The BBC and Their Court Cases, When Will They Learn?

From Princess Diana to Sir Cliff Richard, the BBC has faced several legal challenges which shows how important it is to follow the law

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What did Martin Bashir do that was unethical?

Martin Bashir asked graphic designer, Matt Wiessler, to produce fake bank statements to convince Diana to have an interview.

It is alleged that Martin Bashir told 32 lies to the Princess in this meeting including:

  • Diana’s car was tracked and phone tapped;
  • Her bodyguard was plotting against her, and;
  • MI6 had recorded Prince Charles and his private secretary planning the ‘end game’.

What other journalism laws are there?

There are many different laws that protect journalists and the public. Without these laws then journalists could do what they pleased and invade people’s privacy, write fake stories, and ruin people’s reputations.

Some of the main laws are:

  1. Defamation Act 2013
  2. The Human Rights Act 1998 — freedom of expression is balanced with the right to respect for privacy.
  3. 1988 Copyright, Patents and Designs Act: Authorial/primary works- LDMA and Entrepreneurial/derivative/secondary works- SFBCT.

“It is a professional necessity that journalists learn about media law to the highest standard possible.”

Journalists are allowed to breach these ethical guidelines if it is in the public interest.

  • Detecting or exposing crime, or the threat of crime, or serious impropriety.
  • Protecting public health or safety.
  • Protecting the public from being misled by an action or statement of an individual or organisation.

Sir Cliff Richard privacy case with the BBC

Earlier this week Sir Cliff Richard was featured on Lorraine. He spoke about the 4 years of his life which “he will never get back”. He had sued the BBC for defamation and invasion of his privacy — it sorely affected his reputation despite the fact that he was proven innocent.

2:40 mins onwards

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30% perfectly poised, 30% journalism aficionado, 40% stellar writer, 100% modest. Grab a drink and join me exploring all things #sportsjournalism.

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Abby Wynne

30% perfectly poised, 30% journalism aficionado, 40% stellar writer, 100% modest. Grab a drink and join me exploring all things #sportsjournalism.