Discuss the relevant ethical and legal issues raised by the fictitious scenario below. You should divide your work into four paragraphs, numbered, corresponding with the paragraphs of the scenario (i.e. 1 to 4). You should make use of the supplied unit readings and case examples to support your answer, but also feel free to find your own from reliable Australian sources. Make sure you check the Marking Rubric attached to the assignment to see where marks are allocated. Remember to proof-read your work before submission as marks are deducted for prose and expression errors. 

Note: You do not need to assume anything on the facts supplied below. Analyze them as presented to you, based on your developing understanding of media law and ethics principles and regulations. Understanding is developed by working progressively through each unit topic. Avoid phrases such as assuming that , or If we assume that in your analysis.

Bubbles Barrett is a successful Melbourne actor known for her comic roles in Hollywood films such as Hilarious, Hilarious Too and The Florist. She is a multimillionaire whose home in Elwood is a well-known landmark, and she is a favorite topic of weekly magazine stories. So, when Woman's Digest reporter Tansy Career asks for an interview with Bubbles at her home, she is glad to oblige on the condition that no photographs are taken. Tansy agrees but arranges for a freelance photographer to accompany her anyway, and they go to Bubbles house.

When Bubbles answers the door she invites Tansy in but tells the photographer he has to leave the property. He walks out of the gate, but when Bubbles closes the door he sneaks back onto the porch and waits. When Tansy is shown out by Bubbles 20 minutes later, the photographer snaps a photo of Bubbles and runs back out of the gate. Bubbles calls after he and Tansy, Youd better not use that photo and now you cant use the interview either! Tansy congratulates the photographer and they then go back to the office, where she fills out her material with a call to an old school friend of Bubbles, who is called an unnamed source in the Digests upcoming story.

When Women's Digest publishes its two-page spread on Bubbles with the photo taken at the house and numerous quotes from the interview, Bubbles is furious. Shes even madder, however, that the unnamed source is quoted in the story as saying Bubbles is not her real name her name is Raylene and she lied about being related to Hollywood great, Steven Spielberg. Bubbles call her lawyer, who sends a letter of concern to Woman's Digest, demanding a retraction and apology. The letter also states that the photo used in the story was taken deceptively, and violated her privacy. The magazine refuses to retract or apologies, saying Bubbles agreed to be interviewed and knows how the media works.

The day after the magazine issue was published, Channel X, a commercial TV station, leads its Today Tonight current affairs program with an exclusive story about Bubbles new life coaching business. It features the photo from Woman's Digest plus footage from an ABC TV lifestyle program about her famous Elwood home. The host closes the story with, And weve just heard that Bubbles Barrett has filed a writ in defamation against Women's Digest for a story she says is totally fabricated. Well keep you informed of Bubbles fight for justice.

Guiding Points:

Contempt of Court is not assessed by this assignment.

All other topics are assessable, but you will need to decide which are relevant

Evaluation of ethics includes positive, not merely negative, analyses of media practice

Law Students NB please be sure to approach your analysis from a professional communication perspective, as this is not a legal problem-solving task.

The Advice for Doing Assignments document (in Assessments tab, Cloud Deakin) applies here, and also the unit guide

Quoted material included in your text is counted in the overall word count