Question One:
A type of much safer glasses is to be trialled in pubs across Oldworth in a bid to reduce injuries and suffers.
The glasses, designed by Oldworth Glass, will be trialled starting from next week in response to Home Office’s calling for a less hazardous pint glass, as a result of an estimated 87,000 injuries are caused each year by traditional pint glasses.
Jon Fetley, marketing director of the company, said: “Our aim is to use a material that will not shard on breaking. It will reduce the number of staff in pubs and clubs who suffers cuts from broken glasses while serving, clearing or washing up.”
But he also admitted that drinkers are very attached to the traditional glass and he said “this has been a key problem to overcome”.
Jan Blomfield, of the government’s Design Against Crime Unit expressed similar concern by saying “drinkers are very attached to their pint glass and we have to deal with that fact”.
He added: “People are used to drinking from plastic or paper cups in many situations but there is widespread feeling that if you go to a pub it is traditional to drink beer from a glass.”
One beer lover from the Oldworth Brewers and Public Houses Association Richard Boatman said: “It’s absolutely true that people don’t like drinking out of plastic, which is quite awful. And if they’re safe, that’s great.
“Plastic ‘glasses’ don’t last as long as the average three-month life span of an actual glass and they’re susceptible to scratching.”
A brewery and pub historian Eric Worthington, 57, of 18 Kerkham Way, Oldworth, said he tried the new glasses and “you can hardly tell them from those being used by every pub up and down the land.
“Even the shape is pretty much the same. There’s just a very slightly different feel to the glass, but it’s hardly noticeable. If they’re safe, that’s great.”
(324 words)
Question Two:
Ainsworth Road Police evacuated the 100-yeard cordon around its station, nearby homes and businesses after a suspected explosive item had been found.
The whole action lasted one hour from 8:30am to 9:30am after the public members had handed in an item likely to be of military munitions.
The Royal Ordnance Corps identified the item, green colour with yellow writing on it, as a suspended Citroen car’s compression unit.
Superintendent Alan Smyth said: “It was better to be safe than sorry.”
(80 words)
Question Three:
An event to find Oldworth city’s favourite nursery rhyme will be launched next Monday.
Voting slips will be available at libraries and readers can vote at oldworth.gov.uk/nurseryrhyme
Results will be revealed in six week’s time for the Oldworth Children’s Library Day.
Voters will have chances to win a puppet pack.
(50 words)
Question Four:
The manager of the city’s main hospital or someone in the senior position of the hospital’s management board:
* How did the hospital come up with such a decision to bar the drunken patients from pubs and clubs in the area?
* How important for a hospital like this to make such a decision to bar drunken patients?
* How did these drunken patients affect hospital’s routine work?
* What is the estimated cost of these hospital facilities damaged by drunken patients?
* When did the incident happen regarding the drunken man punching a female doctor?
* How did the above incident happen?
* What have the hospital done so far after the incident happened apart from deciding to join the local Pubwatch scheme?
* Have other hospitals in the city got similar experiences like their doctors being punched by drunken patients? What did they do to solve the problem?
* Is there any other way to solve the problem instead of preventing them from entering the pubs and clubs in the local area?
Patients from the city’s main hospital:
* Have you heard about the incident that a drunken patient had punched a female doctor at the hospital?
* What is your attitude towards the incident?
* What is your opinion about the hospital’s decision to bar patients from pubs and clubs in the area?
* How serious do you think the drinking problem in this hospital?
* Do you agree with hospital’s decision regarding drunken patients? Why?
* Have these drunken patients every created any trouble to you? What did you do if it happened?
The director of local Pubwatch scheme:
* How effective do you think the scheme can help hospital solve the drunken patients problem?
* How effective in general does the scheme help people regarding their drinking behaviour?
* How much do the participants need to pay to join the scheme?
* How does the scheme work? For example, will any guards be staying at the entrance of the pub or local pub to check people’s identity who want to enter?
* What do pub owners’ attitudes towards the scheme? How do you work with them? Does the scheme affect their business?
Online:
* A comprehensive summary of the story, regularly updated as information becomes available.
* Web links guiding readers to appropriate sources of information such as the hospital's website, the scheme.
* Cross refer to your newspaper which will carry a full story.
* Start an online reader poll and asking readers whether they agree with hospital’s decision to join in the local pubwatch scheme?
* Invite a doctor from the hospital to write up a blog of the experience which he/she may be insulted by the drunken patients or he/she saw patients are drunken.
* Create an online photo gallery to show a series of pictures of the hospital, the pub, or patients drinking beer and create troubles.
Video:
* Video interviews with key players, such as the manager of the hospital, the patient, and the local Pubwatch scheme director.
* Video a councillor or local MP commenting on the issue.
* Video patients giving sound-bite views of the hospital’s decision.
* Video reporter doing a piece of camera in front of the pubs to introduce and tell the story.
* Video the pub inside and explaining patients from the hospital are usually sitting there to drink beer.
* Video some beers on the tables, and then using figures (the figures show how many patients drinking beers across the city) together to show audience how the beer can affect patients behave oddly.
Other digital interaction:
* Use SMS text messages to break the story and guiding the recipients to your website or newspaper for more information
* Send an e-mail alert to reader subscribers with a link to your website story.
* Invite readers to send back in their text messages of their views and publish them on your website or in the paper.
* Ask your editor to comment on the story in his print and online publication.
* Set up a Facebook page to invite readers to comment.
* Set up a Twitter account to update the twit and comment on the issue.
Saturday 31 July 2010
Friday 30 July 2010
Newshire Archaeology Service question three
Question Three:
Dog owners will be able to find pets if they get lost with a new service launched next week.
Beeton Council’s dog wardens will be inserting permanent microchips in the animals, which can be read by a chip scanner. The sessions will be held at Lynhope Pet Stores, Waterson Street.
(50 words)
Dog owners will be able to find pets if they get lost with a new service launched next week.
Beeton Council’s dog wardens will be inserting permanent microchips in the animals, which can be read by a chip scanner. The sessions will be held at Lynhope Pet Stores, Waterson Street.
(50 words)
News writing - West Newtown community association
Question One:
Residents are furious about Andersons' new plan which will remove the Bridge Road greenery area, and are urged to sign a petition opposing the visual distraction.
The plan, proposed two weeks ago by the supermarket, is to move the petrol station from its present position to the junction of the site's access road and Bridge Road itself, which believed will also create traffic problems, according to Colin Robertson, chairman of the West Newtown Community Association.
He said: “That greenery would be removed to the detriment of the visual amenity, and it was the general view that the changes would create an unacceptable eyesore.”
The company claimed the news plans are designed to reconfigure the car park for the customers' benefit but they have now decided to add a huge automated car wash.
Mr Robertson said the vast barn-like building would be wide enough to take two cars going through each of two washers at the same time.
The association has also won local councillors' full support who agreed to oppose the supermarket's proposals.
Councillor Norman Patricks said: “This plan would be an aesthetic disaster. To stick the filling station and a monstrosity of a car wash opposite Bridge Road Methodist Church is ridiculous.
“The church may be a relatively new building, but it won a regional architectural award for its appearance. We welcomed that structure – but not this one.”
Resident Bill Raybould, of 12 Bridge Road, West Newtown, said: “I am very suspicious that Andersons are trying to pave the way for further expansion.
“If they get permission for this, I feel sure it won't be long before the old application for a superstore resurfaces.”
However, Andersons spokesman said they dispute suggestions that their proposal would create traffic hazards, “Indeed we believe it would make the complex safer and easier for customers to use.”
The association was set up in response to Andersons' previous proposals which had been objected largely because of traffic disruption.
(325 words)
Questions Two:
A drinks distribution company will be awarded Wholesaler of the Year by Karlsbrew UK in its centenary year.
Varndell's, the family-run business, is the major distributor for Karlsbtrew throughout the region.
Richard Varnell, company secretary said the award recognised their standing in a very competitive business arena and showed they fulfilled Karlsbrew's expectations as well as it was a tribute to their hard-working employees.
The ceremony will be held at Karlsbrew's national sales conference at Birmingham next month.
(80 words)
Question Three:
A woman had her handbag stolen from her trolley yesterday at about 2:30pm in Kirkham's Supermarket on Ashforth Road, Newtown.
The bag was a distinctive one in yellow leather with red stripes, and she lost it when selecting items from a shelf.
Anyone with information should contact on Newton 331322.
(50 words)
Question Four:
Manager of the local airport:
Why does your company propose to build up a second runway?
How much does it cost to build up the second runway?
What are the profits your company will make from the new proposal?
Will there any environmental damages, such as air pollution or noisy pollution occur because of the new proposal?
If there is any adverse effects, what is your plan to solve it?
Is there any a need to build up a second runway?
Will it truly allow a 35 per cent increase in landing and take-offs?
Are there any problems in landings and take-offs in recent years in the airport?
Local councillor who has a view on the the proposal:
What is your opinion about your local airport's new proposal to build up a second runway?
Will the council's planning committee permit the airport's proposal? And what are the progress has the council made in examining the proposal?
Have the council taken air and noisy pollution into consideration when decide whether should grant the airport the permission to build up the second runway?
If there is any environmental damages because of the second run way? What should council do to help reduce the damages?
Will council conduct a questionnaire or set up a residents poll to get feedback from local people? And see what are their attitudes towards the new proposal?
How does the new proposal affect the local business?
Does the local area truly need a new second runway?
Representative from the local residents association:
What is your opinion of the airport's new proposal regarding building up a second runway?
Do you think your local airport need a second runway?
Are there any environmental problems around the area? For example, air pollution or noisy pollution?
What benefits will the new proposal bring to your town?
What disadvantages does the new proposal bring to the local area?
Are you a regular traveller on the plane? Do you find any problems of the airport runway facilities?
Online:
A comprehensive summary of the story, regularly updated as information becomes available.
Web links guiding readers to appropriate sources of information such as local airport's website, council website, residents association website.
Cross refer to your newspaper which will carry out a full story.
Set up an online reader poll to ask readers whether they agree with the proposal or not?
Invite someone who lives near the airport to write a blog talk about his experience of being living near the site, such as does air plane affects his daily life?
Video:
Video interviews of the key players – manager of the airport, local councillor, and the rep from the residents association.
Video a local MP commenting on the issue.
Video the reporter doing a piece of camera standing in front of the airport to tell audience about the story
Video local residents who live near the airport giving sound-bite views of the issue.
Video the second runway location, what are the areas the second runway will cover and explain the surrounding situation.
Upload a slide show of pictures of the airport facilities.
Other interaction:
Use sms text messages to break the story and direct recipients to your website or the paper for more information.
Ask your editor to comment on the story in his print and online editorial.
Invite readers to send messages back of their views and publish them on your website or in the paper.
Send an e-mail alert to reader subscribers with a link to your website story.
Set up a Facebook and Twitter page and ask local people to express their opinions freely.
Residents are furious about Andersons' new plan which will remove the Bridge Road greenery area, and are urged to sign a petition opposing the visual distraction.
The plan, proposed two weeks ago by the supermarket, is to move the petrol station from its present position to the junction of the site's access road and Bridge Road itself, which believed will also create traffic problems, according to Colin Robertson, chairman of the West Newtown Community Association.
He said: “That greenery would be removed to the detriment of the visual amenity, and it was the general view that the changes would create an unacceptable eyesore.”
The company claimed the news plans are designed to reconfigure the car park for the customers' benefit but they have now decided to add a huge automated car wash.
Mr Robertson said the vast barn-like building would be wide enough to take two cars going through each of two washers at the same time.
The association has also won local councillors' full support who agreed to oppose the supermarket's proposals.
Councillor Norman Patricks said: “This plan would be an aesthetic disaster. To stick the filling station and a monstrosity of a car wash opposite Bridge Road Methodist Church is ridiculous.
“The church may be a relatively new building, but it won a regional architectural award for its appearance. We welcomed that structure – but not this one.”
Resident Bill Raybould, of 12 Bridge Road, West Newtown, said: “I am very suspicious that Andersons are trying to pave the way for further expansion.
“If they get permission for this, I feel sure it won't be long before the old application for a superstore resurfaces.”
However, Andersons spokesman said they dispute suggestions that their proposal would create traffic hazards, “Indeed we believe it would make the complex safer and easier for customers to use.”
The association was set up in response to Andersons' previous proposals which had been objected largely because of traffic disruption.
(325 words)
Questions Two:
A drinks distribution company will be awarded Wholesaler of the Year by Karlsbrew UK in its centenary year.
Varndell's, the family-run business, is the major distributor for Karlsbtrew throughout the region.
Richard Varnell, company secretary said the award recognised their standing in a very competitive business arena and showed they fulfilled Karlsbrew's expectations as well as it was a tribute to their hard-working employees.
The ceremony will be held at Karlsbrew's national sales conference at Birmingham next month.
(80 words)
Question Three:
A woman had her handbag stolen from her trolley yesterday at about 2:30pm in Kirkham's Supermarket on Ashforth Road, Newtown.
The bag was a distinctive one in yellow leather with red stripes, and she lost it when selecting items from a shelf.
Anyone with information should contact on Newton 331322.
(50 words)
Question Four:
Manager of the local airport:
Why does your company propose to build up a second runway?
How much does it cost to build up the second runway?
What are the profits your company will make from the new proposal?
Will there any environmental damages, such as air pollution or noisy pollution occur because of the new proposal?
If there is any adverse effects, what is your plan to solve it?
Is there any a need to build up a second runway?
Will it truly allow a 35 per cent increase in landing and take-offs?
Are there any problems in landings and take-offs in recent years in the airport?
