JNC1311: Media Law and Ethics

Dear Students, 

Welcome to this module "Media Law and Ethics"

The module aims at giving students knowledge relating to the media laws; media ethics and media regulatory frameworks in Rwanda and around the World. Students will be exposed to media debates on statutory and self- regulation in a globalized media environment; freedom of expression, press freedom, public interest and professional code of ethics. Students will also be made aware of the media regulatory institutions in Rwanda and the challenges they face given the nature of electronic communication.  Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Media laws and ethics guiding media practice and communication work; the regulatory frameworks and agencies responsible for overseeing professional media practice and communication work and the challenges facing media regulation globally and Rwanda in particular. Students should also be able to make reference to media guiding principles when they need to make ethical decisions or when faced with ethical dilemmas; identify the different dynamics that influence news content or what has come to constitute ‘public interest’; put into consideration the concept of social responsibility of the media when reporting and explain the need for media regulation and Press freedom.

The module aims at giving students knowledge relating to the media laws; media ethics and media regulatory frameworks in Rwanda and around the World. Students will be exposed to media debates on statutory and self- regulation in a globalized media environment; freedom of expression, press freedom, public interest and professional code of ethics. Students will also be made aware of the media regulatory institutions in Rwanda and the challenges they face given the nature of electronic communication.  Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Media laws and ethics guiding media practice and communication work; the regulatory frameworks and agencies responsible for overseeing professional media practice and communication work and the challenges facing media regulation globally and Rwanda in particular. Students should also be able to make reference to media guiding principles when they need to make ethical decisions or when faced with ethical dilemmas; identify the different dynamics that influence news content or what has come to constitute ‘public interest’; put into consideration the concept of social responsibility of the media when reporting and explain the need for media regulation and Press freedom.

The evaluation will concern both individual assignments and groups work.