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Innovation in Journalism - The iPhone and all it brings.

Broadcast journalism is traditionally associated with a high-tech studio, professional lighting, and hours of rehearsal and perfection. But now there’s a whole new wave of broadcast journalism which, rather than utilising expensive equipment, is all centralised around the use of an iPhone.

What was once the result of hours of filming on one device, editing on another, and then publicising on another, can now all be completed on a handheld device that many people already have in their pocket.

With the introduction of hundreds of journalist-friendly apps, the capabilities of the industry have changed forever, and created an entirely new creature; the digital journalist.

Vericorder is a company which has created a series of software and hardware accessories which allow journalists to record and edit on the move. The “mCam lite” is a case for your iPhone which incorporates an external microphone, a wide angle lense, and also has the capability to attach further accessories, such as a tripod to stabilise your set up shots.  The addition of an XLR cable allows journalists to attach a high quality microphone, of their choice, to their iPhone. This ensures optimum sound recording, whether you are recording breaking news or pre-planned interviews. This system is used by news corporations across the globe, including; CBC News, CTV, BBC and CBS.

The advances in mobile recording are not limited to the accessories you can attach to your phone. Mobile applications have opened up a whole new world to journalists and their individual capabilities. Applications such as “Voddio” make it possible for journalists to edit packages for TV, radio and online, to a high broadcasting standard. The application allows journalists to create the same complex edits that they would in the news room, or simply cut recordings down to the exact quote required.

The ability to create complex packages on one small device, gives journalists the opportunity to create content in situations that otherwise would have been impossible. For example the BBC's Middle East bureau chief, Paul Danahar, recorded footage in the village of Qubair in Syria which was then shown on the BBC’s 10 o’clock news. Without the use of an iPhone it would have been near impossible for him to get any footage in this hostile environment.

The bar doesn’t stop at small video clips. Philip Bromwell produced an entire package for RTE news, from beginning to end on an iPhone 5. “Dublin Dockers” was recorded in full 1080p HD and is indistinguishable from any other TV news package. The ability to transform your mobile phone into a high quality camera or microphone in an instant expands journalist’s horizons when it comes to creating clever and informative packages.

Print journalism has also been affected by the ever expanding influence of the iPhone. The newspaper industry made the transition from film to digital photographs in 2003. This was due to the ability for the press to receive and use the photos quicker than ever before. Press photographer, Marc Daniels said “digital photography quality is inferior to film, however, because of the low printing quality associated with newspapers, this does not matter”.

The transition to digital has meant that in conjunction with Wi-Fi and 3g technology, the photograph taken can be on the news editor’s computer within minutes, with a simple click of a button. Ever since 2000 and the release of the first camera phone, technology has exploded and “the world is now drowning in images” (The Guardian, 2013). With the expansion and the easy availability of camera phones, people are more likely to use their phones compared to a compact or SLR camera. Even though smartphone cameras don’t currently match the quality of traditional cameras, the technology is constantly evolving.

Although the iPhone has advanced the opportunities of journalists, it has also made their job that much harder. The iPhone and social networking sites go hand in hand. One has the capability to easily create content and take high resolution images, and the other allows for easy distribution. The expansion of social media alongside the fact that the majority of the general public own smartphones, means that journalists have more competition when it comes to reporting breaking news stories.

Major news events regularly break on Twitter before any journalists have even got wind of its occurrence. Over 50% of people have learned about breaking news via social media, rather than official news sources (Roy Morejon, 2012).  Infamously, Abbottabad IT consultant Sohaib Athar, unknowingly live-tweeted the Navy SEAL raid that resulted in Osama Bin Laden’s death. This tweet took place approximately nine hours before the news even hit the wires. This emphasises the power that Twitter holds.

 The iPhone has not only changed how people upload news, but it has also altered how they consume the news. Having the world at your fingertips creates a thirst for knowledge.

There are more than 200 million active Twitter users worldwide, and 60% of their tweets come from mobile phones (Telegraph Technology, 2013). 1.75 billion people are expected to use a smartphone in 2014 (E Marketer, 2014). These are 200 million people that have the capability to tell the world of current events and 1.75 billion people that have the potential to take the corresponding footage.  This is a massive market for journalists to compete with.

However it’s not all doom and gloom, as journalists have one thing up their sleeve that the layman doesn’t. Accuracy. The 140 character restriction on twitter can lead to crucial facts being left out. It also encourages the escalation of rumours, as the ability to re-tweet means that tweets can far outreach their committed followers. Journalists and news publications provide a dependant source for news and current affairs. Although Twitter offers convenience, it’s a world that is still open to Journalists, it’s just a matter of them getting on top of the news first.