Local councillor who has a view on the the proposal:
What is your opinion about your local airport's new proposal to build up a second runway?
Will the council's planning committee permit the airport's proposal? And what are the progress has the council made in examining the proposal?
Have the council taken air and noisy pollution into consideration when decide whether should grant the airport the permission to build up the second runway?
If there is any environmental damages because of the second run way? What should council do to help reduce the damages?
Will council conduct a questionnaire or set up a residents poll to get feedback from local people? And see what are their attitudes towards the new proposal?
How does the new proposal affect the local business?
Does the local area truly need a new second runway?
Representative from the local residents association:
What is your opinion of the airport's new proposal regarding building up a second runway?
Do you think your local airport need a second runway?
Are there any environmental problems around the area? For example, air pollution or noisy pollution?
What benefits will the new proposal bring to your town?
What disadvantages does the new proposal bring to the local area?
Are you a regular traveller on the plane? Do you find any problems of the airport runway facilities?
Online:
A comprehensive summary of the story, regularly updated as information becomes available.
Web links guiding readers to appropriate sources of information such as local airport's website, council website, residents association website.
Cross refer to your newspaper which will carry out a full story.
Set up an online reader poll to ask readers whether they agree with the proposal or not?
Invite someone who lives near the airport to write a blog talk about his experience of being living near the site, such as does air plane affects his daily life?
Video:
Video interviews of the key players – manager of the airport, local councillor, and the rep from the residents association.
Video a local MP commenting on the issue.
Video the reporter doing a piece of camera standing in front of the airport to tell audience about the story
Video local residents who live near the airport giving sound-bite views of the issue.
Video the second runway location, what are the areas the second runway will cover and explain the surrounding situation.
Upload a slide show of pictures of the airport facilities.
Other interaction:
Use sms text messages to break the story and direct recipients to your website or the paper for more information.
Ask your editor to comment on the story in his print and online editorial.
Invite readers to send messages back of their views and publish them on your website or in the paper.
Send an e-mail alert to reader subscribers with a link to your website story.
Set up a Facebook and Twitter page and ask local people to express their opinions freely.
News writing - Duddleston ctiy council
Question 1:
St Benedict's church Rev in Duddleston supports single-sex marriage by believing there is a place for gay people.
The number of civil partnership marriage has increased by 16 per cent in Duddleston, which is one of the only two areas, including Barnsley, that reported a rise, head of registrations Mrs Julia Sutcliff at Duddleston City Council said.
Rev Andrew MacDuffie said: “On Saturday I shall perform the city's first blessing of a single-sex couple after their civil partnership ceremony. We shouldn't have had to wait this long for Duddleston's first blessing.
“What is important is the stability of a relationship, not the couple's sexuality. My personal view is that it is important to enshrine in law anything that overcomes discrimination.
However, neighbouring St Faith's Church turned down a gay couple, Sally Spencer, of Kennedy Road, said: “We would have liked a blessing afterwards at, but our vicar turned us down.
“He just didn't want anything to do with it despite the fact we often attend his services.”
Nationally, Local Government Association survey showed the number of gay weddings fell on average by 55 per cent in the past 12 months.
Adrian Martines, Chair of Duddleston Lesbian and Gay Forum, said: “There was a big pent-up at the end of 2005, which is why so many couple went for civil partnerships as soon as possible after the law changed. A tailing off has been inevitable.”
While locally, the survey reported the number was on year-on-year drops from 31 per cent to 90 per cent among the forty local authorities were surveyed.
Mrs Sutcliff said the ceremonies got off to a relatively slow start in December 2005 and in early 2006 but they believe the situation will now become better.
Mr Martines added Duddleston City Council takes a very positive view of these ceremonies and has earned a reputation of sympathetic help its staff give to same-sex couples.
(325 words)
Questions Two:
A dumped or escaped pig appeared in front of Tony Sainsford's fruit and veg stall guzzling apples
and making a grunting noise on Normanston open market today, RSPCA inspector Geoff Robertshaw said.
According to him, the animal is a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig and sometimes kept as a pet.
“Tony lassoed it, kept it tethered until we arrives and police say no reports of a missing or stolen pig.” Mr Robertshaw added.
Anyone with information should contact on 02924 367560.
(80 words)
Question Three:
Police drug raid recovered an 18-inch tall brass crucifix from a house in Ebling Street, Duddleston, initial inquiries failed to establish where it belongs.
The cross has no decoration or identifying marks, plain squared ends, mounted on a tiered oak plinth.
Anyone with information should contact on 02924 335511.
(50 words)
Question Four:
Headteahcer of the school:
Why does the school install CCTV cameras at toilet?
Have you ever worried about the consequence of the pupils' images that appear online?
Are there any other ways to solve the smoking and graffiti problems?
How serious the smoking and graffiti problems are at the school?
What is the school's plan if unfortunately the images of pupils using toilet appear online?
Is it legal to install CCTV cameras in the toilet?
The angry parent:
What is your opinion of school's CCTV cameras plan?
How do you think it will affect your children?
What is the thing that you have worried most regarding installing CCTV cameras in the toilet?
Have you talked to your local councillor, what suggestions did he provide to you? Does his granddaughter also go to the same school as your children?
Do you have any ideas of solving smoking and graffiti problems instead of installing CCTV cameras in the toilet?
The local councillor whose daughter goes to the school:
What is your opinion about the issue regarding your local school is going to install CCTV cameras in the toilet?
Are you worried about your granddaughter using school's toilet image appears online?
Did council have any plans to work with the school to help reduce smoking and graffiti? What is it?
Do you think installing CCTV cameras in the toilet in order to solve smoking and graffiti is a good way to solve the problems? Why?
Do you support parents' protest to oppose the school's CCTV cameras plan? Why?
Who should be responsible for children's smoking and making graffiti behaviour?
Online:
A comprehensive summary of the story, regularly updated as information becomes available.
Web links guiding readers to appropriate sources of information such as the school's website, parent's protest website (if there is one), CCTV camera information website.
Cross refer to your newspaper which will carry a full story.
Set up an online reader poll and ask reader whether they agree with the school's plan to install CCTV cameras in the toilet.
Invite a parent who is protesting the school's CCTV cameras plan to write up a blog discussing about the issue and updating the protest's progress.
Video:
Video the interviews of the key players – headteacher of the school, the angry parent, the local councillor, or the pupils.
Video a local MP commenting on the issue.
Video the reporter doing a piece of camera in front of the school to introduce and tell audience the story.
Video local resident giving sound-bite views of the CCTV camera installing in school toilet issue.
Video the school's toilet, and roughly show audience where the CCTV cameras will be installed.
Other interaction:
Use sms text messages to break the story and direct the recipient to your website or newspaper for more information.
Send an e-mail alert to your reader subscribers with a link to your website story.
Invite reader to send in text messages of their views and publish them on your website or in the paper.
Ask your editor to comment on the story in his print and online editorial.
Set up an Facebook and Twitter page and let readers to say their opinions freely.
St Benedict's church Rev in Duddleston supports single-sex marriage by believing there is a place for gay people.
The number of civil partnership marriage has increased by 16 per cent in Duddleston, which is one of the only two areas, including Barnsley, that reported a rise, head of registrations Mrs Julia Sutcliff at Duddleston City Council said.
Rev Andrew MacDuffie said: “On Saturday I shall perform the city's first blessing of a single-sex couple after their civil partnership ceremony. We shouldn't have had to wait this long for Duddleston's first blessing.
“What is important is the stability of a relationship, not the couple's sexuality. My personal view is that it is important to enshrine in law anything that overcomes discrimination.
However, neighbouring St Faith's Church turned down a gay couple, Sally Spencer, of Kennedy Road, said: “We would have liked a blessing afterwards at, but our vicar turned us down.
“He just didn't want anything to do with it despite the fact we often attend his services.”
Nationally, Local Government Association survey showed the number of gay weddings fell on average by 55 per cent in the past 12 months.
Adrian Martines, Chair of Duddleston Lesbian and Gay Forum, said: “There was a big pent-up at the end of 2005, which is why so many couple went for civil partnerships as soon as possible after the law changed. A tailing off has been inevitable.”
While locally, the survey reported the number was on year-on-year drops from 31 per cent to 90 per cent among the forty local authorities were surveyed.
Mrs Sutcliff said the ceremonies got off to a relatively slow start in December 2005 and in early 2006 but they believe the situation will now become better.
Mr Martines added Duddleston City Council takes a very positive view of these ceremonies and has earned a reputation of sympathetic help its staff give to same-sex couples.
(325 words)
Questions Two:
A dumped or escaped pig appeared in front of Tony Sainsford's fruit and veg stall guzzling apples
and making a grunting noise on Normanston open market today, RSPCA inspector Geoff Robertshaw said.
According to him, the animal is a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig and sometimes kept as a pet.
“Tony lassoed it, kept it tethered until we arrives and police say no reports of a missing or stolen pig.” Mr Robertshaw added.
Anyone with information should contact on 02924 367560.
(80 words)
Question Three:
Police drug raid recovered an 18-inch tall brass crucifix from a house in Ebling Street, Duddleston, initial inquiries failed to establish where it belongs.
The cross has no decoration or identifying marks, plain squared ends, mounted on a tiered oak plinth.
Anyone with information should contact on 02924 335511.
(50 words)
Question Four:
Headteahcer of the school:
Why does the school install CCTV cameras at toilet?
Have you ever worried about the consequence of the pupils' images that appear online?
Are there any other ways to solve the smoking and graffiti problems?
How serious the smoking and graffiti problems are at the school?
What is the school's plan if unfortunately the images of pupils using toilet appear online?
Is it legal to install CCTV cameras in the toilet?
The angry parent:
What is your opinion of school's CCTV cameras plan?
How do you think it will affect your children?
What is the thing that you have worried most regarding installing CCTV cameras in the toilet?
Have you talked to your local councillor, what suggestions did he provide to you? Does his granddaughter also go to the same school as your children?
Do you have any ideas of solving smoking and graffiti problems instead of installing CCTV cameras in the toilet?
The local councillor whose daughter goes to the school:
What is your opinion about the issue regarding your local school is going to install CCTV cameras in the toilet?
Are you worried about your granddaughter using school's toilet image appears online?
Did council have any plans to work with the school to help reduce smoking and graffiti? What is it?
Do you think installing CCTV cameras in the toilet in order to solve smoking and graffiti is a good way to solve the problems? Why?
Do you support parents' protest to oppose the school's CCTV cameras plan? Why?
Who should be responsible for children's smoking and making graffiti behaviour?
Online:
A comprehensive summary of the story, regularly updated as information becomes available.
Web links guiding readers to appropriate sources of information such as the school's website, parent's protest website (if there is one), CCTV camera information website.
Cross refer to your newspaper which will carry a full story.
Set up an online reader poll and ask reader whether they agree with the school's plan to install CCTV cameras in the toilet.
Invite a parent who is protesting the school's CCTV cameras plan to write up a blog discussing about the issue and updating the protest's progress.
Video:
Video the interviews of the key players – headteacher of the school, the angry parent, the local councillor, or the pupils.
Video a local MP commenting on the issue.
Video the reporter doing a piece of camera in front of the school to introduce and tell audience the story.
Video local resident giving sound-bite views of the CCTV camera installing in school toilet issue.
Video the school's toilet, and roughly show audience where the CCTV cameras will be installed.
Other interaction:
Use sms text messages to break the story and direct the recipient to your website or newspaper for more information.
Send an e-mail alert to your reader subscribers with a link to your website story.
Invite reader to send in text messages of their views and publish them on your website or in the paper.
Ask your editor to comment on the story in his print and online editorial.
Set up an Facebook and Twitter page and let readers to say their opinions freely.
News writing - Newshire archaeology service
Question One:
The site of Beeton Battle has been finally found by Newshire Metal Detecting Group (NMDG), chief archaeologist Simon Ducane at Newshire County Council confirmed.
The 1645 war's battlefield is a mile outside the present city's built-up area, the capital city of Newshire County.
Mr Ducane said: “We are indebted to the group for their five-year search to find the site under the archaeology service's guidance.
“Their work has now borne fruit and members of the metal detecting group have given up many weekends to this search.”
Nationally, archaeologists are worried about the attempts of discovering battles' truth are being jeopardised by amateur treasure hunters' invasion.
The reason is that there is no co-ordinated strategy for trying to ensure that battlefield finds are fully reported and recorded.
Bernard Austerberry, 54, Chairman of the Newshire Metal Detecting Group, said that his group has been in the forefront of advocating a responsible approach to metal detecting, “we are absolutely over the moon to think we have been instrumental in identifying such an important site as this.
“It's taken five years of weekends spent committed to a gradually extending search and we've worked closely with the archaeological service all the way along the line.”
Lain Laidler, 34, a history teacher at Kettledown High School, Beeton, said: “I let out a huge yell of delight when I found the first cannonball at High Meadow.
The group has obviously followed archaeologists' advices, “They removed nothing, carefully returning each item to the ground and marking the spot with a stake”, said Mr Ducane. “When they realised that the number of finds meant there had been a significant battle at the spot, they informed us immediately.”
Laidler added: “After that we found about 20 more cannonballs and some musket balls before we decided to stop and notify the archaeology service.”
The Beeton battle was a key battle fought when the Civil War was moving towards its climax.
(323 words)
Questions Two
Vandals endangered visitors at Beeton Castle on Sunday night when they ripped off fencing panels and handrails between scheduled security patrols of the ruins, according to the council.
There will be a short-term health and safety precaution to prevent access, after replacing the missing items it will reopen again.
The castle is now working English Heritage to see how they can resolve the problems.
