How to Learn About the Laws Governing Online Journalism

Just as traditional journalists are regulated and protected by laws, those who participate in online journalism must understand the laws governing their vocation. To learn more about the laws governing online journalism, an understanding of the basic rights outlined in the Bill of Rights is necessary, as well as a familiarity with copyright law.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

1. Make informed decisions about the kind of content you post online as well as the manner in which it is cited. Current and common practices in the dissemination of information over the Internet may expose some journalists to charges of copyright infringement. Read more about copyright law and the appropriate citation of copyrighted material for online usage at the United States Copyright Office's Web site (see Resources below).
2. Learn that the fair use provision of the United States copyright law allows journalists to republish small portions of a copyrighted work. However, the purposes for this republication must fall under one of the following categories: news reporting, comment, criticism or educational purposes (such as classroom teaching).
3. Be familiar with the first amendment to the United States Constitution, found in the Bill of Rights (see Resources below). This amendment states that "Congress shall make no law ... abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press." Learn to recognize if your rights under this amendment have been violated and take appropriate legal action.
4. Utilize the same code of ethics governing those who publish in more traditional media such as newspapers or magazines. These ethics include: avoiding plagiarism, utilizing only those sources which can be researched and confirmed, citing sources in an appropriate manner, presenting a transparent representation of any bias or conflict of interest, and citing any perceived bias or conflict present in a source cited within the body of the news article.

Who Can Help:

• Earn an Associate's, Bachelor's or Master's Degree from the University of Phoenix
• University of Phoenix, degree Programs to Fit Your Life.