The iPhone is just the beginning of a new generation in news. It has not only affected how people consume their news, it has given them the ability to create it. The balance of power has shifted, and the media moguls need to keep up.

Editor Interview - Tiffanie Darke Sunday Times Style Editor

Feature style interview with Tiffanie Darke, the editor of The Sunday Times Style magazine.

Confessional Interview : Simon Richardson MBE

The incredible and inspiring story of Paralympic Champion, Simon Richardson MBE, through all of his trials and tribulations.

 

 

 

 

 

Simon Richardson has always led his life with speed in mind. Initially his life focused solely on motorbikes, until an accident involving himself and his wife pushed him towards cycling as a way to regain his confidence.

 

Then in 2001, whilst he was out training, Simon was struck from behind by a car doing 60mph. The accident broke his back in two places and shattered his left leg. After a series of operations and having to adapt to the changes in his lifestyle, Simon pursued cycling as a way to aid his recovery.

 

In 2008 Simon Richardson represented Great Britain at the Beijing Paralympics, taking home two Gold medals, a Silver and he also broke the World Record in the Kilo. This phenomenal year was then topped off as Simon was awarded an MBE.

 

However in 2011, Simon's life took an unforeseeable turn as he was once again struck by a car whilst he was out training. But this time, the accident involved a drunk driver, who left Simon at the roadside.

 

Simon was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition. He was diagnosed with a detached lung, his back was broken in two places, and he also suffered with a broken pelvis. Doctors told him he would never ride again.

 

Three years on, Simon is still determined to get back in the saddle and is now training on a recumbent tricycle. His story has been an inspiration to cyclists through his determination and strong mental attitude.

 

Simon is now using the Twitter #SimonStrong to help raise money for the Air Ambulance service, who he values with having saved his life.

 

The interview was organised, set up and led by Nadine Forshaw.



Legal Framework

Structure of the Courts:

 Criminal Law = Concerns offences which harm the whole community, therefore are offences against the sovereign. “guilty or not guilty” R V Smith.

Civil Law = Disputes between individuals and organisations, including torts (wrongs suffered e.g. defamation, breach of copyright). Also covers divorce action. “liable or not liable”. Brown  V Smith.

The legal test of proof is different for Civil and Criminal cases. For Criminal Cases it must be “beyond reasonable doubt”. For Civil Cases it is on the “balance of probability”.

There are three types of Criminal Offence:
1) Indictable only offences – most serious crimes, punishable by the longest prison terms (5 years or more) E.g. rape, murder, robbery. These are processed initially at the Magistrates Courts, but then they are quickly moved onto the Crown Court.

2) Either way offences- can be dealt with at either the magistrates or crown court. E.g. theft, sexual assault, and assault causing GBH.
3) Summary offences – dealt with at magistrates court. These are relatively minor offences. E.g. drunkness and speeding offences.

The highest court in the UK is the Supreme Court which is located in Central London, Middlesex Guildhall on one side of parliament square. There are twelve justices in total.

The Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP) runs the prosecution in criminal cases.

Sources of Law:
Common Law = Law based on the custom of the realm and the decisions of judges through the centuries.

Precedent = Decisions made by judges in higher courts are then binding on all lower courts. The Supreme Courts judgement binds all UK courts, except the Scottish Criminal Court.

Statutes= Acts of Parliament – Primary legislation.

Statutory Instruments = The detailed framing of the new law set by the departmental minister concerned, who sets out statutory instruments in the form of regulations and rules. Must be approved by parliament.

European Regulations = EU Council and its Parliament agree regulations and directives. These are binding on all member states. Member states decide how directives should be implemented through their own legislation. 

Confidentiality and Privacy

The law of confidence safeguards information obtained in confidential circumstances, for example between individuals or between a company and its employees. 

There are three areas of concern:
1) Revealing state secrets or “official” secrets.
2) Revealing commercial secrets.
3) Revealing facts about a person they would have expected to remain private.

The Official Secrets Act protects 1989 protects state secrets (military or intelligence matters) – this can be breached by publishing photos of sensitive military installations. But the act is rarely used a juries have been reluctant to convict “whistle blowers” e.g. Clive Ponting.

Commercial confidentiality is normally protected by the contract of employment – staff won’t do things detrimental to their employer’s interests, for example revealing financial information helpful to their competitors. But this must always be balanced against the public interest.

