in critical thinking and reflection,
fostering a deeper understanding of the ethical dimensions of their work in
diverse contexts.

"The Journalist's Guidebook: Navigating Media Laws and Ethical Practices"

is not intended to be a static reference book. Journalism is a dynamic field,
influenced by technological advancements, societal changes, and
evolving legal landscapes. We encourage readers to continuously update
their knowledge and adapt their practices as new challenges and
opportunities arise. This guidebook serves as a starting point, empowering
journalists to ask important questions, engage in ongoing conversations
about media ethics, and contribute to the responsible and impactful
journalism that society relies on.

We extend our gratitude to the journalists, legal experts, and scholars who
have contributed their insights and expertise to this guidebook. Their
valuable contributions have enriched the content and ensured its
relevance to the evolving media landscape.

Finally, we dedicate this guidebook to all journalists who strive for truth,
accountability, and the pursuit of justice. Your commitment to ethical
journalism is vital for democracy, transparency, and a well-informed

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The Journalist's Guidebook: Navigating Media Laws and Ethical Practices

society. We hope that "The Journalist's Guidebook: Navigating Media Laws

and Ethical Practices" will serve as a trusted companion on your journalistic
journey.

Happy reading and may your pursuit of truth be guided by integrity and
responsibility.

Sincerely,

Ms. Ritika Choudhary

Assistant Professor
Journalism and Mass Communication.

5
 Contents

S.NO Paper Title and Author Name Page No.

1 Preface 3

2 Sensationalism vs. Responsibility: Ethical Challenges 7

in Reporting Defence News
Ms. Priyanka Singh

3 Navigating the Digital Frontier: 21

OTT Platform Regulations under the IT Act 2021
Ms. Gazal Singhal, Mr. Deepak Gupta

4 Media Ethics and War Journalism 32

Ms. Krati Jain

5 Navigating the World: Ethics in the Age of Digital Media 43

Rebecca Mary Reji, Ms. Ritika Choudhary

6 Bill to Act: Journey of Jan-Lokpal 65

Neeraj Singh Mehta, Ms. Ritika Choudhary

7 Media and Ethics in the Digital Age 77

Mukta Sharma, Ms. Ritika Choudhary

8 Ethical Implications of Data Privacy 88

and Security in Media Management
Rani, SOMC, KRMU

9 Beyond Blueprints: Exploring the 118

Popularity of Architectural Journalism
Ar. Shaila Naaz

10 Architectural Journalism and the Power of Inuence: 137

Promoting Ethical Practices and Inclusive Discourse
Ar. Shaila Naaz
S.NO Paper Title and Author Name Page No.

11 Experience From Developing Countries 153

with Special Emphasis on India
Dr. Jagriti Basera

12 Media Ethics in the Digital Era 172

Ms. Adity Agrawal

13 The Emergence of Digital Media Ethics: 183

Understanding the Paradigm Shift
Ms. Gauri Joshi

Legal Frameworks in Media History 207

14
Navyosha, Ms. Ritika Choudhary

15 Legal Rights & Responsibilities of Journalists 222

2
Iram Parveen, Ms. Ritika Choudhary

16 From Pixels to Principles: Ethics in Digital Media 237

Himanshi Kochar, Ms. Ritika Choudhary

17 Freedom Of the Press and Article – 19 250

Sneha Srivastava, Ms. Ritika Choudhary

18 Media Ethics & Objectives in the Current Era 260

Garima, Ms. Ritika Choudhary

19 Digital media and Ethics 267

Khushal Malhotra, Ms. Ritika Choudhary

20 Words Unbound: Exploring the Story of Press in India 276

Joy Atul Kerketta, Ms. Ritika Choudhary

21 Press Law at The Time of British Rule 288

Himanshu Sharma, Ms. Ritika Choudhary

22 Ethical issues in journalism 298

Jagpreet Singh, Ms. Ritika Choudhary

23 History Of Press Laws During Colonial Rule 309

Akrur Sharma, Ms. Ritika Choudhary

24 Press Law Through the Ages 316

Tanisha Sharma, Ms. Ritika Choudhary

24 Evaluation Of Press Laws During the British Era 332

Sakshi Shukla, Ms. Ritika Choudhary
The Journalist's Guidebook: Navigating Media Laws and Ethical Practices