The council appeals residents to report suspicious or criminal behaviour to the police.
(80 words)
Questions Three:
Dog warden service at the council is arranging sessions for dog owners to get their dogs microchipped at £10 next week at the Lynhope Pet Stores on Water Street, Beeton.
Each dog will be implanted with a radio-frequency identification micropchip.
The event runs from 10am to 4:30pm everyday.
(50 words)
Questions Four:
Mid-Newshire Hospitals NHS Trust manager:
Why does the old name not reflect the work of a modern hospital?
What confusion has the old name created to the hospital with other ones in the district?
Do you truly believe that changing the name will solve these problems?
What do you think about the survey findings carried out by Health watchdog Beeton Link?
What is the attitude of the hospital itself towards Trust's plan?
What is the meaning of the hospital's old name?
Director of Health watchdog Beeton Link:
What is the outcome of the survey?
How does it reflect local residents' attitude regarding changing the hospital's name?
What is the campaign all about?
Can the campaign solve the problem at the end? Do you think your campaign will save the old name?
What do you think Trust's argument that the old name does not reflect the work of a mordern hospital and creates confusions with other hospitals in the district.
Representative of local residents association, (preferably who is also answered the survey's questions):
What is your opinion about Trust's plan to change the hospital's name?
How important do you think the name for a local hospital?
Have you ever found your local hospital's name a problem?
What do you think Health watchdog Beeton Link's campaign? Do you support them?
Do you know anyone who has got problems with your local hospital's name? Maybe is confused by the location of the hospital, as it does not clearly state as Beeton Hospital, so people do not know where the hospital is?
Online:
A comprehensive summary of the story, regularly updated as information becomes available.
Web links guiding readers to appropriate sources of information, such as the Trust' website, Health watchdog Beeton Link's website.
Cross refer to your newspaper which carry a full story.
Set up an online reader poll to ask readers whether they are agree with Trust's plan to change the hospital's name.
Invite a representative from Health watchdog Beeton Link to write a blog, and update their everyday campaign.
Video:
Video the interviews with key players: Mid-Newshire Hospitals NHS Trust manager, director of Health watchdog Beeton Link as well as residents representative;
Video councillor or/an local MP commenting on the issue.
Video the reporter doing a piece of camera in front of the hospital and introducing the story.
Video local people giving sound-bite views of the issue.
Video the campaign about the organisation opposing Turst's plan to change the hospital's name.
Other digital interaction:
Use text message to break the story and direct recipients to your website and newspaper for more information.
Send an e-mail alert to reader subscribers with a link to your website story.
Invite readers to send in text messages of their views and publish them on your website or in the paper.
Ask your editor to comment on the story in his online and print editorial.
Set up an Facbook and Twitter page for readers and let them discuss the issue.
The site of Beeton Battle has been finally found by Newshire Metal Detecting Group (NMDG), chief archaeologist Simon Ducane at Newshire County Council confirmed.
The 1645 war's battlefield is a mile outside the present city's built-up area, the capital city of Newshire County.
Mr Ducane said: “We are indebted to the group for their five-year search to find the site under the archaeology service's guidance.
“Their work has now borne fruit and members of the metal detecting group have given up many weekends to this search.”
Nationally, archaeologists are worried about the attempts of discovering battles' truth are being jeopardised by amateur treasure hunters' invasion.
The reason is that there is no co-ordinated strategy for trying to ensure that battlefield finds are fully reported and recorded.
Bernard Austerberry, 54, Chairman of the Newshire Metal Detecting Group, said that his group has been in the forefront of advocating a responsible approach to metal detecting, “we are absolutely over the moon to think we have been instrumental in identifying such an important site as this.
“It's taken five years of weekends spent committed to a gradually extending search and we've worked closely with the archaeological service all the way along the line.”
Lain Laidler, 34, a history teacher at Kettledown High School, Beeton, said: “I let out a huge yell of delight when I found the first cannonball at High Meadow.
The group has obviously followed archaeologists' advices, “They removed nothing, carefully returning each item to the ground and marking the spot with a stake”, said Mr Ducane. “When they realised that the number of finds meant there had been a significant battle at the spot, they informed us immediately.”
Laidler added: “After that we found about 20 more cannonballs and some musket balls before we decided to stop and notify the archaeology service.”
The Beeton battle was a key battle fought when the Civil War was moving towards its climax.
(323 words)
Questions Two
Vandals endangered visitors at Beeton Castle on Sunday night when they ripped off fencing panels and handrails between scheduled security patrols of the ruins, according to the council.
There will be a short-term health and safety precaution to prevent access, after replacing the missing items it will reopen again.
The castle is now working English Heritage to see how they can resolve the problems.
The council appeals residents to report suspicious or criminal behaviour to the police.
(80 words)
Questions Three:
Dog warden service at the council is arranging sessions for dog owners to get their dogs microchipped at £10 next week at the Lynhope Pet Stores on Water Street, Beeton.
Each dog will be implanted with a radio-frequency identification micropchip.
The event runs from 10am to 4:30pm everyday.
(50 words)
Questions Four:
Mid-Newshire Hospitals NHS Trust manager:
Why does the old name not reflect the work of a modern hospital?
What confusion has the old name created to the hospital with other ones in the district?
Do you truly believe that changing the name will solve these problems?
What do you think about the survey findings carried out by Health watchdog Beeton Link?
What is the attitude of the hospital itself towards Trust's plan?
What is the meaning of the hospital's old name?
Director of Health watchdog Beeton Link:
What is the outcome of the survey?
How does it reflect local residents' attitude regarding changing the hospital's name?
What is the campaign all about?
Can the campaign solve the problem at the end? Do you think your campaign will save the old name?
What do you think Trust's argument that the old name does not reflect the work of a mordern hospital and creates confusions with other hospitals in the district.
Representative of local residents association, (preferably who is also answered the survey's questions):
What is your opinion about Trust's plan to change the hospital's name?
How important do you think the name for a local hospital?
Have you ever found your local hospital's name a problem?
What do you think Health watchdog Beeton Link's campaign? Do you support them?
Do you know anyone who has got problems with your local hospital's name? Maybe is confused by the location of the hospital, as it does not clearly state as Beeton Hospital, so people do not know where the hospital is?
Online:
A comprehensive summary of the story, regularly updated as information becomes available.
Web links guiding readers to appropriate sources of information, such as the Trust' website, Health watchdog Beeton Link's website.
Cross refer to your newspaper which carry a full story.
Set up an online reader poll to ask readers whether they are agree with Trust's plan to change the hospital's name.
Invite a representative from Health watchdog Beeton Link to write a blog, and update their everyday campaign.
Video:
Video the interviews with key players: Mid-Newshire Hospitals NHS Trust manager, director of Health watchdog Beeton Link as well as residents representative;
Video councillor or/an local MP commenting on the issue.
Video the reporter doing a piece of camera in front of the hospital and introducing the story.
Video local people giving sound-bite views of the issue.
Video the campaign about the organisation opposing Turst's plan to change the hospital's name.
Other digital interaction:
Use text message to break the story and direct recipients to your website and newspaper for more information.
Send an e-mail alert to reader subscribers with a link to your website story.
Invite readers to send in text messages of their views and publish them on your website or in the paper.
Ask your editor to comment on the story in his online and print editorial.
Set up an Facbook and Twitter page for readers and let them discuss the issue.
Thursday 29 July 2010
News writing - Yeltham neighbourhood watch federation
Question One:
A survey shows that residents in Yeltham severally worried about the increasing crimes in the area, which prompted police to conduct further analysis of the findings.
The survey, conducted by Yeltham Neighbourhood Watch Federation (YNWF) and Yeltham Crime Prevention Panel (YCPP), discussed several issues such as burglary, vandalism and robbery that residents are concerned about, according to Rob Litter, Chairman of YNWF.
Mr Litter said: “Some of the findings are not a great surprise in view of the widespread perception that crimes is on the increase.”
Chief Inspector Antony Wardell, of Yeltham Police, said: “We shall be studying the results of the survey with considerable interest. We conduct our own analysis of reported crime as this allows us to target our resources where they are most needed.
“Fear of crime, as distinct from crime itself, is also an important issue because this can impact equally on people's lives. It is important to allay unnecessary fears.”
According to Mr Litter, under 68 per cent of respondents said they were worried about their cars being broken into, while 72 per cent said they were afraid of being burgled.
While Vandalism is of great concern, 57 per cent of the residents were worried about noisy youngsters hanging about on street after dark, residents over 70-year-old also said they were frightened to go out alone because of the fear of being attacked and robbed.
Jeffrey Steele, Chairman of YCPP, said the YNWF had their full support for this survey, “It highlighted the fears of some of our widely varying communities and has allowed us to identify one particular problem where we believe we can help.
“I hope very much that local businesses will back us with financial support.”
Regarding old pensioners' fear of answering the door to strangers, Gerald Parkins, Chairman of the Lupsham Estate Community Association, Yeltham, said two members of his committee are skilled in providing service to fit the door chains free of charge.
Questions Two:
A widower was burgled at her doorstep in Beck Road, Iiworth today at about 8:45am.
While two men kept telling the 84-year-old the apple tree need some work, the third man entered the kitchen and stole a wallet containing $55 in notes and change.
Two at the front door were in their 30s, fair-haired, rough appearance with local accents, One had a eagle tattoo on his left arm.
Anyone with information should contact Yeltham police on 412311.
(80 words)
Questions Three
A number of dead fish were found in the smallest of the three ponds at Yeltham Park. Findings suggest the death may be natural causes, pollution or a deliberate vandalism act.
Live fish will be kept in quarantine.
Anyone with information should call Yeltham Council's environmental health department on 375222.
(50 words)
Question Four:
Manager of a GPs' surgery
How does the service cuts affect your patient?
How many patients can roughly arrive on time now for appointment after the service cuts?
How many patients can roughly arrive on time for appointment before the service cuts?
Have you talked to your local GP association or local councillor about the issue? What suggestions did they provide?
Why doe the No 126's bus service cuts severally affect your patients?
Director of the bus company
Why do your company cut the service?
How much does your company save after cutting the service?
What did you think about the complaints from the GPs and the patients?
How are you going to resolve it?
Is there any other way the company can do instead of cutting service?
Patient:
How does the service affect you to go to your GP?
Does the bus service's cuts bring any impact on your life?
How long does it take you to your GP before the bus service's change?
Do you truly believe that the bus service's cuts have severally affect your life?
Are there any other routes you can choose to go to your GP (instead of using the current one)?
How long does it take you to your GP after the bus service's change?
Do you think the bus company should be responsible for the result of what they have been doing?
Online:
Write a comprehensive summary of the story, updated it when more information becomes available.
Embedded links guide reader to appropriate sources of information, such as the bus company's website, GP' s surgery website, or the patients' association website.
Cross refer to your newspaper which will carry a full story.
Invite reader to comment on the issue online, and see what can be done to resolve problem brought by the bus service cuts.
Create a slide show of pictures of bus No 126, show the different stops before the service cuts as well as after the service cuts, as well as show the crowds try to get on the bus.
Other digital interaction:
Using text messages to break the story and direct the recipients to your website or newspaper for more information.
Set up an e-mail alert to tell your reader subscribers about the story link of your website.
Invite a patient to write up a blog talking about the inconvenience of the bus service cuts which affect his attendance to his GP.
Set up a facebook or Twitter page and invite readers to discuss the issue.
Ask your editor to comment on the story in his print and online editorial.
Video
Video the key players of their interviews: manager of a Gps' surgery, director of the bus company, patient.
Video a local councillor or a local MP to comment on the issue.
Video the reporter standing in front of the camera talking about the story, like doing a piece of camera of him/her introduce the story.
Video the patient standing at the bus stop and waiting for the bus. (but need to be carefully of not identifying him/her)
Video residents giving sound-bite views of the issue.
A survey shows that residents in Yeltham severally worried about the increasing crimes in the area, which prompted police to conduct further analysis of the findings.
The survey, conducted by Yeltham Neighbourhood Watch Federation (YNWF) and Yeltham Crime Prevention Panel (YCPP), discussed several issues such as burglary, vandalism and robbery that residents are concerned about, according to Rob Litter, Chairman of YNWF.
Mr Litter said: “Some of the findings are not a great surprise in view of the widespread perception that crimes is on the increase.”
Chief Inspector Antony Wardell, of Yeltham Police, said: “We shall be studying the results of the survey with considerable interest. We conduct our own analysis of reported crime as this allows us to target our resources where they are most needed.
“Fear of crime, as distinct from crime itself, is also an important issue because this can impact equally on people's lives. It is important to allay unnecessary fears.”
According to Mr Litter, under 68 per cent of respondents said they were worried about their cars being broken into, while 72 per cent said they were afraid of being burgled.
While Vandalism is of great concern, 57 per cent of the residents were worried about noisy youngsters hanging about on street after dark, residents over 70-year-old also said they were frightened to go out alone because of the fear of being attacked and robbed.
Jeffrey Steele, Chairman of YCPP, said the YNWF had their full support for this survey, “It highlighted the fears of some of our widely varying communities and has allowed us to identify one particular problem where we believe we can help.
“I hope very much that local businesses will back us with financial support.”
Regarding old pensioners' fear of answering the door to strangers, Gerald Parkins, Chairman of the Lupsham Estate Community Association, Yeltham, said two members of his committee are skilled in providing service to fit the door chains free of charge.
Questions Two:
A widower was burgled at her doorstep in Beck Road, Iiworth today at about 8:45am.
While two men kept telling the 84-year-old the apple tree need some work, the third man entered the kitchen and stole a wallet containing $55 in notes and change.
