This two-volume, issues-based reference set, available in both print and electronic formats, surveys varied views on many of the most contentious issues involving mass media ethics and the law. The focus is on matters that regularly provide front-page headlines concerning rights and responsibilities of both speech and press, libel, technological threats to privacy, paparazzi and celebrities, sensationalism in media coverage of high-profile trials, cameras in the courtroom, federal and state freedom of information and sunshine laws, checkbook journalism, use of confidential sources, national security concerns and the press, digital duplication and deception, fair use, rights of celebrities, plagiarism and more.

Collectively, this guide assesses key contentious issues and legal precedents, noting current ethical and legal trends and likely future directions.

Topics explored in each section include:

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Ethical responsibilities versus legal rights

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Newsgathering and access

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Privacy

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Libelous reporting

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Business considerations

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Changing rules with social media and the internet

Features include:

Six thematic sections that consist of approximately a dozen chapters each written by eminent scholars and practitioners active in the field. Sections open with a general Introduction by the volume editors and conclude with a wrap-up Outlook section to highlight likely future trends. Chapters follow a common organizational outline of a brief overview of the issue at hand, historical background and precedent, and presentation of various perspectives (pro, con, mixed) to the issue.
See Also cross references guide readers to related chapters and references and further readings guide users to more in-depth resources for follow-up. The two-volume set concludes with an extensive Index.