Media Ethics in the Digital Era

Ms Adity Agrawal, Assistant Professor, TIAS, GGSIP University

Email: [email protected]
contact: 8791710242

Abstract:

In the digital era, media ethics have become increasingly convoluted due
to the expansion of digital media platforms and the rate at which the
information is disseminated. This has hoisted various ethical questions,
including the issues of privacy, accuracy and sensationalism. With the rise
of digital media and citizen journalism, traditional media platforms are
facing new challenges in maintaining ethical standards. The issue of fake
news and misinformation on digital platforms is one of the major challenges
for effectively managing media ethics.

Digital tools and technologies raise a host of sharp and worrying ethical
challenges for media practitioners and journalists, whether professionals or
citizens. The ease of spreading information online without fact-checking
has made it difficult for media outlets to maintain accuracy in their
reporting. The pressure to post content quickly has led to the expansion of
sensational headlines, which can distort the faith in facts provided on
Digital media platforms. Another major issue is privacy and freedom of
expression. With the popularization of social media platforms, personal

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The Journalist's Guidebook: Navigating Media Laws and Ethical Practices

information is more easily accessible than ever before. Media ethics in the
digital era needed careful deliberation and constant adaptation to new
technologies and ethical norms.

Keywords: Digital media, Media ethics, Citizen journalism, Digital era,

Information.

Introduction:

Media ethics refers to the noble principles and standards that mentor the
behaviour of journalists, media specialists, and organizations in their work.
In the digital era, the phenomenon of media has changed vastly, with the
rise of digital media, citizen journalism and other social platforms. In the era
where information is easily available and readily accessible, media ethics
play an important role in maintaining the solidarity and credibility of the
media. Journalists and media organizations must adhere the ethical
principles to ensure that the public can believe the facts they receive. As
new digital technologies continue to unfold and draft the media
landscape, media professionals and organizations must stay updated and
adapt their ethical practices accordingly. This requires progressive
discussion, information and reflection on the ethical suggestions of digital
media. Media ethics in the digital age also entail issues related to social
responsibility, such as stopping the dissemination of misinformation,
promoting diversity and embodiment, and being aware of the potential
impact of their coverage on vulnerable communities.

Media activists must also be aware of the potential for digital media to turn
up biases and eternalize stereotypes, as well as the potential for online
harassment and abuse. They must be observant in safeguarding the

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The Journalist's Guidebook: Navigating Media Laws and Ethical Practices

privacy and safety of communities and individuals, while also managing

the people’s right to know. In addition to these issues, media ethics in the
digital era also faces challenges related to the professional models of
digital media organizations. With the growth of clickbait and viral posts,
media organizations may prioritize earnings over ethical applications,
which can negotiate the quality of their reporting. Another noticeable
aspect of media ethics in the digital age is the role of the audience. With
the growth of digital media, audiences are enthusiastically involved in the
creation and distribution of news and information. As such, media houses
must be aware of the probable impact of their posts on their audiences,
and be responsive to feedback and criticism.

Media ethics in the digital era is a field of study that addresses the ethical
challenges posed by digital technologies and their effect on journalistic
ideas and views, communication and media production. The digital era
has assisted in a new era of mass media creation and consumption, where
the boundaries between fact-checking and fake news are persistently
blurred. This has hoisted major ethical concerns about the role of media in
framing public opinion, the use of personal data by violating privacy, the
spread of misinformation and hate speech, the potential for censorship and
surveillance, protection of sources, the use of user-generated content and
the impact of digital technologies on the journalistic profession.

