ONLINE CERTIFICATE COURSE ON MEDIA LAW
(MEDIA LAW SYLLABUS)UNIT I: Introduction to Media Law
- Meaning, nature and scope of Media Law
- Evolution and growth of media in India
- Types of media:
- Print Media
- Electronic Media (TV, Radio)
- Digital & Social Media
- Role of media in a democratic society
- Freedom of press: concept and importance
UNIT II: Constitutional Framework & Media
- Article 19(1)(a): Freedom of speech and expression
- Reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2)
- Freedom of press – judicial interpretation
- Right to Information and media
- Media trial and fair trial (Article 21)
- Contempt of court and media reporting
- Important Case Laws:
- Romesh Thappar v. State of Madras
- Bennett Coleman v. Union of India
- Indian Express Newspapers v. Union of India
- Sahara India v. SEBI
UNIT III: Print Media Laws
- Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867
- Newspaper (Price and Page) Act
- Working Journalists and Other Newspaper Employees Act
- Press Council of India: composition, powers & functions
- Ethics of journalism and self-regulation
UNIT IV: Electronic Media Laws
- Regulation of television and radio
- Prasar Bharati Act, 1990
- Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995
- Broadcasting laws and policies
- Role of TRAI
- Advertising regulations
UNIT V: Digital Media & Cyber Laws
- Regulation of online media and OTT platforms
- Information Technology Act, 2000
- Intermediary Guidelines & Digital Media Ethics Code Rules
- Social media regulation
- Fake news, misinformation & hate speech
- Data protection and privacy issues
UNIT VI: Media and Criminal Law
- Defamation: civil and criminal
- Sedition and media reporting
- Obscenity and pornography
- National security and media
- Reporting of sensitive cases (rape, juveniles, terrorism)
UNIT VII: Media Ethics & Professional Responsibility
- Code of ethics for journalists
- Self-regulatory bodies
- Paid news and political advertisements
- Sting operations and legality
- Media accountability
UNIT VIII: Media Laws in International Perspective
- International standards on freedom of expression
- Role of UN and international conventions
- Comparative media laws (UK, USA)
- Cross-border media and internet regulation
UNIT IX: Contemporary Issues in Media Law
- Media trials and sensationalism
- Social media influencers and law
- Privacy vs public interest
- AI, deepfakes and media regulation
- Media during elections