This week we explore the tension between the competing values of privacy and public interest journalism.

Today, journalists enjoy a broad exemption from privacy laws. However, reform proposals have ignited debate about whether that free pass is still appropriate.

We discuss the scope and merits of these reform proposals and explore the arguments by journalists on why the exemption is necessary.

Links:

Article on journalism exemptions (Guardian) https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/11/consumer-advocates-reject-media-calls-to-preserve-exemptions-to-australian-privacy-law

Media Watch on journalism exemption (YouTube) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_aaxFcd1BA

Australia’s Right to Know coalition submission https://consultations.ag.gov.au/integrity/privacy-act-review-report/consultation/view_respondent?show_all_questions=0&sort=submitted&order=ascending&_q__text=know&uuId=60975522

Privacy Act Review report https://www.ag.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-02/privacy-act-review-report_0.pdf

Credits:

Editing and post-production by Martin Franklin (East Coast Studio) eastcoaststudio.com.au

Music by Bensound.com