Two at the front door were in their 30s, fair-haired, rough appearance with local accents, One had a eagle tattoo on his left arm.
Anyone with information should contact Yeltham police on 412311.
(80 words)
Questions Three
A number of dead fish were found in the smallest of the three ponds at Yeltham Park. Findings suggest the death may be natural causes, pollution or a deliberate vandalism act.
Live fish will be kept in quarantine.
Anyone with information should call Yeltham Council's environmental health department on 375222.
(50 words)
Question Four:
Manager of a GPs' surgery
How does the service cuts affect your patient?
How many patients can roughly arrive on time now for appointment after the service cuts?
How many patients can roughly arrive on time for appointment before the service cuts?
Have you talked to your local GP association or local councillor about the issue? What suggestions did they provide?
Why doe the No 126's bus service cuts severally affect your patients?
Director of the bus company
Why do your company cut the service?
How much does your company save after cutting the service?
What did you think about the complaints from the GPs and the patients?
How are you going to resolve it?
Is there any other way the company can do instead of cutting service?
Patient:
How does the service affect you to go to your GP?
Does the bus service's cuts bring any impact on your life?
How long does it take you to your GP before the bus service's change?
Do you truly believe that the bus service's cuts have severally affect your life?
Are there any other routes you can choose to go to your GP (instead of using the current one)?
How long does it take you to your GP after the bus service's change?
Do you think the bus company should be responsible for the result of what they have been doing?
Online:
Write a comprehensive summary of the story, updated it when more information becomes available.
Embedded links guide reader to appropriate sources of information, such as the bus company's website, GP' s surgery website, or the patients' association website.
Cross refer to your newspaper which will carry a full story.
Invite reader to comment on the issue online, and see what can be done to resolve problem brought by the bus service cuts.
Create a slide show of pictures of bus No 126, show the different stops before the service cuts as well as after the service cuts, as well as show the crowds try to get on the bus.
Other digital interaction:
Using text messages to break the story and direct the recipients to your website or newspaper for more information.
Set up an e-mail alert to tell your reader subscribers about the story link of your website.
Invite a patient to write up a blog talking about the inconvenience of the bus service cuts which affect his attendance to his GP.
Set up a facebook or Twitter page and invite readers to discuss the issue.
Ask your editor to comment on the story in his print and online editorial.
Video
Video the key players of their interviews: manager of a Gps' surgery, director of the bus company, patient.
Video a local councillor or a local MP to comment on the issue.
Video the reporter standing in front of the camera talking about the story, like doing a piece of camera of him/her introduce the story.
Video the patient standing at the bus stop and waiting for the bus. (but need to be carefully of not identifying him/her)
Video residents giving sound-bite views of the issue.
News writing - Sidston trading standards department
Question One:
A campaign to crack down bogus organic food is to be launched in Sidston, according to senior Trading Standards Officer Kenneth Pindar.
The inquiry, which will begin this week, is to look at sale of ordinary meat labelled as more costly organic products.
He said: “It is a crime which may appear to carry little risk because most shoppers have no way of telling if they have been duped, and the incentives to cheat are considerable.”
According to Mr Pindar, an ordinary chicken can sell for £10-£11 when labelled as organic while beefsteak can make more than £29 per kg.
In order to change the situation, a new test has been brought in with success by Food Standards Agency to measure the quantity of antibiotics in meat and see if it is a genuine organic product.
Mr Pindar said: “A local market trader was fined for re-labelling ordinary beef as organic, in a neighbouring area a producer was found to be selling allegedly organic sausages at a farmers' market.”
Figures show organic food sales are rising by 12 per cent a year nationally and currently are worth £1.2 billion annually, with sales of organic meat reaching about £200million a year.
Lawrence Platt, an organic beef farmer at Westfield, a village five miles from Sidston, said he fully support this campaign, “there are some of us who can point the finger at traders we believe might be trying to pull the wool over the public's eyes.
“They deserve whatever they get. It's a scam that must be stopped.”
Meanwhile, spot checks will be continued and suspected traders will face fines of up to £5,000 for each offence if they fraud.
A spokesman for Soil Association said: “We would ask people to report dubious traders, either to us or Trading Standards.
Shoppers should be able to have confidence in all the genuine traders in organic produce, whether it is vegetables, fruit, bread or meat.”
(324 words)
Question Two
Mr Arthur Staten was devastated to lose his twelve pigeons and newly-hatched chicks during a fire incident yesterday around 7:15pm.
The 70-year-old widower, living at 16 Wakeman Road, Sidston, called the fire service when he saw the fire in a series of wooden outbuildings at a bungalow.
Two fire crews spent more than two hours extinguishing the blaze and neighbouring roads were closed due to smoke.
The incident started when rubbish was being burned in the garden.
(80 words)
Questions Three
Sidston Merry Choristers is recruiting new members to join their choir.
They practise every Wednesday evening at Sidston Girl's High School between 7pm and 9pm.
There is a fee for practice nights except to offer newcomers the first two sessions free.
Anyone interested should contact Janie Timbers on Sidston 376568.
(50 words)
Questions Four:
Head Teacher of the school:
Why is there a need to add Chinese to the school's curriculum?
Do other school's curriculum in your borough also include Chinese? And what makes the school to do so?
How does the school reach its decision?
What do the the parents' opinion on the issue?
How important is it to learn Chinese?
Does the school's curriculum also include French, Germany or other foreign languages?
Representative of the parents:
What do you think the school's decision regarding including Chinese as part of the curriculum?
Do you want your children to learn another language? Why?
Why do you think the school make such a decision?
Do you think it is right to include Chinese as part of the curriculum?
Do you see the change just as to learn a foreign language, (no matter Chinese, Germany, French and at end of the day it is just a language) or you see it indicate another meaning - it is believed that China will become the next economic power, so learning Chinese might create more opportunities for the children themselves? What is your opinion about this?
Pupils:
What do you think to learn Chinese if your school include Chinese as part of the curriculum?
Are you learning other languages at the moment? Do you like learning languages?
Do you agree with school's new curriculum? Why?
What is the most difficult thing you can imagine now to learn a new language?
What is the best way to learn a language you think? For example, maybe go to a foreign country and stay there for a while, so you may learn quicker than learning a foreign language actually in your own country? What do you think?
Online:
A comprehensive summary of the story, regularly updated when information becomes available.
Web links guiding reader to appropriate sources of information such as the school's website, the BBC Learning Chinese website.
Cross refer to your newspaper which will carry a full story.
Invite reader to comment about the story and ask their views about the news curriculum planned by the school.
Create an online slide show to show the Chinese character samples as well as the Chinese culture.
Video:
Video key players of their interviews: head teacher from the school, parents representative, and the pupils.
Video pupils are learning Chinese.
Video local people's sound-bite views of the new curriculum.
Video local councillor or local MP commenting on the new curriculum.
Use the video of how the Chinese characters like as some background information in the news story.
Interaction:
Using text messages to break down the story and guide the recipients to your website or the newspaper about the story.
Set an e-mail alert to reader subscribers with the link to your web story.
Set up facebook and twitter page and invite locals to join and discuss their opinion on the new Chinese curriculum.
Invite reader to send in text messages of their views and publish them on your website or in the paper.
Ask your editor to comment on the story in his online and print editorial.
A campaign to crack down bogus organic food is to be launched in Sidston, according to senior Trading Standards Officer Kenneth Pindar.
The inquiry, which will begin this week, is to look at sale of ordinary meat labelled as more costly organic products.
He said: “It is a crime which may appear to carry little risk because most shoppers have no way of telling if they have been duped, and the incentives to cheat are considerable.”
According to Mr Pindar, an ordinary chicken can sell for £10-£11 when labelled as organic while beefsteak can make more than £29 per kg.
In order to change the situation, a new test has been brought in with success by Food Standards Agency to measure the quantity of antibiotics in meat and see if it is a genuine organic product.
Mr Pindar said: “A local market trader was fined for re-labelling ordinary beef as organic, in a neighbouring area a producer was found to be selling allegedly organic sausages at a farmers' market.”
Figures show organic food sales are rising by 12 per cent a year nationally and currently are worth £1.2 billion annually, with sales of organic meat reaching about £200million a year.
Lawrence Platt, an organic beef farmer at Westfield, a village five miles from Sidston, said he fully support this campaign, “there are some of us who can point the finger at traders we believe might be trying to pull the wool over the public's eyes.
“They deserve whatever they get. It's a scam that must be stopped.”
Meanwhile, spot checks will be continued and suspected traders will face fines of up to £5,000 for each offence if they fraud.
A spokesman for Soil Association said: “We would ask people to report dubious traders, either to us or Trading Standards.
Shoppers should be able to have confidence in all the genuine traders in organic produce, whether it is vegetables, fruit, bread or meat.”
(324 words)
Question Two
Mr Arthur Staten was devastated to lose his twelve pigeons and newly-hatched chicks during a fire incident yesterday around 7:15pm.
The 70-year-old widower, living at 16 Wakeman Road, Sidston, called the fire service when he saw the fire in a series of wooden outbuildings at a bungalow.
Two fire crews spent more than two hours extinguishing the blaze and neighbouring roads were closed due to smoke.
The incident started when rubbish was being burned in the garden.
(80 words)
Questions Three
Sidston Merry Choristers is recruiting new members to join their choir.
They practise every Wednesday evening at Sidston Girl's High School between 7pm and 9pm.
There is a fee for practice nights except to offer newcomers the first two sessions free.
Anyone interested should contact Janie Timbers on Sidston 376568.
(50 words)
Questions Four:
Head Teacher of the school:
Why is there a need to add Chinese to the school's curriculum?
Do other school's curriculum in your borough also include Chinese? And what makes the school to do so?
How does the school reach its decision?
What do the the parents' opinion on the issue?
How important is it to learn Chinese?
Does the school's curriculum also include French, Germany or other foreign languages?
Representative of the parents:
What do you think the school's decision regarding including Chinese as part of the curriculum?
Do you want your children to learn another language? Why?
Why do you think the school make such a decision?
Do you think it is right to include Chinese as part of the curriculum?
Do you see the change just as to learn a foreign language, (no matter Chinese, Germany, French and at end of the day it is just a language) or you see it indicate another meaning - it is believed that China will become the next economic power, so learning Chinese might create more opportunities for the children themselves? What is your opinion about this?
Pupils:
What do you think to learn Chinese if your school include Chinese as part of the curriculum?
Are you learning other languages at the moment? Do you like learning languages?
Do you agree with school's new curriculum? Why?
What is the most difficult thing you can imagine now to learn a new language?
What is the best way to learn a language you think? For example, maybe go to a foreign country and stay there for a while, so you may learn quicker than learning a foreign language actually in your own country? What do you think?
Online:
A comprehensive summary of the story, regularly updated when information becomes available.
Web links guiding reader to appropriate sources of information such as the school's website, the BBC Learning Chinese website.
Cross refer to your newspaper which will carry a full story.
Invite reader to comment about the story and ask their views about the news curriculum planned by the school.
Create an online slide show to show the Chinese character samples as well as the Chinese culture.
Video:
Video key players of their interviews: head teacher from the school, parents representative, and the pupils.
Video pupils are learning Chinese.
Video local people's sound-bite views of the new curriculum.
Video local councillor or local MP commenting on the new curriculum.
Use the video of how the Chinese characters like as some background information in the news story.
Interaction:
Using text messages to break down the story and guide the recipients to your website or the newspaper about the story.
Set an e-mail alert to reader subscribers with the link to your web story.
Set up facebook and twitter page and invite locals to join and discuss their opinion on the new Chinese curriculum.
Invite reader to send in text messages of their views and publish them on your website or in the paper.
Ask your editor to comment on the story in his online and print editorial.
Wednesday 28 July 2010
News writing - Eddingham Cathedral
Question 1:
A new initiative is to launch at Wilberforce Centre to help youngster discover their potential and provide a safe environment for their personal development.
The scheme is part of the improvement of Eddingham Cathedral, Eddingham, and its authorities have submitted a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for £100,000 to start a major revamp.
David Cressy, Provost at Cathedral, said about youngsters: “We shall establish their needs and aspirations and set up projects that will empower them to shape their own future.”
According to him, the Cathedral is frequently under attack by disenchanted or alienated youngsters and the latest incident will cost them more than £2,000 to put things right.
He said youngsters such as these need the right encouragement to become good citizens.
The Rev Nigel Bankes, director of the Wilberforce Centre, said: “We have already made various attempts to establish worthwhile contacts with some of the young people who gather in the cathedral precinct but a more concerted effort is required, backed up by improved facilities at the centre.
We hope these will come with the Lottery Fund project.”
If the project is successful, as Mr Cressy said, there will be a possible £4million refurbishment which will be directed at the Grade One listed building and the services it offers to the community.
Regarding people's thoughts to improve the Cathedral, among ideas already mooted are under-floor heating and new seats, other essential basics are a complete clean and re-wiring, as well as the fabric of the building.
Mrs Olive Marchant, who is a cabinet member for education at Eddingham Council, said: “the cathedral authorities will have our full support in developing and extending their outreach projects.”
Colonel Michael Foxworth, chairman of the Friends of Cathedral, said: “The bid for a lottery grant if it is successful, will only be the beginning.
“We will still face a huge challenge to find the necessary money for all the work that will be required.”
(325 words)
Question two:
A new community website, free of charge, has been launched by the council to help groups and organisations throughout the district get their message across.
The site will be at eddcom.org, any local group can join providing accept the terms and conditions.
so far thirty groups have expressed interest and all these will be on line the moment the website goes live next Monday.
Free training is available, and more information should contact on Eddingham 303031 or asking at libraries.
