Newsroom Law: A Legal Guide for Commonwealth Caribbean Journalists by Kathy Ann Waterman Latchoo
The news media have always strived to bring information deemed newsworthy to the public. Whether by word of mouth, print, television, or through the internet and social media, journalists ensure that the public remains informed. But what happens when those responsible for reporting the “news” trade responsible journalism for sensationalism?
Newsroom Law: A Legal Guide for Commonwealth Caribbean Journalists by Kathy Ann Waterman Latchoo, a High Court judge and former Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions of Trinidad and Tobago, seeks to provide a comprehensive and practical guide aimed at giving those involved in the media an in-depth look at the possible legal ramifications of their actions. In particular, Mrs. Waterman Latchoo makes it her mission to take those involved in news reporting under her wings, providing step-by-step instructions, and where necessary, acting as a translator of complex legal concepts. At first glance, Newsroom Law appears to be solely dedicated to journalists. However, as a legal practitioner whose last run-in with the law on an academic level was many moons ago, Newsroom Law acted as a refresher on legal principles related to defamation and the subsequent defenses.
In her introduction, Mrs. Waterman Latchoo lays bare that journalists are busy people, and as such, they must navigate the law of libel, contempt, privilege, copyright, breaches of confidence, and official secrecy, to name a few. Considering this balancing act between time and execution of duties by journalists, it is evident that the author sought to condense complex legal concepts and principles into digestible chapters. I found this to be helpful as it allows the reader the opportunity to grasp certain areas of the law relative to media and to also grow increasingly comfortable with the role journalists play within the law. Additionally, the methodical approach towards each chapter by Mrs. Waterman Latchoo, starting with an introduction of how the courts work in Chapter 2, to damages in the final chapter, ensures that those who may be on the other side of the legal arena are well versed in how the legal system works.
I found that the use of quotes, oftentimes taken from movies, Bible verses, or celebrated Law Lords, was an interesting component. It showed that the legal concepts found in each chapter can be linked or likened to everyday occurrences. Ultimately, this made the text more visual and fascinating. Newsroom Law can give a confidence boost to journalists uncertain of their limits when it comes to reporting, especially courtroom news. Specifically, Newsroom Law can be viewed as a precautionary tale of what not to do as a journalist. Chapter 6, entitled “The Reynolds Defence”, is an example of one of many cases in which journalists were held responsible for allegations published in newspapers. In this case and throughout Newsroom Law, Mrs. Waterman Latchoo sought to highlight enacted legislation and cases from Caribbean and Commonwealth jurisdictions such as Trinidad and Tobago, The Bahamas, Antigua, Australia, and the United Kingdom to name a few, whereby journalists found themselves liable for their actions, and cases whereby journalists were protected by the law. Additionally, I found the inclusion of “cyberlibel” in Chapter 4 to be an interesting component highlighted by the author. The issue of “cyberlibel” appears to be an evolving area, and as such, Mrs. Waterman Latchoo states that with the click of a button anyone can become a “publisher” and consequently be sued for defamation if what is published damages someone’s reputation.
An interesting feature is the tone in which Mrs. Waterman Latchoo approaches her book. Her use of humor, or as I call it, her call to action throughout the book, in particular on page 190 when discussing Parliamentary Reporting, made the information more digestible and relatable.
Newsroom Law is more than just a practical guide for Caribbean journalists. It is a treasure trove of information open to those seeking guidance and comfort in media law whether they be journalists, lawyers, or lay-persons.