Q.1) Identify the key ethical, defamation and court reporting issues arising from this scenario. That is, what will you need to consider when you are reporting on these matters.
1. Basil Basilica was in an altered state of mind – “clearly very drunk”.
2. Reporting on the 14-year-old daughter that Mr Basilica tried to kiss could significantly impact her future if she was to be identified.
3. The daughter is now a victim of a sexual crime, and therefore cannot be identified.
4. The photo taken by Addy Reynard when Mr Basilica was being resuscitated was taken without permission and could also be used to harm Mr Basilica’s reputation – Reynard had been “taunted by Basilica”.
5. The fact that Basilica had taunted Reynard also introduces ulterior motives for the use of this photo and therefore it should not be included in any reportage.
6. The hotel manager’s comments about Basilica should not be reported on because the comment is a personal attack in the heat of the situation.
7. The conversation overheard regarding the water being traded for arms is likely to be gossip, and also heavily biased due to the groups affiliations.
8. Witnessing billionaire David Malarkey leaving with local environmental activist Lyall Franklin makes it appear as if they were the two men you overheard having the conversation, however, this would have to be confirmed.
9. Reporting on the conversation overheard also needs to be fact checked and corroborated to avoid potential defamation lawsuits.
10. Although you witnessed Basil Basilica fighting with what appeared to be “girl’s knickers” on his head, and you also saw him kiss the coach’s daughter, you must not directly make the links between Basilica and the police investigation until he has been charged. Basilica has the right to be presumed innocent of the crime until the investigation has come to a conclusion.
Q.2) Edit the articles according to any legal/ethical issues that may arise from what is written. Mark any paragraphs you would remove.
Water ‘terrorists’ target Wilba
EXCLUSIVE
By Gracey Trimshaw
Peaceful Wilbaramba is under threat from an internationally active terrorist group that is determined to highlight the vulnerability of the local Gulgul River to climate change.
The WWW, or Wilba Water Warriors, has links to other aqua-terrorists around the world and the WWW is one of a growing number of groups using violent methods to protect waterways as global warming tightens its grip, The Wilbaramba Weekly has learned.
Information obtained by The Weekly three days ago indicates the WWW is planning a series of bombing raids and violent attacks on local irrigation users and facilities to highlight the vulnerability of the Gulgul River.
The river, which begins near the north-west New South Wales town of Bourke, was almost halted thanks to a decade-long drought, heavy irrigation and a government funded pipe-line that takes precious northern water to Melbourne 287 km to the south. More recently, however, heavy flooding has cost local farmers an estimated $16 million in stock, feed and fencing losses.
Local members of the WWW have threatened to take direct action against local water users as part of an international week of terrorist action linking groups as far apart as the Suez and Panama Canals and the Straits of Gibraltar.
XXXX“The Wilbaramba Water Warriors have to take action before it’s too late,” a spokesman,
who did not wish to be named, said. “Governments all around the world are trying
to control water.”XXXX *Use of anonymous sources, comment should be removed and it is also non-essential to the story.
Billionaire resident and environmental activist Dwayne Malarkey, 47, denied last
night he was party to the alleged threats or a member of the Wilbaramba Water Warriors.
“I’m obviously concerned about the Gulgul river but I let my money and my mid. ind do
the talking and persuading,” he said.
‘Blind’ Basilica ruins Hounslow night
Police investigate Hounslow rape and assault claims.
By Gracey Trimshaw
Troubled Wilbaramba star forward Basil Basilica was “blind” at Friday night’s Hounslow medal count and is believed to have sexually assaulted up to three women before falling into a chocolate fountain and nearly drowning.
Guests at the district’s most prestigious awards night, held for the first time at The Wilbaramba Hotel’s Cascade room, said the 23-year-old was “blind” drunk after drinking six Crown lagers, two Fluffy Ducks, six vodkas and three whiskies.
XXXXBasilica is alleged to have “groped” the medal winner’s wife, kissed his coach’s 14-year-old
daughter, Deanne, and made “sexually suggestive” gestures towards teammate Chris
Dudd’s girlfriend, Leanne Twinty.XXXX *Incorrect name of coach’s daughter, and she should not be identified due to her age and the nature of the crime.
Wilbaramba Police sergeant Paul Perkins said he was investigating several incidents from
Friday night’s Hounslow awards night, including two alleged sexual assaults on women and a possible violent assault on a man.
Sergeant Perkins said it was not yet clear what had gone on but one woman had told police
she was raped, another alleged she was sexually assaulted and a man alleged he was
violently assaulted. *No charges yet, use paragraph below with direct quote from Sergeant Perkins.
“We’re talking to everyone who attended the Hounslow so, as you can imagine, that’s a big
task. What we know at the moment is that a lot of alcohol was drunk, maybe too much, and at
least one female person alleges she was sexually assaulted and a male person alleges
he was violently assaulted,” Sergeant Perkins said.
When police closed down Friday night’s drunken celebrations at 3am, the prestigious
event was in complete disarray, according to 2010’s Hounslow medal winner Dave Dellal.
“It was a complete shemozzle,” Dellal told The Weekly. “My big night has been ruined by that
idiot. My wife ended up in tears; Duddy’s girlfriend is ropeable and says she’ll never come back to Wilbaramba and poor old Deanne is still in hospital.”
Q.3) There are three separate issues arising from Sergeant Perkin’s statement. Prepare a news briefs – one paragraph with a one-line headline on top – for any that can be reported.
BASIL BASILICA CHARGED WITH RAPE
The Wilby Wanderers star forward has been charged for rape after Friday night’s Hounslow awards event.
POLICE INVESTIGATING THREATS TO IRRIGATION SYSTEM
Police have confirmed an attempted break in into the Gulgul Dam on Friday night and are being assisted by a 47-year-old local who has yet to be charged.
Nick Powell 