Basic Radio Journalism

11 Legalities

Journalists do not have special rights under the law, except for a few occasions when a journalist has a legal right of access which is denied to the public – for example, at a youth court. In addition, some journalists have tested their traditionally proclaimed right to protect their sources, but not always with success. Generally, the journalist has the same rights and responsibilities as any citizen.

It is vital for all radio journalists to have a working knowledge of certain key areas of the law. Because there is room here for only a brief summary, as the law is ever-changing and because there are different laws and processes in Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, you would be well advised to ...