LAW & ETHICS IN A CHANGING NEWS LANDSCAPE
Master Ethics for the Modern Newsroom and Lead with Confidence
Understand First Amendment principles at a deeper level. Learn how to navigate increasingly complex traditional issues like libel and privacy, but also the shifting threats of mis- and disinformation and emerging technologies. This course provides more than just a legal overview — it can give you the confidence and ethical grounding to make sound decisions when the pressure is high, and the consequences are real.
At a Glance
- Modality: On-demand online with weekly real-time meetings
- Timeframe to Complete: Six weeks
- Price: $2,000 (or purchase the whole program of 6 courses for $10,000)
- Registration Update: Registration to open in mid-October 2025
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Course Outcomes
The curriculum in this course is focused on:
- Applying First Amendment principles and media law in newsroom decision-making.
- Navigating complex legal issues including libel, privacy, and fair use.
- Upholding journalistic ethics in the face of political, commercial, and audience pressures.
- Developing ethical frameworks for emerging challenges like misinformation and AI-generated content.
Who Should Enroll
This course was designed for:
- Early-career newsroom managers looking to build confidence and sharpen their leadership, strategy, and innovation skills.
- Professionals in non-editorial roles at media organizations who want a deeper understanding of newsroom operations and journalistic practices.
- Aspiring media entrepreneurs preparing to launch their own journalism ventures or independent platforms.
Meet the Instructor: Don Heider
Don Heider is the Executive Director of the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics and a tenured professor in communication at Santa Clara University. Formerly, he held leadership roles at Loyola University and the University of Maryland and was an Emmy-winning TV journalist. He has authored seven books on ethics.
Registration Process
Registration for this program and course will open in mid-October 2025.