Public Interest

Question 1

What does the public interest include:

Answer 1

• Detecting or exposing crime or a serious misdemeanour
• Protecting public health and safety
• Preventing the public from being misled by some statement or action of an individual or organisation.
• Exposing misuse of public funds or other forms of corruption by public bodies
• Revealing potential conflicts of interest by those in positions of power and influence.
• Exposing corporate greed
• Exposing hypocritical behaviour by those holding high office.
• There is a public interest in the freedom of expression itself
• In cases involving children, journalists must demonstrate an exceptional public interest to override the normally paramount interests of the child.

Question 2

The Death Knock

Answer 2

When journalists attempt to interview a bereaved family member or partner. The death knock is a standard reporting technique following a death and can provide quotes, information and pictures.

Question 3

The digital death knock

Answer 3

Direct contact with bereaved relatives has to some extent been supplanted
in recent years by using the easily available material on Facebook and other
social media – and/or by contacting families via social media rather than in
person.