Journalists and Confidential Sources: Colliding Public Interests in the Age of the Leak

Journalists and Confidential Sources examines the reliance on anonymous sources by journalists, the difficulties in maintaining these relationships, and the impact on the right to know and freedom of expression. It highlights weaknesses in professional practice codes, inadequate understanding of confidentiality obligations, and shortcomings in the law governing source protection. The book argues that source protection is under sustained assault, undermining public access to information and democracy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Journalists and Confidential Sources delves into the intricate and pervasive reliance of journalists on anonymous sources, whistleblowers, and other individuals to whom they owe a duty of confidentiality. It scrutinizes the challenges that arise in these relationships, analyzes the deteriorating frameworks for the right to know and freedom of expression, and explores potential solutions and reforms. The book explores essential ethical rules, statutes, court cases, law enforcement actions, and case studies related to source protection in Australia and internationally. It highlights weaknesses in journalists' professional practice codes governing confidentiality obligations, discusses inadequate journalistic understanding of the significance of establishing clear terms and conditions underpinning confidentiality, and identifies gaps in the law governing source protection. The book argues that despite the widely acknowledged importance of source protection, it faces sustained assault, undermining public access to information and ultimately jeopardizing democracy. While the focus of the work is on Australia, it also considers source protection in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and New Zealand. This timely contribution to the global discourse on the subject holds immense interest for journalists, scholars, educators, and students specializing in media law and policy, journalism, media and communication studies, and public relations. It is also valuable for the legal fraternity and anyone engaged in communication with journalists.

Weight: 560g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367635015