The digital era has also modified how news is produced and circulated
among the mass. The rise of citizen journalism and the increase in the
number of social media platforms has determined what news is presented
to the audiences. The falsity in information led us to rethink the ethics that
we can easily find out in traditional journalism but we are not able to see in

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The Journalist's Guidebook: Navigating Media Laws and Ethical Practices

the era of digital media. Media ethics in the digital era requires an inclusive
understanding of the noticeable challenges and opportunities presented
by digital media, as well as a commitment to alleviating the fundamental
principles of journalism, such as correctness, fairness, and transparency. By
prioritizing ethical considerations in their work, media specialists and
organizations can maintain people’s trust and credibility in an increasingly
complex and promptly changing media landscape. Media ethics in the
digital age is a convoluted and evolving field that requires ongoing
consideration and commitment.

Transformation of media in the digital age:

The transformation of media in the digital age involves various dimensions.

These are as follows: -

• The audience or users of digital media

• The medium of digital delivery
• The devices for accessing digital media
• The devices for watching or displaying digital media
• The distributors of media
• The regulators and laws of media
• The digital technologies of production that are fuelling the growth
of digital media
Digital space challenges for media ethics:

The challenge for media ethics refers to the issues that arise when journalists
or media outlets actively do something unethical or wrong. In the digital
era, errors of commission can take on new forms, such as:

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The Journalist's Guidebook: Navigating Media Laws and Ethical Practices

⚫ Inaccurate reporting: With the rapid pace of information dissemination

on digital platforms, journalists may be tempted to report or present news
that is not true or accurate, resulting in false reporting that may lead to
distorting the faith of people on digital platforms.
⚫ Plagiarism: In the digital era, it is more effortless than ever to copy and
paste content from other sources without proper attribution, which
constitutes plagiarism. Plagiarism is a misleading representation of
another’s views, ideas, beliefs, and expressions as one’s original work.
⚫ Inappropriate headlines: Some media outlets may use misleading
headlines to grab readers’ attention, even if the content of the post does
not support the headline. Because of the influential headline people open
that post and found the inappropriate content under it, which lost the trust
of audiences on digital platforms.
⚫ Manipulation of visuals: With the use of digital tools and techniques, it
is possible to manipulate images and videos to misrepresent facts and
figures. There are several tools and techniques available for manipulating
visuals, depending on the specific requirements and desired outcomes. For
example, some commonly used software tools for image manipulation
include Adobe Photoshop, GMIP, and Corel Draw, while video editing
software such as Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro is used for
manipulating video content.
⚫ Invasion of privacy: Journalists or media outlets may breach
someone’s privacy by publishing personal information or images
without consent. To extract someone’s personal information through
social sites and blackmail and defame their dignity is an issue of ethical
concern. The digital world has faded the lines between private and
public information, making it challenging for media professionals to

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The Journalist's Guidebook: Navigating Media Laws and Ethical Practices

navigate ethical boundaries around privacy. Journalists and digital

media outlets have a liability to protect the privacy of individuals,
especially those who are unprotected.
⚫ Inaccurate or biased reporting: In the digital era, there is a various
amount of information available on social sites, and it can be very
challenging to verify the accuracy of all sources. As a result, journalists may
unknowingly publish inappropriate or biased information. Inaccurate
reporting can occur for many reasons, including poor fact-checking,
misinterpretation of data, or rushed reporting. It can lead to the spread of
false information and undermine the public’s trust in the media.
⚫ Failure to fact-check: In the hurry to break an exclusive story, media
outlets may fail to fact-check the information they are reporting, leading to
inaccurate reporting. Due to that people update themselves with incorrect
facts.
Failure to fact-check occurs when a journalist or media outlet fails to verify
the accuracy of the information presented in a news story or report. This
can happen for a variety of reasons, such as a rush to meet deadlines,
reliance on unreliable sources, or lack of resources dedicated to fact-
checking.

⚫ Clickbait: Clickbait refers to headlines or content that are designed to

attract attention and encourage users to click on a link, often at the
expense of accuracy or relevance. Clickbait headlines are often
sensationalist or misleading, using hyperbolic language or provocative
images to pique the reader’s interest. Some media outlets may use
clickbait headings or fabricated content to attract more clicks and
views, even if the information is not accurate or newsworthy.