(80 words)
Question Three:
Firefighters extinguished the fire, lasted 30 minutes, on a single-decker bus parked at the city centre bus station at 10:45pm yesterday, and no passengers on board and there was no damage other than the vehicle.
The driver realised the engine compartment was in flames and called the 999.
(49 words)
Questions four:
Police:
How did it happen?
What did you and your team do after being contacted by the supermarket car park?
What is the case's situation now?
What is development of the case since being told where the three medals are?
Do you think will there be a trial?
Is there any possibility for identity parade?
Spokesman at the local regiment
What do these medals mean to the regiment?
Who owned these three medals before?
How important are they to the regiment?
When did your regiment realise that these three medals had been lost?
How did the incident happen?
Manager of the supermarket car park:
What happened when discovering these three medals at your car park?
Who found out them at the beginning?
What did your car park do afterwards (after discovering the medals)?
Have you seen anyone suspicious these couple of days around the car park?
Could you describe the situation in details when discovering the medals at your car park?
Online:
Write the summary of the story online, as well as updating the story when new information becomes available.
Using embedded links to guide readers to appropriate information, such as the the police website, the local regiment's website, as well as the supermarket's website
Cross refer to the newspaper where the full story is going to be pusblished.
Creating an online slide show, using different images to show the story, such as the supermarket car park, the medals, the scene where discovering the medals.
Start an online campaign to discuss about the safety issue, as well as ask the police to join and help tackle the issue.
Video:
Video the key players, such as the police, the spokesman of the local regiment, and the manager of the supermarket car park.
Video the reporter who is doing his/her piece of camera and taking about the incident.
Video the demonstration which was kicked off by the incident to appeal a safe community and a safe environment.
Using mobile phone video contributed by the local residents, filming what was happening during the scene when discovering the three medals.
Video the local resident about their sound-bite view of the incident.
Other digital interaction:
Set up a facebook page or twitter page to discuss about the issue and update new development.
Set up an e-mail alert to tell subscribers about the three medal story is online now.
Ask residents to send text message back with their views about the incident and publish them online.
Invite editor to write a comment on his/her print publication or online publication.
Invite a person from the local regiment to write a blog talking about the three medals and the incident.
A new initiative is to launch at Wilberforce Centre to help youngster discover their potential and provide a safe environment for their personal development.
The scheme is part of the improvement of Eddingham Cathedral, Eddingham, and its authorities have submitted a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for £100,000 to start a major revamp.
David Cressy, Provost at Cathedral, said about youngsters: “We shall establish their needs and aspirations and set up projects that will empower them to shape their own future.”
According to him, the Cathedral is frequently under attack by disenchanted or alienated youngsters and the latest incident will cost them more than £2,000 to put things right.
He said youngsters such as these need the right encouragement to become good citizens.
The Rev Nigel Bankes, director of the Wilberforce Centre, said: “We have already made various attempts to establish worthwhile contacts with some of the young people who gather in the cathedral precinct but a more concerted effort is required, backed up by improved facilities at the centre.
We hope these will come with the Lottery Fund project.”
If the project is successful, as Mr Cressy said, there will be a possible £4million refurbishment which will be directed at the Grade One listed building and the services it offers to the community.
Regarding people's thoughts to improve the Cathedral, among ideas already mooted are under-floor heating and new seats, other essential basics are a complete clean and re-wiring, as well as the fabric of the building.
Mrs Olive Marchant, who is a cabinet member for education at Eddingham Council, said: “the cathedral authorities will have our full support in developing and extending their outreach projects.”
Colonel Michael Foxworth, chairman of the Friends of Cathedral, said: “The bid for a lottery grant if it is successful, will only be the beginning.
“We will still face a huge challenge to find the necessary money for all the work that will be required.”
(325 words)
Question two:
A new community website, free of charge, has been launched by the council to help groups and organisations throughout the district get their message across.
The site will be at eddcom.org, any local group can join providing accept the terms and conditions.
so far thirty groups have expressed interest and all these will be on line the moment the website goes live next Monday.
Free training is available, and more information should contact on Eddingham 303031 or asking at libraries.
(80 words)
Question Three:
Firefighters extinguished the fire, lasted 30 minutes, on a single-decker bus parked at the city centre bus station at 10:45pm yesterday, and no passengers on board and there was no damage other than the vehicle.
The driver realised the engine compartment was in flames and called the 999.
(49 words)
Questions four:
Police:
How did it happen?
What did you and your team do after being contacted by the supermarket car park?
What is the case's situation now?
What is development of the case since being told where the three medals are?
Do you think will there be a trial?
Is there any possibility for identity parade?
Spokesman at the local regiment
What do these medals mean to the regiment?
Who owned these three medals before?
How important are they to the regiment?
When did your regiment realise that these three medals had been lost?
How did the incident happen?
Manager of the supermarket car park:
What happened when discovering these three medals at your car park?
Who found out them at the beginning?
What did your car park do afterwards (after discovering the medals)?
Have you seen anyone suspicious these couple of days around the car park?
Could you describe the situation in details when discovering the medals at your car park?
Online:
Write the summary of the story online, as well as updating the story when new information becomes available.
Using embedded links to guide readers to appropriate information, such as the the police website, the local regiment's website, as well as the supermarket's website
Cross refer to the newspaper where the full story is going to be pusblished.
Creating an online slide show, using different images to show the story, such as the supermarket car park, the medals, the scene where discovering the medals.
Start an online campaign to discuss about the safety issue, as well as ask the police to join and help tackle the issue.
Video:
Video the key players, such as the police, the spokesman of the local regiment, and the manager of the supermarket car park.
Video the reporter who is doing his/her piece of camera and taking about the incident.
Video the demonstration which was kicked off by the incident to appeal a safe community and a safe environment.
Using mobile phone video contributed by the local residents, filming what was happening during the scene when discovering the three medals.
Video the local resident about their sound-bite view of the incident.
Other digital interaction:
Set up a facebook page or twitter page to discuss about the issue and update new development.
Set up an e-mail alert to tell subscribers about the three medal story is online now.
Ask residents to send text message back with their views about the incident and publish them online.
Invite editor to write a comment on his/her print publication or online publication.
Invite a person from the local regiment to write a blog talking about the three medals and the incident.
Tuesday 27 July 2010
Cricket projects to include young women (second version)
by Yixiang Zeng
Young women in Harrow are to be encouraged to join cricket schemes to tackle anti-social behaviour and reduce crime.
Chief Inspector Nick Davies gave the Harrow Police and Community Consultative Group (HPCCG) a presentation on Monday night on how the sport is being used to bring different religious groups together.
The meeting at the Civic Centre also included updates on issues including police performance and ‘stop and search’ powers.
Speaking about the police’s coaching projects, Chief Inspector Davies said: “We want to involve different groups in the cricket scheme and it is hard to reach young people.
“Crimes target young people, so by involving them into the scheme, it can improve their self-esteem.”
The Borough Commander, Chief Superintendent Dal Babu, also updated the HPCCG meeting on how his force was performing.
He said motor vehicle crime and the theft of motor vehicles had declined by 18 per cent compared the same period last year, which meets their target.
Other offences, such as residential burglary and robbery, had also steadily declined but were not currently meeting targets that had been set.
Mr Babu also said he wanted to make sure people were offered more support when involved in crimes. He also stressed the need for police and local authorities to work more efficiently when handling offenders.
He said: “What we need to be looking at is how we support victims, and make sure they get support while they go to prosecution.
“We also make sure the information on offenders is shared.”
Mr Babu also answered questions about cuts in police funding, but said he would have to wait for full details to be released by the Government to see what effect the changes would have on Harrow,
Concerns were raised about the police’s use of ‘stop and search’ powers, with one Queensbury councilor calling for better education on which extremist or radical groups had been banned.
Councillor Zarina Khalid said residents were sometimes handed leaflets from groups without knowing who they were.
She said they faced long delays when stopped by officers, but without knowing the material they had been given would get them into trouble.
Young women in Harrow are to be encouraged to join cricket schemes to tackle anti-social behaviour and reduce crime.
Chief Inspector Nick Davies gave the Harrow Police and Community Consultative Group (HPCCG) a presentation on Monday night on how the sport is being used to bring different religious groups together.
The meeting at the Civic Centre also included updates on issues including police performance and ‘stop and search’ powers.
Speaking about the police’s coaching projects, Chief Inspector Davies said: “We want to involve different groups in the cricket scheme and it is hard to reach young people.
“Crimes target young people, so by involving them into the scheme, it can improve their self-esteem.”
The Borough Commander, Chief Superintendent Dal Babu, also updated the HPCCG meeting on how his force was performing.
He said motor vehicle crime and the theft of motor vehicles had declined by 18 per cent compared the same period last year, which meets their target.
Other offences, such as residential burglary and robbery, had also steadily declined but were not currently meeting targets that had been set.
Mr Babu also said he wanted to make sure people were offered more support when involved in crimes. He also stressed the need for police and local authorities to work more efficiently when handling offenders.
He said: “What we need to be looking at is how we support victims, and make sure they get support while they go to prosecution.
“We also make sure the information on offenders is shared.”
Mr Babu also answered questions about cuts in police funding, but said he would have to wait for full details to be released by the Government to see what effect the changes would have on Harrow,
Concerns were raised about the police’s use of ‘stop and search’ powers, with one Queensbury councilor calling for better education on which extremist or radical groups had been banned.
Councillor Zarina Khalid said residents were sometimes handed leaflets from groups without knowing who they were.
She said they faced long delays when stopped by officers, but without knowing the material they had been given would get them into trouble.
Harrow Police and Community Consultative Group story (first version)
by Yixiang Zeng
Young women will be encouraged to take part in the borough's cricket scheme to tackle anti-social behaviour and reduce crime.
The event, held by Harrow Police and Community Consultative Group (HPCCG), discussed a string of issues such as Independent Custody Visitors, police performance on handling crimes, and “stop and search”.
Chief Inspector Nick Davies gave a talk about the force's cricket coaching, he said: “We want to involve different groups in cricket scheme, and it is hard to reach young people.
“Young men and young women, not only men, but also to involve young women in the cricket sport and most of them are very engaging.”
In relation to borough's crime issue, Mr Davies added: “Crimes target young people, so involving them into the scheme, it can improve their self-esteem.”
The meeting also kept the public informed of recent police performance on handling crimes, Borough Commander Chief Superintendent Dal Babu said: “What we need to be looking at is how we support victims, and make sure support while they go to prosecution.”
Regarding offenders, he said: “We also make sure the information of offenders [are shared].”
According to Mr Babu at yesterday evening's meeting at Harrow Civic Centre, Motor Vehicle Crime, theft of motor vehicle, has declined rapidly by 18 per cent compared the same period last year, which meets the target.
Other offences such as residential burglary and robbery have steadily declined but do not meet the targets.
When discussing “stop and search”, Councillor Zarina Khalid from Queensbury ward raised a concern by saying “people should be educated of which group's information being banned”.
She explained that sometimes people do not know the information they received is banned by the police, such as views on extremism.
If police find these materials during “stop and search”, it will be a big disturbance for their daily routine.
Young women will be encouraged to take part in the borough's cricket scheme to tackle anti-social behaviour and reduce crime.
The event, held by Harrow Police and Community Consultative Group (HPCCG), discussed a string of issues such as Independent Custody Visitors, police performance on handling crimes, and “stop and search”.
Chief Inspector Nick Davies gave a talk about the force's cricket coaching, he said: “We want to involve different groups in cricket scheme, and it is hard to reach young people.
“Young men and young women, not only men, but also to involve young women in the cricket sport and most of them are very engaging.”
In relation to borough's crime issue, Mr Davies added: “Crimes target young people, so involving them into the scheme, it can improve their self-esteem.”
The meeting also kept the public informed of recent police performance on handling crimes, Borough Commander Chief Superintendent Dal Babu said: “What we need to be looking at is how we support victims, and make sure support while they go to prosecution.”
Regarding offenders, he said: “We also make sure the information of offenders [are shared].”
According to Mr Babu at yesterday evening's meeting at Harrow Civic Centre, Motor Vehicle Crime, theft of motor vehicle, has declined rapidly by 18 per cent compared the same period last year, which meets the target.
Other offences such as residential burglary and robbery have steadily declined but do not meet the targets.
When discussing “stop and search”, Councillor Zarina Khalid from Queensbury ward raised a concern by saying “people should be educated of which group's information being banned”.
She explained that sometimes people do not know the information they received is banned by the police, such as views on extremism.
If police find these materials during “stop and search”, it will be a big disturbance for their daily routine.
Monday 26 July 2010
Media Law: Court Reporting – 9 July 2009 (part two)
8. Two men are jailed after pleading not guilty to fraud charges. Defence counsel tell the crown Court, after the sentencing that the men will eventually appeal against conviction. In the light of the lawyers' statement. When can a newspaper safely publish a background article which had been prepared for when the trial was over? The answer must illustrate how conclusions are based on the Contempt of Court Act 1981. (15 marks)
Answer:
It is safe to publish the background article after the sentencing because at that point the case ceases to be “active” under the Act.
The case would become “active”again when the appeal is lodged, so nothing should then be published which creates a substantial risk of serious prejudice.
However such an appeal would be heard by the Court of Appeal and the judges there are unlikely to be influenced by pre-appeal media coverage, so there is no risk of it breaching the rule in that respect.
But if a new jury trial is ordered to take place, at that point care must be exercised in what is published to avoid committing contempt/creating a substantial risk of serious prejudice as regards the retrial.
