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Useful reckoner for journalists
Media and Law The book could not have
come at a better time, because it is needed in the scenario where the
focus is on breaking news, sometimes at cost to professionalism. That
the writer, the legal correspondent of The Times of India for
seven years has put her experience to good use is apparent. The book
attempts to give journalists from print and broadcast media, some
insights into relevant laws and intricacies of the vast legal system.
Also made available are practical guidelines on some issues as they
venture to break news, cover events, political and social developments,
investigative reports and in-depth coverage. The writer had to pore over
law books, websites and hound lawyers to explain the intricacies of law.
This handbook refers to basic definitions and ingredients in law that
people in the media and the ordinary citizen may like to be aware of.
The first part of the book deals with the relevant laws, while the
second part dwells on various Acts, guidelines to journalists and
international conventions. The
section on FAQs which should give answers to many queries that
struggling reporters have. While browsing through the guidelines of the
Press Council of India, one cannot help thinking how in the present
scenario, they are observed more in the breach than in adherence. The
book is relevant especially given the cut-throat competition within the
print and electronic media and between them both in a race for
readership/viewership. How often have the channels kept in mind not to
intrude in moments of grief and not show lacerated bodies? Even the need
to practise restraint while levelling allegations and labelling people
in public life is often given a go by. Brought out by the Asian Media
and Communication Centre of India, it is invaluable for all those
connected to the media. Recommended reading, list of books and websites
to be consulted and the bibliography. shows the rigorous ground work put
in by the writer. The book is a must read for students of journalism
and working journalists of the print and electronic media as well as all
those connected to the media. — A.N.
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Cutting through the swathe of complicated
legalese and longwinded jargon, Deshpande seeks to make law reader as
well as user-friendly. It is a daunting task that she performs with
dexterity. Terms such as amicus curiae, ad-interim, concurrent sentence
are explained in a lucid language. A useful compendium has been provided
for a reporter who wishes to know the simple meaning of a difficult
phrase. The handbook covers the Copyright Law, where it explains
concepts such as ‘fair use’ and ‘moral rights of the author.’
Journalists are known to have a brush with the law of defamation. The
writer offers a solution, "While working on an article if the
reporter feels publishing it risks bringing legal action for defamation,
contact the law officer. A freelancer could contact a lawyer. 