Acc213 Assignment 1 Essay

ACC213 Assignment 1 essay

From the beginning, it is evident that reporter Doug Trench has 3 mediums to consider ethically and legally. These ethical codes, laws all need to be taken into consideration when reporting the Trudi Braun case. For example Trench needs to consider the Australian communication and media authority (ACMA) ethical codes, for the TV bulletin and broadcasting of the Braun case, section 4 (2012), news and current affair. In particular looking at ethical factors such as, reporting accurately and fairly, such as not highlighting the gender race etc… An example of a similar case of Jill Meagher, where channel seven broadcast a report ‘Retracing Jill Meagher's final hours’ (2013), where it was unnecessarily included her gender

In the next scenario there are such ethical and law considerations again which need to be considered, when talking about the CCTV video recording, which has been supplied by a local jewellery shop. Similar again to the case of Jill Meagher, where CCTV footage was used to capture the murderer of Meagher. Even though however, the CCTV footage can be used legally, if they believe it will bring justice then they may use the footage. What needs to be considered however, is the language used while reporting, the privacy of the people involved, sensitivity to the deceit, and to the family and friends of the deceit. Also the images which are being published, if it is appropriate for viewing. As well as this making sure there are no biases in the reporting of the case. Such as in some way insinuating that Braun was to blame for the murder, such as emphasising actions which lead to her murder. It is also illegal to put blame on the alleged killer before he is proven guilty, as it can be said to influence the case. As seen there are conflicting ethical issues with, being human and also professional obligations, and ethical and law obligations, further personal feelings. Moreover privacy also comes to play where footage was uploaded to YouTube, with police talking to Braun’s neighbours. This is a breach of privacy and if used by Trench or other news outlets is against the law, such as through the surveillance devices act 1999, part 3, number 11. What needs to be asked here is, is it

After being charged, again what needs to be considered is ‘sub judice’–or it is sometimes referred to as being “active” or “pending,” as with the arresting of a man in this case. Up until this point, no court has been sitting to hear the case, because no culprit has been identified. However, once a suspect is identified and apprehended it is clear the case will come before a judge and the court process will begin. The law then takes immediate steps to try to ensure that this legal process is not interfered with, and that the accused has the right to a fair trial and is considered innocent until proven guilty. However, in addition social media needs to be considered into the mix. With things being posted on sites referring to Bundy (murderer) as a “murdering scumbag” and comments such as “hanging is too good for him," brings on another difficult factor. This is because, can sites like these be considered Journalism? Do the same laws and ethical laws apply to them? The answer is if they are journalists then these apply, if however, ordinary citizen these don’t apply pointed out by Fincham K (2013). This is because if these mediums are used to report on the case, it is considered breach of contempt because it can influence the case, and is not letting the charged to be innocent until proven guilty. In this case what could be considered a breach of contempt is the fact that the murderers, prior convictions, which can be seen as clouding the present case, as what can only be