Personal confidences or privacy is protected under article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Journalists must decide when newsworthy confidential information is uncovered to either;
1) Risk an injunction (legal stop) by seeking a response to the allegation. OR…
2) Publish material and take the risk of legal action for breach in confidence or possible defamation.

Max Mosley V News of the World – In 2008 the paper published a story of Mosley’s sadomasochistic Nazi themed orgy. The High Court ruled that there was no public interest in publishing this story so Mosely had the right to privacy and damages were awarded. 

Law Revision

The legal framework in the UK
1) What do Crown Courts do?  What is an indictable offence?
Indictable offence = most serious offences- attract a prison sentence of five years or more e.g. rape, murder. 
Crown courts have 3 functions = 
1. Trial indictable offences
2. Hear appeals from magistrates courts
3. Sentencing

2)What do Magistrates Courts do?  What is a summary offence?
1. Summary  Trials
2. Commital Hearing
3. Youth Court
Summary Offence = minor offence dealt with by magistrates.

3)What is the highest court in the UK?  Where does it sit? How many justices?
The Supreme Court, Located in Central London, there are 12 justices.

4)Three functions of Crown Courts?  (Trys indictable offences, appeals from mags, sentencing)
1. Trial Indictable offences
2. Hear appeals from magistrates courts
3. Sentencing

5)Three functions of Magistrates courts?  
1. Summary Trials
2.Commitals
3. Youth Court

6)What is the difference between a civil and criminal offence?
A Civil offence is against an individual or an organisation e.g. Brown V Smith. A Criminal offence is against the community as a whole and therefore against the Sovereign e.g. R V Smith.

7)Is the legal test of proof the same or different?
No:
Criminal = beyond reasonable doubt
Civil = on the balance of probability

8)Give 3 sources of law in the UK.
1. Common Law
2. Statute
3. EU regulations and directives. 

9)What do journalists mean by the public interest?
Reynolds Defence – the subject is of real public concern

Reporting Crime and the Courts
1)Briefly explain what is meant by ‘prejudice’ and ‘contempt’ in the context of media law.
Prejudice is to have pre-conceived ideas about the defendant or subject prior to trial, that could be detrimental to their right to a fair trial.
Contempt is the publication of material that is in breach of the rules on crime or court reporting and has a high risk of prejudicing legal proceedings.

2)When does a case become legally active?
Once an arrest is made, a warrant has been issued, a person has been charged or when a summons has been issued by magistrates. 

3)After an arrest is made what sort of facts – in general terms – can be reported?  
Facts which are indisputable at trial, ie name, age, occupation and other forms of positive identification. 

4)The accused appears before magistrates – in general terms what can you report? List them… 
7 Things:
1. Name, age, address of defendant.
2. Name of solicitor/barrister
3. Name of magistrates
4. Whether legal aid was granted
5. Appeals for bail and terms of bail
6. Date and location of where the trial is deferred to
7. Charges faced

5)What is meant by an ‘either-way offence?
Can be tried in either a magistrates or crown court.

6)What is maximum sentence magistrates can impose?
6 months for one offence but can be up to 12 for more than one offence if the magistrates choose to impose consecutive sentences. 

7)What is meant by a conditional discharge?
The defendant will not receive punishment unless they re-offend within a specific time period i.e.1 year. They can then be punished for the original offence plus re-offending. 

8)What is the purpose of a ‘Section 49 order’? 
To protect under 18s in Youth Court

9)What is purpose of a Section 39 order?
To protect under 18s in Adult Court

10)What do we mean by ‘jigsaw identification’?
When someone given anonymity is identified due to a collective number of facts being published, either over time or by different publications, which enables them to be identified. 

11)One morning you arrive at court and barristers are making legal arguments about crucial evidence. You notice the jury isn’t there.  Can you report the proceedings?
No – if the jury is not present then you are not protected by any privilege.

12)What is required of your court report for it to attract absolute privilege?
It must be fair, accurate and contemporaneous

13)In this context explain what is meant by ‘fair’.
The report must contain both sides of the trial, not favouring one over the other. Must contain no substantial inaccuracies. 

14)During a murder trial a family member shouts at the defendant from the public gallery. “You lying bastard – you killed our boy!”  Is that safe to report?
No – outcries from the public gallery are not protected by privilege. 

Libel and Defamation
1)How would you define libel?
When a defamatory statement is published which is damaging to an individual, or organisation and their ability to conduct business.