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⚫ Sponsored content without disclosure: In the digital age, sponsored

content or native advertising is becoming more extensive. However, digital
media outlets must openly disclose when content is sponsored to maintain
transparency and avoid misleading their audiences. Sponsored content is
a common practice in online media, as it can generate revenue for media
outlets and provide a platform for advertisers to reach a wider audience.
However, sponsored content must be marked as such, so that readers can
distinguish it from independent news reporting.
⚫ Cyber security threats: Digital media presents new challenges to cyber
security and the safety of media professionals and their sources. Media
outlets must take necessary steps to ensure the security of their digital
infrastructure and protect the dignity of their sources.
Some common types of cyber security threats include:

1- Malware: Malicious software that is designed to disrupt, damage, or steal

information from computer systems.
2- Phishing: Social engineering attacks that use email or other
communication channels to trick users into revealing sensitive information,
such as passwords or credit card numbers.
3- Ransomware: Malware that encrypts data on a computer system,
making it unusable until a ransom is paid.
4- DDoS attacks: Distributed Denial of Service attacks that overload a
system with traffic, causing it to crash or become inaccessible
5- Insider threats: Malicious activities carried out by insiders, such as
employees or contractors, who have authorized access to computer
systems.
⚫ Trolling or cyberbullying: In the digital era, digital media platforms have
become a popular space for media professionals and media outlets

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The Journalist's Guidebook: Navigating Media Laws and Ethical Practices

to engage with their audiences. However, some individuals may

engage in trolling or cyberbullying, which violates media ethics and
can harm people’s reputations.
⚫ Lack of diversity: In the digital era, media outlets have a liability to
represent various perspectives and voices. Failure to do so can lead to the
eternalization of stereotypes and biases.
⚫ Conflict of interest: In the digital era, media professionals and media
outlets may have financial or personal relationships with persons or
organizations they are reporting on. This can lead to conflicts of interest and
negotiation media ethics.
⚫ Viral misinformation: With the widespread use of digital media and
messaging apps, misinformation can spread rapidly and globally. Digital
media platforms have enabled the dissemination of fake news and
propaganda, making it difficult for people to differentiate between fact
and fiction. Journalists and media platforms have a liability to cross-check
and verify facts before reporting them, to prevent the dissemination of viral
misinformation.
⚫ Sensationalizing tragedies: In the digital age, media outlets may be
tempted to sensationalize tragedies or new stories to attract more clickbait
or views. However, sensationalism can lead to inaccuracies and can be
seen as insensitive to the victims and their families.
⚫ Copyright infringement: Digital media has made it easier for
professionals and media outlets to access and use content, images, and
videos without proper attribution or permission, leading to copyright
infringement. The growth of networking society has brought opportunities
for the copyright industry. The copyright law has always adapted to
technological change, from its inception to the development of the

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The Journalist's Guidebook: Navigating Media Laws and Ethical Practices

printing press, and the transformation of creative content into digital

formats available all over the internet via digital network technology.
⚫ Use of anonymous sources: Anonymous sources can be important in
certain circumstances, but their use can also be controversial and raise
questions about media ethics. Media platforms should use anonymous
sources prudently and be ethical about their use.
⚫ Failing to protect sources: In the digital era, sources may be more
prone to retaliation or threats. Professionals and media outlets have a
responsibility to protect their source’s identity and information.
⚫ Speed vs. Accuracy: The digital era has brought about an expectation
for information to be disseminated quickly, often resulting in media
professionals feeling pressure to publish content before it has been
thoroughly fact-checked. This can lead to errors, misinformation, and a loss
of reliability.
⚫ Lack of accountability: In the digital age, it is easy for individuals to post
content without being held liable for its accuracy or effect. This has led to
concerns about the spread of hate speech and other harmful content.
⚫ Audience fragmentation: The fragmentation of audiences across
various digital platforms has made it difficult for media outlets to reach
a broad audience, leading to concerns about the standard and
diversity of news coverage.
⚫

Conclusion:

Media organizations can promote media ethics in the digital era by

following clear codes of ethics and guidelines for their professionals and
content developers. These codes of conduct should outline the principles
and values that guide their work, and guide how to manage ethical

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The Journalist's Guidebook: Navigating Media Laws and Ethical Practices

dilemmas that may arise in the course of action. Media outlets should also
provide progressive training and support for their team to ensure that they
are equipped with the knowledge and skills important to navigate the
challenges of digital media ethics. In the digital era, media ethics also
requires a commitment to transparency and accountability. Media
platforms should be open and truthful about their editorial processes and
decision-making and should be willing to take charge of any errors or
mistakes that occur.

