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: 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)
- Awarded Upon Completion: Digital certificate for sharing on LinkedIn
Spring 2026 Registration
Course Dates: January 15, 2026-February 26, 2026
Weekly Zoom Meetings:
Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. CT
Students will complete readings and assignments in advance of each week’s live Zoom meeting.
Live class dates: 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19 and 2/26.
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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.
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Contact Us
Do you have a question about this course?
Email Us: newsroom-leadership@austin.utexas.edu