Panel: "Justice and the media: communication challenges"

Abstract

This session brings three perspectives to the complex topic of justice and the media, docussing onchallenges in communication. The speakers are drawn from a wide range of current occupations -- a university academic, a senior broadcast journalist and a court information officer -- each with an expertise and a long-standing interest in the relationship between the media and the justice system, in particularly the courts. The speakers will consider some of the key issues present in this relationship: disclosure and public interest, accuracy in reporting, how courts have sought to improve their image, creating a better-informed public and television coverage of court proceedings. Discussion will include some of the challenges and problems faced by journalists in their justice round, how the courts are responding to these and the need to retain independence while respecting the work of the other.