Tutorials
TUTORIAL LEADERS:
Each week, several students will lead the tutorial discussions based on the readings, lecture and class discussion. The following are some of the tutorial exercises used or created by the student leaders.
PRESENTATIONS:
You will do team presentations of research on a current media law and/or ethics topic approved by the professor. These will take place during the final three tutorials, on November 16, 23, and 30. The presentations should examine key issues through reporting and analysis. Each team must present an argument FOR or AGAINST a point of view. You are expected to summarize and analyze key points of readings, pull in additional examples and add original research. The presentations must have a permanent format, usually a powerpoint but can be a written paper presented orally.
Format: Each side will present for up to five minutes PER person. After both sides have presented, each team will be alloted 1 minute of rebuttal.
You will be evaluated on the following points:
–Research quality
–Logic
–Strength of argument
–Presentation skills
–Rebuttal
PRESENTATION TOPICS
NOV. 16
1) HIDDEN CAMERA/UNDERCOVER REPORTING
What constitutes deception? Is the use of hidden cameras or microphones considered deception? Are there circumstances under which deception is appropriate conduct for a journalist? If not, why not? If there are, what are they and how are they justifiable? What impact do such tactics have on the public perception of investigative journalism/public perception if these tactics are used?
Section A: For: Jain Suhani Manon Pierre
Section A_Hidden Camera_Undercover_reporting_FOR
Section B: For: Tam Ka Kei, Katie Against: Chai Yi, Natasha
Section B Hidden Cameras/Undercover Reporting
2) PUBLISHING PRIVATE FACTS OF A PUBLIC FIGURE
When movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger ran for governor of California, the Los Angeles Times newspaper ran a lengthy news article just before the election detailing allegations by several women that he had “groped” them or in other ways sexually harrassed them. The newspaper was criticised for running these articles to influence the election. Should newspapers run these kinds of stories? Why or why not? What other circumstances should there be for publishing or not publishing private facts of public indiviuals including celebrities, politicians and others?
Section A: For: Hon Sze Yin, Lydia Sarah Spaeth Against: Lau Nga Man, Ceci; Ng Tsz Chung, Nicky
Section A_Private_Facts_Public Figures
Section B: For: Lam Lap Fung, Lebbeus Against: Liu Ching Hung Rainbow
——————————————————————————————————————————–
Nov 23
3) POLITICAL PARTICIPATION BY JOURNALISTS?
During the Article 23 controversy in Hong Kong, (over proposed new national security laws) which led up to the July 1, 2003, protest by 500,000 people, many journalists debated how involved, if at all, they should be in the political process. Apple Daily provided posters for protesters and many journalists participated in the protest. Should journalists be active participants in the political process? What about news organisations?
Section A: For: Christine Kwok, Leanne Lee Against: Vanessa Lau, Candy Tze
Section B: For: Lin Yizhou, Athena Against: Wong Sze Mun, Ariel
4) SUICIDE COVERAGE
Is media coverage of suicide necessary? If so, to what degree? Is it educational or sensational?
Section A: For: Isak Ladegaard Against: Lisa Onland, Yan Bingqi
Section B: For: Lucy Arthur Against: Shin Gee Hee, Jenny
——————————————————————————————————————————–
Nov. 30
5) BLOGGERS/CITIZENS: ARE THEY JOURNALISTS?
Increasingly, questions of law and ethics are being asked about bloggers (individuals with personal opinion websites) and citizens who post photos and information, as to whether they should be considered journalists. What are the issues and arguments for considering whether a blogger or other citizens should be considered a journalist?
Section A: For: Xu Jing Li Against: Yu Mengxi, Alison Hui
Section B: Against: Hui-Chia Wu
6) PUNISHING PAPARAZZI?
Photographers have long been criticised for being overly aggressive in their coverage of the news. But how far should the government go in regulating them? Should there be “anti-paparazzi” laws for media intrusion?
Section A: For: Fiona Ng, Zhao Hua Against: Eunice Kwok, Carmen Bat
Section B: For: Ernest Kao Against: Ben Shieh
7) USE OF ANONYMOUS SOURCES
The media worldwide have been increasingly criticised for their use of anonymous sources. Critics say, for example, that anonymous sources used by the New York Times resulted in the publishing of erroneous information about Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction. But defenders of this practice say it is sometimes the only way to get information and are willing to go to jail to defend the use of them. What, if any, should be the boundaries for the use of anonymous sources?
Section A: For: Jaya Gopan Temily Tianmay Against: Tracy Lam and Candice Chan