2)How do we know when a statement is defamatory (4 tests used by judges)
In the mind of reasonable people it must:
1. Causes them to become the victim of hatred, ridicule or contempt.
2. Damage their ability to conduct themselves in their chosen profession
3. Lowered them in the eyes of right thinking people
4. Causes them to be shunned or avoided 

3)What particular danger is there of libel for TV journalists?
There is the risk of libel within the use of background or “wallpaper” shots, as you can implicate individuals through inference or innuendo, e.g. if you are covering a story on insider trading, then just use a blanket stock image of city commuters, there is the possibility that you could accidentally identify someone who partakes in that profession but acts legally, therefore damaging their credibility through inference. 

4)What are the 3 major libel defences?
1.Its true
2.It is covered by privilege
3.It is in the public interest

5)Something re the McAlpine affair
BBC had to make a payout to Lord McAlpine following a Newsnight programme regarding child sex offences. They did not name him in the programme, but the programme lead to speculation all over twitter by third parties, through which Lord McAlpine’s name became trending, and inferred that he had involvement.

Qualified privilege
1)Why is the legal principle of privilege so important to journalists?
It allows you to report on matters that are in the public interest without fear of legal repercussions. 

2)Why was a public meeting in 2000 about the jailed paratrooper Lee Clegg so significant?
Lord Bingham ruled journalists would act as the eyes and ears of the public.

Copyright
1)What’s the purpose of copyright law?
To protect original artistic, musical and literary pieces from being used freely without any credit given to its creator and without their consent, it provides you with control over how your creation is used.

2)You use a photo off the internet.  Is it free of copyright? 
No everything on the internet is still subject to copyright restrictions,  you may only use creative commons photos from the internet, providing you follow their terms of use and credit the owner, otherwise you need explicit permission from its owner. 

3)Why is the principle of fair dealing important and what are its limitations?
It allows you to use images in news broadcasts covering current events to illustrate the story you are covering, however you cannot take unfair commercial advantage of the copyright owner. You are also allowed to fair deal images for the purpose of criticism and review, however the subject must have been released to the public with the explicit consent of the owner for fair dealing to apply (i.e. it does not apply to leaked works).

Confidentiality – breach of confidence
1)What is the purpose of the law of confidence?
To protect information that is obtained during confidential circumstances

2)What are the danger areas for journalists?
1. Exposing state/military secrets
2. Exposing information which a person would reasonably expect to remain private
3. Exposing confidential information regarding a business or organisation

3)What dilemma does a journalist face when newsworthy information comes into his or her possession?
1.Whether to appeal for a response, risking the imposition of an injunction
2.Or whether to just publish the information risking legal action

4)Privacy is now better protected under Human Rights Act Art 8. Give an example of where public figures have won cases where they have claimed breach of privacy or confidence.
Max Mosely V News of the World – 2008 NOTW had to pay out after publishing a story regarding Max Mosely partaking in a Nazi-themed sadomasochistic orgy. The Judge ruled that the publication of this story was not in the public interest. 

Press Regulation
1)What bodies are responsible for regulating the professional conduct of journalists?
Ofcom, Press Complaints Commission (PCC) and the BBC Trust which is self-regulatory.

2)Which body has most power and why?
Ofcom as it has statutory power and can impose fines of up to 5% of their revenue, revoke or postpone licenses, prevent the re-viewing of a programme, and can enforce that a public apology takes place.  

3)Define impartiality.   Would there be any difference in your approach to this if you were working in newspapers or broadcasting?
Impartiality is to maintain neutral without bias. Newspapers are permitted to be partial to a particular political party, however broadcasters must maintain complete impartiality. 

Reporting Elections
1)Why is accuracy and impartiality especially important at election times?
Broadcast journalism is heavily influential and the lack of impartiality could have the ability to alter the way individuals vote, therefore undermining and damaging the democratic process. Without impartiality it could simply become a battle of which political party has deeper pockets.

2)What are the danger areas for journalists during campaign reporting?
1. False statements about candidates
2. Providing equal coverage of all major parties- maintaining impartiality
3. Reporting opinion or exit polls

3) Must all candidates standing in a constituency be covered equally?
No – minor and major candidates do not have to be treated equally, however all major candidates must be covered equally. 

4) On polling day when can we start reporting exit polls?
When the polls have closed.

5) On polling day a candidate makes a final plea to voters – can we report this?
No – the final day cannot be used for reporting political arguments, its main objective is to encourage members of the public to vote.