This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
Spin, PR and the news factory: How the news industry is being re-shaped, the spread of misinformation, and the importance of fact-checking. Introduction to journalism ethics and the code of practice. Objectivity, balance and bias. Understanding campaigns and committed journalism. Public interest v. interests of the public. The future of journalism: social media, citizen journalism, and the state of the industry.
Total Contact Hours: 24
Private Study Hours: 126
Total Study Hours: 150
BA Joint Honours One Other Subject and Journalism – compulsory module
Main assessment methods
Moodle quiz (narrative) (45 mins.) – 80% - PASS COMPULSORY
Seminar presentation (10 mins.) – 20% - PASS COMPULSORY
Reassessment methods
Like-for-like
Davies N (2009), Flat Earth News, Vintage
Frost C (2011), Journalism Ethics and Regulation, Routledge
Harcup T (2015), Journalism Principles and Practice, Sage Publications, 3rd ed
Mair J (ed) (2013), After Leveson?, Abramis
Randall D (201), The Universal Journalist, Pluto Books, 6th ed
Reeves I (2014), The Newspapers Handbook, 5th ed, Routledge
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a further understanding of the processes, principles and skills involved in writing for publication in print and online
2. Understand the ethical problems faced by journalists and how this relates to a wider debate about regulation and freedom of speech
3. Understand the concept of public interest and how it is applied by journalists
4. Understand the concepts of bias and spin and how journalists produce fair, balanced and objective news reports
5. Apply news reporting skills within editorial deadlines
6. Demonstrate a deeper understanding of the news agenda by reading, listening and watching widely in recent and contemporary
newspapers, radio and TV broadcasts and online
7. Understand how to apply different research and writing techniques and how to evaluate their applicability
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Gather, organise and deploy information in order to formulate arguments coherently and communicate them fluently
2. Reflect upon the relevance of student's own cultural commitment and positioning
3. Work to deadlines in flexible and innovative ways showing self-direction and self-discipline
4. Consider and evaluate their own work and the work of others with reference to professional standards
5. Work productively in a group or team showing abilities to contribute and to lead; collaborate with others in the pursuit of common goals
6. Use information technology to perform a range of tasks
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