9. A man pleads guilty in a magistrates' court to charge of theft from his employer. There is no departure from the usual court procedure, but at the end of the case, after the man has been fined, his solicitor asks the magistrates to consider asking an order permanently prohibiting the man's identification in newspaper reports of the case. The solicitor says that such publicity would harm his client's chances of finding a alternative employment
Can the magistrates validly make such an order at the end of the case under the Contempt of Court Act? The answer must indicate how conclusions are reached. (10 marks)
Answer:
Under Section 11 order of Contempt Court Act, it states the order is an order whereby the court can extend a courtroom ban on the use of someone's name or other details to prevent publication of that information by the media. Only to be granted:
(1) where necessary; (2) to avoid frustrating or rendering impractical; (3) the administration of justice; (4) not for the comfort and convenience of the defendant; (5) cannot be used unless name and/or address has already been withheld from the public in the case.
Typically the order is used to protect blackmailed victims; protect national security, state secrets by not revealing alleged betrayal's identity; as well as forbidding reports of the case publishing the data or process details.
Therefore, the magistrates cannot validly make such an order at the end of the case.
10. What circumstances could publishing a photograph of a defendant be regarded as being in contempt of court because of a statute? What is the relevant statute?
Name the Act which bans the taking of photographs, or making of sketches, of people involved in court cases when they are inside a courtroom. Does this law apply beyond the actual courtroom? Explain the law's scope, and how court artists comply with it while producing sketches for the media. (25 marks)
&&&&&&&&&&&&
11. A woman pleads guilty in a magistrates' court to stealing good worth £30 from a supermarket. She tells the court that she stole to fed her two hungry children children that day, after her benefit money ran out. She is put on probation for two years.
One local newspaper, in its first available issue, reports this court case fairly and accurately, except that is names the wrong supermarket.
Another weekly paper caries, on the same day, a report of the case which is fair and accurate and gives the same quote and detail but for the fact that it states the value of the stolen goods to have been £300.
Explain the position in defamation law of both newspapers, as regards these particular court reports.
Can either or both be sued successfully for libel?
In your answer, set out what the law requires of reports of court cases, if a media organisation is to enjoy protection from libel actions when publishing such reports. (20 marks)
&&&&&&&&&&&&&
13. Sam Nemot, a Member of Parliament, is found guilty at the Crown Court of rape and sentenced to five years' imprisonment. The next day The Daily Oracle publishes a news story reporting the verdict and sentence, and an editorial in which it expresses opinions which include, “Parliament is well rid of this man”.
Mr Nemot's conviction is later quashed by the Court of Appeal and the newspaper reports the next day that court's decision. He then sues that the newspaper over the original news story and the editorial comment.
What is the newspaper's liability, if any, for defamation?
Answer:
The newspaper's original news story is covered by absolute privilege, provided all the defence's requirements are met.
Under the Defamation Act 1996 Absolute Privilege for court copy in all UK courts, inquests, military courts, etc. It gives immunity from libel providing the article is: (1) fair (balanced); (2) accurate (especially charge, names, plea and case continuing) (minor inaccuracies will not defeat the privilege); (3) published contemporaneously (first available edition); and (4) the report is of judicial proceedings (not outbursts or interruptions [if people making them are not involved in the case] or reports not read out in court – so do not publish defamatory outbursts – they ar enot protected. Non-defamatory parts of outbursts may be published); (5) held in public in the UK (or in European Courts of Justice and Human Rights).
Non-contemporaneous court reports get Qualified Privilege.
The editorial comment is covered by fair comment. It applies to comments/opinions only. The defendant must proves: (1) the comment is recognisable as comment; (2) it is based on provably true facts or privileged matter; (3) sufficiently referred/alluded to, indicated or stated in what is published with the comment – usually set out in the article unless already well-known; (4) it is an honestly held opinion (I.e. what the writer genuinely believed); and (5) it was on a matter of public interest (including TV, film or restaurant reviews).
Therefore, as long as comment met the above requirements, it should be safely published.
Irish News used fair comment as the protection to successfully appealed its restaurant review case. The previous award was quashed on appeal.
Answer:
It is safe to publish the background article after the sentencing because at that point the case ceases to be “active” under the Act.
The case would become “active”again when the appeal is lodged, so nothing should then be published which creates a substantial risk of serious prejudice.
However such an appeal would be heard by the Court of Appeal and the judges there are unlikely to be influenced by pre-appeal media coverage, so there is no risk of it breaching the rule in that respect.
But if a new jury trial is ordered to take place, at that point care must be exercised in what is published to avoid committing contempt/creating a substantial risk of serious prejudice as regards the retrial.
9. A man pleads guilty in a magistrates' court to charge of theft from his employer. There is no departure from the usual court procedure, but at the end of the case, after the man has been fined, his solicitor asks the magistrates to consider asking an order permanently prohibiting the man's identification in newspaper reports of the case. The solicitor says that such publicity would harm his client's chances of finding a alternative employment
Can the magistrates validly make such an order at the end of the case under the Contempt of Court Act? The answer must indicate how conclusions are reached. (10 marks)
Answer:
Under Section 11 order of Contempt Court Act, it states the order is an order whereby the court can extend a courtroom ban on the use of someone's name or other details to prevent publication of that information by the media. Only to be granted:
(1) where necessary; (2) to avoid frustrating or rendering impractical; (3) the administration of justice; (4) not for the comfort and convenience of the defendant; (5) cannot be used unless name and/or address has already been withheld from the public in the case.
Typically the order is used to protect blackmailed victims; protect national security, state secrets by not revealing alleged betrayal's identity; as well as forbidding reports of the case publishing the data or process details.
Therefore, the magistrates cannot validly make such an order at the end of the case.
10. What circumstances could publishing a photograph of a defendant be regarded as being in contempt of court because of a statute? What is the relevant statute?
Name the Act which bans the taking of photographs, or making of sketches, of people involved in court cases when they are inside a courtroom. Does this law apply beyond the actual courtroom? Explain the law's scope, and how court artists comply with it while producing sketches for the media. (25 marks)
&&&&&&&&&&&&
11. A woman pleads guilty in a magistrates' court to stealing good worth £30 from a supermarket. She tells the court that she stole to fed her two hungry children children that day, after her benefit money ran out. She is put on probation for two years.
One local newspaper, in its first available issue, reports this court case fairly and accurately, except that is names the wrong supermarket.
Another weekly paper caries, on the same day, a report of the case which is fair and accurate and gives the same quote and detail but for the fact that it states the value of the stolen goods to have been £300.
Explain the position in defamation law of both newspapers, as regards these particular court reports.
Can either or both be sued successfully for libel?
In your answer, set out what the law requires of reports of court cases, if a media organisation is to enjoy protection from libel actions when publishing such reports. (20 marks)
&&&&&&&&&&&&&
13. Sam Nemot, a Member of Parliament, is found guilty at the Crown Court of rape and sentenced to five years' imprisonment. The next day The Daily Oracle publishes a news story reporting the verdict and sentence, and an editorial in which it expresses opinions which include, “Parliament is well rid of this man”.
Mr Nemot's conviction is later quashed by the Court of Appeal and the newspaper reports the next day that court's decision. He then sues that the newspaper over the original news story and the editorial comment.
What is the newspaper's liability, if any, for defamation?
Answer:
The newspaper's original news story is covered by absolute privilege, provided all the defence's requirements are met.
Under the Defamation Act 1996 Absolute Privilege for court copy in all UK courts, inquests, military courts, etc. It gives immunity from libel providing the article is: (1) fair (balanced); (2) accurate (especially charge, names, plea and case continuing) (minor inaccuracies will not defeat the privilege); (3) published contemporaneously (first available edition); and (4) the report is of judicial proceedings (not outbursts or interruptions [if people making them are not involved in the case] or reports not read out in court – so do not publish defamatory outbursts – they ar enot protected. Non-defamatory parts of outbursts may be published); (5) held in public in the UK (or in European Courts of Justice and Human Rights).
Non-contemporaneous court reports get Qualified Privilege.
The editorial comment is covered by fair comment. It applies to comments/opinions only. The defendant must proves: (1) the comment is recognisable as comment; (2) it is based on provably true facts or privileged matter; (3) sufficiently referred/alluded to, indicated or stated in what is published with the comment – usually set out in the article unless already well-known; (4) it is an honestly held opinion (I.e. what the writer genuinely believed); and (5) it was on a matter of public interest (including TV, film or restaurant reviews).
Therefore, as long as comment met the above requirements, it should be safely published.
Irish News used fair comment as the protection to successfully appealed its restaurant review case. The previous award was quashed on appeal.
Sunday 25 July 2010
Media Law: Court Reporting – 9 July 2009 (part one)
1. Match up the following terms and descriptions. If, for example, there was a term numbered 10 and a matching description marked F, the answer should be presented as 10 – F. (10 marks)
Answer:
Burglary: entering a building as a trespasser and stealing or attempting to steal.
Theft: dishonest appropriation or property belonging to another with the intention of permanently depriving the other of it.
Robbery: stealing by force or threat of force.
Blackmail: making an unwarranted demand with menaces.
Handling: dishonestly receiving goods, knowing or believing them to be stolen.
2. Reports of some court proceedings are restricted by the Magistrates' Court 2980. Do any such restrictions apply when the magistrates: (a) Commit a defendant for sentence at crown court?
Remand a defendant for a week to a await committal proceedings? Hear prosecution evidence begin as they try a defendant summarily on a burglary charge? State your reasons (20 marks)
Answer:
(a) No, report restriction does not apply.
As the Magistrates Court has committed the defendant for sentence at Crown Court, that means summary proceedings has already been held.
However, Magistrates Court Act 1980 does not cover cases being dealt with summarily – trial in Magistrates Court.
(b) Yes, report restriction applies.
As regards a committal hearing, under the section 8 restrictions the media can report: any decision of the magistrates to commit any defendant to Crown court for trial, unless defendant requests restrictions are to be lifted.
(c)No, report restriction does not apply.
Because restrictions do not apply once magistrates have decided to try a triable either-way offences case summarily (trial in Magistrates Court).
3. Should anything be amended in the following court report to comply with:
(a) the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980; or
(b) the Sexual Offences Act?
Explain your conclusions.
A 19-year-old woman has been accused of making a false claim of rape. Wilhelma Wigan, of St Non's Avenue, Downton, is charged with perjury by falsely signing a statement telling police she was raped. Bernard Brussells, prosecuting, told Downton Magistrates that Wigan claimed in the statement that Harry Hemnall raped her at knifepoint after following her from a nightclub. Mr. Hemnall, of Theydon Grove, Bassettford, was arrested and held by police for 17 hours. Two days later Wigan admitted the allegation was false, Mr. Brussells added. The magistrates bailed Wigan and sent her case to Crown Court for trial. (10 marks)
Answer:
The Magistrates' Court Act 1980 Section 8 ten points applies, unless decision is made to try case summarily (trial in Magistrates Court), or the defendant requests report restrictions are to be lifted.
In this case, the Sexual Offences Act 2003 does not apply, because Wigan was not raped by Harry Hemnall, so there is no need to worry revealing Wigan's identity, and she is not entitled to lifelong anonymity.
However, “Mr. Hemnall, of Theydon Grove, Bassettford, was arrested and held by police for 17 hours. Two days later Wigan admitted the allegation was false, Mr. Brussells added.” should be removed, as these details explanation of the case development was not covered by the report restriction.
Other description can be published as covered by report restriction.
4. What power does an adult criminal court have to prevent the media from identifying children or young persons involved in its proceedings? Explain the scope of this power. What is the media's legal position as regards identifying such individuals if this power is not invoked? (15 marks)
Answer:
When children or young persons appears in adult criminal court, their names can be named unless the court impose section 39 order under Children and Young Persons Act 1993, if made reporters cannot publish: (1) name; (2) address; (3) school; (4) photo; or (5) anything else likely to lead to the identification of a child or young person (under 18) involved ion the proceedings (defendant, victim, witness).
If this power is not invoked, then the media can identify these individuals.
5. Under what circumstances may the ban on identifying a child or young person appearing at youth court be lifted? (20 marks)
Answer:
Under these following circumstances the ban Section 49 Children and Young Persons Act 1933 at youth court will be lifted:
(1) by the Magistrates or the Home Secretary, to avoid injustice to the juvenile;
(2) by the youth court by the Director of Public Prosecutions (e.g. by a Crown Prosecution Service lawyer) applying for the lifting under the criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 in order to trace a juvenile at large after appearing in the Youth Court charged with a violent or sexual offence or any offence for which an adult could be jailed for 14 years or more; or
(3) under the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997, the Magistrates may lift the restriction on identifying a convicted juvenile after conviction where they believe it is in the public interest to do so (usually upon application by the media), but before doing so they must allow the prosecution the defence and often the media to make representations.
(4) The restrictions cease to apply once the child or young person turns 18.
(5) Section 49 does not apply to reports of the subsequent Antisocial Behaviour Order (ASBO) proceedings if ASBO is imposed; Section 49 still applies to reports of the hearing while the application is part-heard and adjourned or if no ASBO is imposed.
6. What is the law on identifying the alleged victim of a sexual assault?
Give two examples of circumstances in which restrictions on identity are not applicable in case of sexual assault. (15 marks)
Answer:
The Sexual Offences 2003 sates: (1) apply automatically to grant anonymity for life to a person who complains they are a victim of a sexual offence listed in the Act – even if they subsequently withdraw their complaint.
(2) From the point of complaint cannot publish anything if it is likely to lead to the identification of the complainant as a victim of such an offence, for example, name, address, photo or identity of school/college/workplace. Jigsaw effect is needed to be aware.