It is crucial for journalists and media outlets to be aware of the potential

errors of commission in the digital era and to take necessary steps to avoid
them. This includes maintaining credibility, being transparent about any
errors or mistakes, verifying content, building trust, attributing sources and
upholding high ethical values in all aspects of their work. Overall, the digital
age has brought about significant developments to the media landscape,
presenting both challenges and opportunities for media professionals and
media outlets. To succeed in this rapidly developing environment, media
outlets must be agile, innovative, and committed to upholding the highest
standards of media ethics.

References:

• Apdillah, D., Salam, A., Tania, I., & Lubis, L. K. A. (2022). Optimizing
Communication Ethics In The Digital Age. Journal Of Humanities,
Social Sciences And Business (JHSSB), 1(3), 19-26.
• Christians, C. G. (2019). Media ethics and global justice in the digital
age. Cambridge University Press.
• Couldry, N. (2012). Media, society, world: Social theory and digital
media practice. Polity.

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The Journalist's Guidebook: Navigating Media Laws and Ethical Practices

• Elliott, D., & Spence, E. H. (2017). Ethics for a digital era. John Wiley
& Sons.
• Ess, C. (2013). Digital media ethics. Polity.
• Gordon, A. D., Kittross, J. M., Merrill, J. C., Babcock, W., & Dorsher, M.
(2012). Controversies in media ethics. Routledge.
• Patterson, P., Wilkins, L. C., & Painter, C. (2018). Media ethics: Issues
and cases.
• Sari, D., Rejekiningsih, T., & Muchtarom, M. (2020). Students' digital
ethics profile in the era of disruption: An overview from the internet
use at risk in Surakarta City, Indonesia.
• Ward, S. J. (2014). Radical Media Ethics: Ethics for a global digital
world. Digital journalism, 2(4), 455-471.

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 The Journalist's Guidebook :
Navigating Media Laws and Ethical Practices

Ritika hails from Rajasthan and currently pu ing up in

Gurugram (Haryana). Being in love with her academic
career, Ms. Choudhary Completed her masters in
Journalism and Mass Communication from JNU, Jaipur.
She has quali ed UGC-Net in 2017, and currently she's
prowling towards completing her PhD as well from
MRIIRS, Faridabad. She has wri en and presented 15
Research Papers in di erent National and International
Conferences and 5 of them have been published in UGC-Care listed
journals and she has published 5 Book chapters in ISBN indexed
books as well. Her major research areas have been Health
Communication, Marginalization and Sustainable development
goals. She has participated in approximately 8 Faculty Development
Programs to excel herself as an academician. She has experience of
4 years as an academician and apart from that she has done her
internship in Print and Electronic Media both. Furthermore she has
perfunctory contributed in A short lm and a Documentry as well,
and has worked as a freelance web-content writer too. Further she
aspires to be a keen media researcher and a be er version of herself
as an academician as well.
DR. JAGRITI BASERA has more than 7 years of
experience as an Assistant professor in Journalism and
Mass communication. Currently, she is working in
a liated college of GGSIP University. She has
completed PHD in journalism and mass
communication. In addition to academics, she had also
worked with di erent media organization. Her current
teaching responsibility includes facilitating the
students in Radio production, Communication, AD
&PR.
She has presented and published research papers in various
conferences and seminars. She had also completed faculty
development programs in media studies to enhance the teaching
pedagogy and learning outcomes. She also organized various
workshops and seminars and successfully completed the short
terms courses in Moocs for upgrading the teaching pedagogy and
skills.

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