Travel Writing

Legal Issues
 Intellectual property rights include:

copyright
moral rights
performers' rights
trade marks
patents and designs
 Right to freedom of expression
Defamation/ Libel
Damage to reputation caused by material published
Financial consequences if we get it wrong.
Lower an individual or company in the estimation of people in general
You are responsible, not the claimant
If involved in an action for defamation there are a number of
possible defences but, generally, broadcasters will need to have
good evidence to back up what they say.
Journalistic Principle regarding religion

The religious views and beliefs of an individual, a religion or denomination

must not be misrepresented or abused, as judged against generally accepted
standards. (What about online content?)
We must be aware of the religious sensitivity of references to, or uses of,
names, images, deities, rituals, scriptures and language at the heart of the
different faiths and ensure that any uses of, or verbal or visual references to,
them are editorially justified within generally accepted standards. Examples
include the Crucifixion, Holy Communion, the Qur'an, the Jewish Sabbath and
similar.
We must consider the religious sensitivity surrounding the observance of
holy days and the principal festivals of the great world faiths to avoid
unnecessary offence from material that might be more acceptable at other
times
Freedom of expression and offence
The fundamental human right to exercise freedom of thought,
conscience and religion should be respected
Blasphemy
Avoid arousing unjustified offence
A balance can be achieved by
Actively hosting the space
Suitable moderation
rapid intervention
Portraying People
Notified in advance
People in the public eye, particularly if the portrayal is primarily of
public aspects of their life
Unless dealing with people in the public eye and the public aspects of
their lives, approval will only be given when it can be shown that the
following three criteria are met:
The portrayal is fair
The portrayal is based on a substantial and well-sourced body of evidence
whenever practicable.
There is a clear public interest.
Note taking
Accurate, reliable and, wherever possible, contemporaneous notes of
all significant research and other relevant information.
Records of research including written and electronic correspondence,
background notes and documents. They should be kept in a way that
allows double-checking, particularly at the scripting stage.
When we publish serious allegations made by an anonymous source,
full timely notes of interviews, conversations and information that
provide the basis for the story must be kept.