(3) Cannot identify the victim as a victim in any publication in any circumstances (it does not just apply to reports of sex offence proceedings).
(4) Cannot identify the victim in reports of civil proceedings (e.g. a damages claim by rape victim or in reports of Employment Tribunal proceedings.
(5) A “complaint” can be made by someone acting on the person's behalf, and to the police, a rape centre or even to a journalist for example.
Two examples of circumstances in which restrictions on identity are not applicable:
(1) The court is satisfied they impose a substantial and unreasonable restriction on the reporting of the trial and it is in the public interest to lift them;
(2) The accused satisfies the court that it is necessary to lift them to induce witnesses to come forward, and the defence would be substantially prejudiced if they are not lifted or the defendant would suffer substantial injustice;
7. Generally, common law provides for criminal proceedings to be held in public Name two exceptions whereby the press might be excluded from these proceedings involving adult defendants. (10 marks)
Answer:
Burglary: entering a building as a trespasser and stealing or attempting to steal.
Theft: dishonest appropriation or property belonging to another with the intention of permanently depriving the other of it.
Robbery: stealing by force or threat of force.
Blackmail: making an unwarranted demand with menaces.
Handling: dishonestly receiving goods, knowing or believing them to be stolen.
2. Reports of some court proceedings are restricted by the Magistrates' Court 2980. Do any such restrictions apply when the magistrates: (a) Commit a defendant for sentence at crown court?
Remand a defendant for a week to a await committal proceedings? Hear prosecution evidence begin as they try a defendant summarily on a burglary charge? State your reasons (20 marks)
Answer:
(a) No, report restriction does not apply.
As the Magistrates Court has committed the defendant for sentence at Crown Court, that means summary proceedings has already been held.
However, Magistrates Court Act 1980 does not cover cases being dealt with summarily – trial in Magistrates Court.
(b) Yes, report restriction applies.
As regards a committal hearing, under the section 8 restrictions the media can report: any decision of the magistrates to commit any defendant to Crown court for trial, unless defendant requests restrictions are to be lifted.
(c)No, report restriction does not apply.
Because restrictions do not apply once magistrates have decided to try a triable either-way offences case summarily (trial in Magistrates Court).
3. Should anything be amended in the following court report to comply with:
(a) the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980; or
(b) the Sexual Offences Act?
Explain your conclusions.
A 19-year-old woman has been accused of making a false claim of rape. Wilhelma Wigan, of St Non's Avenue, Downton, is charged with perjury by falsely signing a statement telling police she was raped. Bernard Brussells, prosecuting, told Downton Magistrates that Wigan claimed in the statement that Harry Hemnall raped her at knifepoint after following her from a nightclub. Mr. Hemnall, of Theydon Grove, Bassettford, was arrested and held by police for 17 hours. Two days later Wigan admitted the allegation was false, Mr. Brussells added. The magistrates bailed Wigan and sent her case to Crown Court for trial. (10 marks)
Answer:
The Magistrates' Court Act 1980 Section 8 ten points applies, unless decision is made to try case summarily (trial in Magistrates Court), or the defendant requests report restrictions are to be lifted.
In this case, the Sexual Offences Act 2003 does not apply, because Wigan was not raped by Harry Hemnall, so there is no need to worry revealing Wigan's identity, and she is not entitled to lifelong anonymity.
However, “Mr. Hemnall, of Theydon Grove, Bassettford, was arrested and held by police for 17 hours. Two days later Wigan admitted the allegation was false, Mr. Brussells added.” should be removed, as these details explanation of the case development was not covered by the report restriction.
Other description can be published as covered by report restriction.
4. What power does an adult criminal court have to prevent the media from identifying children or young persons involved in its proceedings? Explain the scope of this power. What is the media's legal position as regards identifying such individuals if this power is not invoked? (15 marks)
Answer:
When children or young persons appears in adult criminal court, their names can be named unless the court impose section 39 order under Children and Young Persons Act 1993, if made reporters cannot publish: (1) name; (2) address; (3) school; (4) photo; or (5) anything else likely to lead to the identification of a child or young person (under 18) involved ion the proceedings (defendant, victim, witness).
If this power is not invoked, then the media can identify these individuals.
5. Under what circumstances may the ban on identifying a child or young person appearing at youth court be lifted? (20 marks)
Answer:
Under these following circumstances the ban Section 49 Children and Young Persons Act 1933 at youth court will be lifted:
(1) by the Magistrates or the Home Secretary, to avoid injustice to the juvenile;
(2) by the youth court by the Director of Public Prosecutions (e.g. by a Crown Prosecution Service lawyer) applying for the lifting under the criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 in order to trace a juvenile at large after appearing in the Youth Court charged with a violent or sexual offence or any offence for which an adult could be jailed for 14 years or more; or
(3) under the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997, the Magistrates may lift the restriction on identifying a convicted juvenile after conviction where they believe it is in the public interest to do so (usually upon application by the media), but before doing so they must allow the prosecution the defence and often the media to make representations.
(4) The restrictions cease to apply once the child or young person turns 18.
(5) Section 49 does not apply to reports of the subsequent Antisocial Behaviour Order (ASBO) proceedings if ASBO is imposed; Section 49 still applies to reports of the hearing while the application is part-heard and adjourned or if no ASBO is imposed.
6. What is the law on identifying the alleged victim of a sexual assault?
Give two examples of circumstances in which restrictions on identity are not applicable in case of sexual assault. (15 marks)
Answer:
The Sexual Offences 2003 sates: (1) apply automatically to grant anonymity for life to a person who complains they are a victim of a sexual offence listed in the Act – even if they subsequently withdraw their complaint.
(2) From the point of complaint cannot publish anything if it is likely to lead to the identification of the complainant as a victim of such an offence, for example, name, address, photo or identity of school/college/workplace. Jigsaw effect is needed to be aware.
(3) Cannot identify the victim as a victim in any publication in any circumstances (it does not just apply to reports of sex offence proceedings).
(4) Cannot identify the victim in reports of civil proceedings (e.g. a damages claim by rape victim or in reports of Employment Tribunal proceedings.
(5) A “complaint” can be made by someone acting on the person's behalf, and to the police, a rape centre or even to a journalist for example.
Two examples of circumstances in which restrictions on identity are not applicable:
(1) The court is satisfied they impose a substantial and unreasonable restriction on the reporting of the trial and it is in the public interest to lift them;
(2) The accused satisfies the court that it is necessary to lift them to induce witnesses to come forward, and the defence would be substantially prejudiced if they are not lifted or the defendant would suffer substantial injustice;
7. Generally, common law provides for criminal proceedings to be held in public Name two exceptions whereby the press might be excluded from these proceedings involving adult defendants. (10 marks)
Media Law: Court reporting - 8 August 2009 (part two)
7.At an inquest into the death of a woman who had taken an overdoes of pills, her husband says she had been depressed for many years and the reasons was that, as a child, she had been sexually abused by her brother, Edward, who lives in the United States. The coroner makes no order restricting reporting of the inquest. Can the media when reporting the inquest
(a) Safely name woman as a victim of a sexual offence?
(b) Safely report the defamatory allegations against her brother, Edward? (15 marks)
Answer:
(a) According to The Sexual Offences Act 2003, the restriction can be lifted when the complaint dies, so the women can be safely names as a sexual offence.
(b) Under the defamation Act 1996 Absolute Privilege, it gives immunity from libel for court copy in all UK courts, inquests, military courts etc, provided all the defence's requirements were met:
(1)fair (balanced); (2) accurate (especially charge, name, plea and case continuing and minor inaccuracies will not defeat the privilege); (3) published contemporaneously (first available edition); and (4) the report is of judicial proceedings (not outbursts and interruptions [if people making them are not involved in the case] or reports not read out in court – defamatory outbursts are not protected. Non-defamatory outbursts may be published); (5) held in public in the UK (or in European Courts of Justice and Human Rights). Non-contemporaneous court reports get Qualified Privilege.
Therefore the defamatory allegations can be safely reported.
8. A councillor is fined by magistrates for using a television set without having a television licence. A weekly newspaper's headline to a fair and accurate report of the case, published two days after the hearing, reads: “Councillor fined for TV licence dodging”.
(a) What legal danger is there in this headline? Explain the relevant law.
(b) Write a headline that would be safe. (15 marks)
Answer:
(a) The legal danger is “fined for TV licence dodging” implies dishonesty, but there might be other reasons rather than intending to using the TV set without a licence, if so then the headline is not accurate and would be sued for libel.
(b) The safe headline would be: “Councillor fined without a TV licence”.
9 Two men appear at a magistrates' court, accused of sexually assaulting boys. The court clerk begins the hearing by checking the defendants' names and addresses with them, and she reads the charges to them. After the court grants both men bail, their solicitors ask the magistrates to make an order under section 11 of the Contempt of Court Act 1981 to prohibit publication of the defendants' home addresses because otherwise. The solicitors argue, the defendants will suffer hostility from the local community. In support of this application, the solicitors quote article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
Assume that you are a reporter at this hearing, and that you draft a note to the magistrates to object to such an order being made. In the note, what would you state about:
(a) the circumstance in which a section 11 order can be imposed, and
(b) the European Convention on Human Rights? (20 marks)
Answer:
(a). Section 11 order is an order whereby the court can extend a courtroom ban on the use of someone's name or other details to prevent publication of that information by the media. Only to be granted:
(1) where necessary; (2) to avoid frustrating or rendering impractical; (3) the administration of justice; (4) not for the comfort and convenience of the defendant;
(5) cannot be used unless name and/or address has already been withheld from the public in the case.
Typically the order is used to protect blackmailed victims; protect national security, state secrets by not revealing alleged betrayal's identity; as well as forbidding reports of the case publishing the data or process details.
(b). According Article 8: Right to respect for private and family life, it includes two items, though the first one states: everyone has the right to respect for his private and family life, his home and his correspondence.
The second item then emphasizes that certain conditions are exceptions, such as “the interest of national security, public safety or the economic well-being of the country, prevention of disorder or crime,protection of health or morals, and the rights and freedoms of others”.
10. (1) Give one example of circumstances in which a court might exercise its power under Section 4 of the Contempt of Court Act 1981 to postpone media reports of all or part of a particular case.
Answer:
For example, a judge could order that no report of the first trial should be published until the second trial is concluded:
If a defendant, or several defendants, are to be dealt with in more than one rial, media reports of the first trial in the series – for example, concerning alleged smuggling of heroin – could arguably if published contemporaneously, and especially if any defendant is convicted, influence people who read such reports and who are then selected as jurors for the next trial in the series, which could concern different allegations of drug-smuggling against the same defendant(s).
The jury in the second trial, because of the principle of the presumption of innocence for defendants, may well be told nothing in the second trial about the earlier trial.
Yet if a juror in this trial remembers media reports of the first, he/she may be more likely to find defendant guilty, in that it will be clear that the defendant has featured in more than one drugs case.
In addition, in order to subject to such an order, other requirements should be met: (1) fair;(2)accurate; and (3) contemporaneous report of court proceedings held in public; (4)in good faith (meaning of good faith yet to be tested).
If in a particular case no such postponement order is made, but a media organisation is later accused of being in contempt because it published a report of the case, Section 4 provides a defence to such a charge of contempt.
Detail the requirement of this defence, as regards what the media can safely publish.
Answer:
Section 4 of the Contempt Court Act states: (1) fair;(2)accurate; and (3) contemporaneous report of court proceedings held in public; (4)in good faith (meaning of good faith yet to be tested). As long as the above requirements are met, the media can safely publish the report.
During a Crown Court trial involving several defendants, the jury is sent out of the courtroom because judge needs to hear barristers argues a legal point about what evidence should be admissible. Reporters and the public are allowed to stay in the courtroom. The judge makes no postponement order under Section 4.
Can the media publish, before the jury's verdicts are announced, a report of these legal arguments? Explain your conclusions. (30 marks)
Answer:
If the media covering the case were then to publish, before the verdict stage is complete, a report of that discussion, this could lead to the trial being aborted – if the jury thereby gets to know of that matter.
Yet the judge may not make a section 4(2) postponement order in respect of matter discussed in court in the jury's absence, because he/she expects the media to realise that it should not be published prematurely.
11. A newspaper reports that a man released from prison only last month, admits three charges of burglary and asks for three further offences to be taken into consideration when he appears before magistrates. The chairman announces that because of the man's record, they have decided to commit him in custody to Crown Court for sentence.
Do reporting restrictions under the Magistrates' Court Act 1980 apply to this story? State your reasons.(10 marks)
Answer:
As the Magistrates Court has committed him in custody to Crown Court for sentence, that means summary proceedings has already been held.
However, Magistrates Court Act 1980 does not cover cases being dealt with summarily – trial in Magistrates Court).
12. The first two sentences of a court story read: -
A window cleaner went to jail for two years yesterday when he admitted theft.
At downtown Crown Court, John Smith, (45) of Nicholson Grove. Callender, was given a two-year suspended sentence.
What is inconsistent in this story? Explain your conclusion.
Answer:
(b) A man facing three charges of burglary is jailed for six months, twelve months and eight months, the sentences to run concurrently. How long does he actually serve?
Answer:
The man should serve for 12 months in total.
(c): Community order
Absolute discharge
Conditional discharge
Answer:
Community order: To carry out the requirements of the court including unpaid work for community under direction of a probation officer or a youth offending team (could include curfews or drug or alcohol treatment).
Absolute discharge: no punishment other than the fact of the conviction is necessary.
Conditional discharge: not immediately imposed or specified any punishment, but if defendant commits any further offence within the period laid down by the court, he is liable to be punished for first offence as well as the subsequent conviction.
