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Course Detail

Course Name Media Laws and Ethics
Course Code 24VMC305
Program B.Sc. (Honours) in Visual Media and Communication
Semester 5
Credits 4
Campus Kochi

Syllabus

Unit I

Introduction: Introduction to law and legal system in India, Constitution of India and Media Freedom: Media’s role in a federal system; Social responsibility of media; Article 19(1) and (2), Right to privacy as an aspect of right to life, Film censorship and the Cinematograph Act 1952

Unit II

Relevant Provisions of Civil laws applicable to Media: The Law of Defamation; The Press Council of India Act 1978; The Prasar Bharati Act 1990; The Copy Right Act 1957; The Contempt of the Court Act 1971; The Right to Information Act 2005

Unit III

Relevant Provisions of Criminal Laws applicable to Media: Virtual Publication Offences and the Information Technology Act 2000; Indecent Representation of Women by Media; Provisions of the Indian Penal Code as applicable to Media; The Official Secrets Act 1923; The Whistle Blowers Protection Act 2011

Unit IV

Principles of Media Ethics: Ethics-Meaning, PCI Norms of Journalistic Conduct in brief; Advertising Standards Council of India and Principles of Advertising Ethics; Ethical principles relating to ethnic, linguistic, minority and gender-based representation in Media

Unit V

Emerging Issues of Ethical Violations by Media: Trial by Media; Investigative Journalism and Sting Operations; Paid and Fake news; Conflict of Interest; Media bias; Page 3 reporting and Bad taste; Stereotyping; Obscenity and Vulgarity; Media Ownership and Crass commercialization; Marketing and Product Placement; Digital Media Ethics Violations: Blogging; Citizen journalism and social media

Objectives and Outcomes

Course Objectives

This course offers a comprehensive examination of the legal and ethical frameworks governing media practices in India. Students will explore the intricate landscape of media law, including civil and criminal laws, alongside an in-depth analysis of ethical principles and codes guiding media professionals. Through case studies and discussions, participants will critically engage with emerging ethical challenges in contemporary media environments and develop ethical decision-making skills essential for responsible media practice.

Course Outcomes

CO1: Recall and summarize the key provisions of media laws in India, including constitutional rights, civil laws, and criminal statutes relevant to media practice.

CO2: Explain the implications of media laws and regulations in various contexts, demonstrating an understanding of how legal frameworks impact journalistic practices and freedom of expression.

CO3: Apply legal principles to analyze case studies and real-world scenarios, identifying potential legal risks and ethical dilemmas faced by media professionals in India.

CO4: Analyze the ethical dimensions of media practices, critically evaluating the ethical implications of journalistic decisions, media content, and regulatory frameworks.

CO5: Integrate legal knowledge and ethical principles to develop strategies for responsible media practice, including the formulation of ethical guidelines, editorial policies, and risk management protocols.

CO6: Assess the effectiveness of media regulations and ethical guidelines in promoting accountability, transparency, and social responsibility within the Indian media landscape, proposing recommendations for improvement where necessary.

CO-PO Mapping:

 

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Text Books / References

Suggested References:

  1. M.V.Pylee, An Introduction to Constitution of India, 2017
  2. Neelamalar, Media Law and Ethics, 2018
  3. Introduction to Media Laws and Ethics by Juhi P Pathak 2014
  4. Press Laws and Ethics of Journalism by K. Ravindranath, 2004
  5. Law of the Press by Durga Das Basu, 5th Edition, 2010
  6. Ursulla Smarrt, Media Law for Journalists, 2021

List of Websites: www.indiankanoon.org www.prasarbharathi.gov.in. www.lawzonline.com www.presscouncil.nic.in www.thehoot.org

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