13. How does the law restrict photography or sketching in and around a court and publication of such a photograph or sketch?
Answer:
Under Section 41 Criminal Justice Act 1925, it is illegal: (1) to take or attempt to take any photograph of ; (2) or make or attempt to make – with a view to publishing it – any portrait or sketch; (3) any person in any court, its building, or its precincts; (4) or of any person while they are 'entering or leaving' a court building or its precincts; (4) the publication of any such photo (or film), portrait, or sketch is also prohibited, as an offence in itself; (5) The Act does not define what 'precincts' are, and this has caused practical difficulties of interpretation.
The 1925 Act has been extended to cover television in court.
Photos, particularly where identity is in issue, could also be contempt.
(a) Safely name woman as a victim of a sexual offence?
(b) Safely report the defamatory allegations against her brother, Edward? (15 marks)
Answer:
(a) According to The Sexual Offences Act 2003, the restriction can be lifted when the complaint dies, so the women can be safely names as a sexual offence.
(b) Under the defamation Act 1996 Absolute Privilege, it gives immunity from libel for court copy in all UK courts, inquests, military courts etc, provided all the defence's requirements were met:
(1)fair (balanced); (2) accurate (especially charge, name, plea and case continuing and minor inaccuracies will not defeat the privilege); (3) published contemporaneously (first available edition); and (4) the report is of judicial proceedings (not outbursts and interruptions [if people making them are not involved in the case] or reports not read out in court – defamatory outbursts are not protected. Non-defamatory outbursts may be published); (5) held in public in the UK (or in European Courts of Justice and Human Rights). Non-contemporaneous court reports get Qualified Privilege.
Therefore the defamatory allegations can be safely reported.
8. A councillor is fined by magistrates for using a television set without having a television licence. A weekly newspaper's headline to a fair and accurate report of the case, published two days after the hearing, reads: “Councillor fined for TV licence dodging”.
(a) What legal danger is there in this headline? Explain the relevant law.
(b) Write a headline that would be safe. (15 marks)
Answer:
(a) The legal danger is “fined for TV licence dodging” implies dishonesty, but there might be other reasons rather than intending to using the TV set without a licence, if so then the headline is not accurate and would be sued for libel.
(b) The safe headline would be: “Councillor fined without a TV licence”.
9 Two men appear at a magistrates' court, accused of sexually assaulting boys. The court clerk begins the hearing by checking the defendants' names and addresses with them, and she reads the charges to them. After the court grants both men bail, their solicitors ask the magistrates to make an order under section 11 of the Contempt of Court Act 1981 to prohibit publication of the defendants' home addresses because otherwise. The solicitors argue, the defendants will suffer hostility from the local community. In support of this application, the solicitors quote article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
Assume that you are a reporter at this hearing, and that you draft a note to the magistrates to object to such an order being made. In the note, what would you state about:
(a) the circumstance in which a section 11 order can be imposed, and
(b) the European Convention on Human Rights? (20 marks)
Answer:
(a). Section 11 order is an order whereby the court can extend a courtroom ban on the use of someone's name or other details to prevent publication of that information by the media. Only to be granted:
(1) where necessary; (2) to avoid frustrating or rendering impractical; (3) the administration of justice; (4) not for the comfort and convenience of the defendant;
(5) cannot be used unless name and/or address has already been withheld from the public in the case.
Typically the order is used to protect blackmailed victims; protect national security, state secrets by not revealing alleged betrayal's identity; as well as forbidding reports of the case publishing the data or process details.
(b). According Article 8: Right to respect for private and family life, it includes two items, though the first one states: everyone has the right to respect for his private and family life, his home and his correspondence.
The second item then emphasizes that certain conditions are exceptions, such as “the interest of national security, public safety or the economic well-being of the country, prevention of disorder or crime,protection of health or morals, and the rights and freedoms of others”.
10. (1) Give one example of circumstances in which a court might exercise its power under Section 4 of the Contempt of Court Act 1981 to postpone media reports of all or part of a particular case.
Answer:
For example, a judge could order that no report of the first trial should be published until the second trial is concluded:
If a defendant, or several defendants, are to be dealt with in more than one rial, media reports of the first trial in the series – for example, concerning alleged smuggling of heroin – could arguably if published contemporaneously, and especially if any defendant is convicted, influence people who read such reports and who are then selected as jurors for the next trial in the series, which could concern different allegations of drug-smuggling against the same defendant(s).
The jury in the second trial, because of the principle of the presumption of innocence for defendants, may well be told nothing in the second trial about the earlier trial.
Yet if a juror in this trial remembers media reports of the first, he/she may be more likely to find defendant guilty, in that it will be clear that the defendant has featured in more than one drugs case.
In addition, in order to subject to such an order, other requirements should be met: (1) fair;(2)accurate; and (3) contemporaneous report of court proceedings held in public; (4)in good faith (meaning of good faith yet to be tested).
If in a particular case no such postponement order is made, but a media organisation is later accused of being in contempt because it published a report of the case, Section 4 provides a defence to such a charge of contempt.
Detail the requirement of this defence, as regards what the media can safely publish.
Answer:
Section 4 of the Contempt Court Act states: (1) fair;(2)accurate; and (3) contemporaneous report of court proceedings held in public; (4)in good faith (meaning of good faith yet to be tested). As long as the above requirements are met, the media can safely publish the report.
During a Crown Court trial involving several defendants, the jury is sent out of the courtroom because judge needs to hear barristers argues a legal point about what evidence should be admissible. Reporters and the public are allowed to stay in the courtroom. The judge makes no postponement order under Section 4.
Can the media publish, before the jury's verdicts are announced, a report of these legal arguments? Explain your conclusions. (30 marks)
Answer:
If the media covering the case were then to publish, before the verdict stage is complete, a report of that discussion, this could lead to the trial being aborted – if the jury thereby gets to know of that matter.
Yet the judge may not make a section 4(2) postponement order in respect of matter discussed in court in the jury's absence, because he/she expects the media to realise that it should not be published prematurely.
11. A newspaper reports that a man released from prison only last month, admits three charges of burglary and asks for three further offences to be taken into consideration when he appears before magistrates. The chairman announces that because of the man's record, they have decided to commit him in custody to Crown Court for sentence.
Do reporting restrictions under the Magistrates' Court Act 1980 apply to this story? State your reasons.(10 marks)
Answer:
As the Magistrates Court has committed him in custody to Crown Court for sentence, that means summary proceedings has already been held.
However, Magistrates Court Act 1980 does not cover cases being dealt with summarily – trial in Magistrates Court).
12. The first two sentences of a court story read: -
A window cleaner went to jail for two years yesterday when he admitted theft.
At downtown Crown Court, John Smith, (45) of Nicholson Grove. Callender, was given a two-year suspended sentence.
What is inconsistent in this story? Explain your conclusion.
Answer:
(b) A man facing three charges of burglary is jailed for six months, twelve months and eight months, the sentences to run concurrently. How long does he actually serve?
Answer:
The man should serve for 12 months in total.
(c): Community order
Absolute discharge
Conditional discharge
Answer:
Community order: To carry out the requirements of the court including unpaid work for community under direction of a probation officer or a youth offending team (could include curfews or drug or alcohol treatment).
Absolute discharge: no punishment other than the fact of the conviction is necessary.
Conditional discharge: not immediately imposed or specified any punishment, but if defendant commits any further offence within the period laid down by the court, he is liable to be punished for first offence as well as the subsequent conviction.
13. How does the law restrict photography or sketching in and around a court and publication of such a photograph or sketch?
Answer:
Under Section 41 Criminal Justice Act 1925, it is illegal: (1) to take or attempt to take any photograph of ; (2) or make or attempt to make – with a view to publishing it – any portrait or sketch; (3) any person in any court, its building, or its precincts; (4) or of any person while they are 'entering or leaving' a court building or its precincts; (4) the publication of any such photo (or film), portrait, or sketch is also prohibited, as an offence in itself; (5) The Act does not define what 'precincts' are, and this has caused practical difficulties of interpretation.
The 1925 Act has been extended to cover television in court.
Photos, particularly where identity is in issue, could also be contempt.
Saturday 24 July 2010
Friday 23 July 2010
News writing - West Blackwood Residents' Association
Question One:
Residents of West Blackwood were furious that bypass signally failed to persuade motorists not to use the town's main street as a short cut.
The news system, cost £4.75 million, were meant to deter through traffic, but some drivers seem to be encouraged to vie for a place on a racing circuit.
George Livesey, of 16 High Street, West Blackwood, said: “We all held out so much hope when the bypass opened, but we have been bitterly disappointed.
“These mad drivers make it so hazardous, especially for young mums pushing prams and loaded with shopping.”
The reason of the system's failure is because the town's main road is still the shortest route for drivers travelling between the western suburbs of Kirkbrook and the industrial estate and mainline railway station to the north.
Residents are now hoping the Kirkbrook Council and the police will allow them to use 'Access Only' signs at each end of the village and will offer frequent police checks to catch those ignoring the restrictions.
Councillor Herbert Prescot, member for West Blackwood on Kirkbrook Council, said: “I share the residents' worries. My 12-year-old granddaughter was narrowly missed by someone careering down the High Street in a Porsche.
I've already talked to the highways department but they are not optimistic that 'Access only' sighs will have much effect, especially on local drivers.”
However, bypass was a big success in East Blackwood which even lead a headline in last week's News: “Bypass bring peace to East Blackwood.”
Richard Gough, Chairman of East Blackwood Community Association, said: “The bypass project has been an undoubted success for our community, less so for West Blackwood.
Personally I am prepared to support their campaign and I feel sure many of our members would do the same. I wouldn't like your readers to think we are gloating.”
He and his members played a leading part in a campaign to convince the authorities a bypass was long overdue.
(325 words)
Question Two:
Occupants aged over 70 in a Hewitt Drive house, Kirkbrook, were burgled while they were sleeping.
Burglars made off with a series of items, including a handbag containing about £85 notes, a mobile phone, about 20 CDs and a similar number of DVDs.
The incident, which is the third similar theft in Kirkbrook, happened between about 11pm on Monday and 7:30am today.
They seem to be mainly happened in elderly residents' homes. Anyone with information should call us on 321321.
(80 words)
Questions Three:
Mrs Jean Forrest, the lollipop lady who will retire in three months' time, will be missed by parents and children.
Jean, 68, only took one time off during her duty as crossing patrol officer at Brook Hall Junior and Infants School on Roger Road, Walton when she broke her arm.
(50 words)
Question four:
Manager of one of my town's largest stores:
When did the latest shoplifting happen?
Who found out first? How did he or she find out? What did he or she say? What did you do afterwards?
Have you been in touch with the police?
How about the store's security facilities?
Why did shoplifting so serious in the area?
What have your store done so far to help reduce shoplifting in the area? What about other stores?
How did shoplifting affect your business?
Police:
How did the shoplifting happen?
When did the latest shoplifting in the area happen?
What have you and your team done so far to find out the suspects?
What is the situation now?
Will you charge the suspects?
Is there any possibility to hold an identity parade?
What is the development of the case?
Who should be responsible for the shoplifting?
Councillor who has got an view about the town's shoplifting:
Why are there so many shoplifting in the area?
What have the council done so far to help local stores reduce shoplifting?
What is the council's new plan to reduce shoplifting? Have council got a new plan for tackling the issue?
Who should be responsible for the shoplifting?
How did the shoplifting affect local businesses?
When did shoplifting become serious in the town? Are there any historical reasons?
Online:
Write a summary of the story online and update it when information becomes available.
Cross refer to the newspaper about the story.
Put embedded links on the website beside the story, such as the store's website, the council website, local business association's website.
Start an online campaign to help resolve the shoplifting problem.
Set up an online opinion poll and ask readers to upload their views.
Create an online slide show to upload pictures about the stores' different condition, before shoplifting, after shoplifting etc.
Video:
Make a video of the key players – the police officer, the local councillor or the senior council officer, and the store manager.
Make a video of the reporter in front of the store and make his/her piece of camera talking about the shoplifting incident.
Make a video of the store manager's interview, film what the store is like before encountering shoplifting or after encountering shoplifting.
Upload residents' mobile phone videos that they took when they went to the stores, or they took while they saw the shopifting.
Make a video about the online campaign, and film the campaign.
Make a video about the residents' interview and film their sound-bite about the issue.
Other digital interaction:
Set up a Facebook page and Twitter page and ask people to follow and post their opinions.
Ask someone from the local business association to set up a blog and write about the issue.
Invite readers to send back text messages with their views about the issue and publish their views on the newspaper's website.
Ask the editor to comment on his print and online publication.
Using e-mail alert to tell subscribers about the story link.
Using text message to break down the story and ask them to check online or print publication.
Residents of West Blackwood were furious that bypass signally failed to persuade motorists not to use the town's main street as a short cut.
The news system, cost £4.75 million, were meant to deter through traffic, but some drivers seem to be encouraged to vie for a place on a racing circuit.
George Livesey, of 16 High Street, West Blackwood, said: “We all held out so much hope when the bypass opened, but we have been bitterly disappointed.
“These mad drivers make it so hazardous, especially for young mums pushing prams and loaded with shopping.”
The reason of the system's failure is because the town's main road is still the shortest route for drivers travelling between the western suburbs of Kirkbrook and the industrial estate and mainline railway station to the north.
Residents are now hoping the Kirkbrook Council and the police will allow them to use 'Access Only' signs at each end of the village and will offer frequent police checks to catch those ignoring the restrictions.
Councillor Herbert Prescot, member for West Blackwood on Kirkbrook Council, said: “I share the residents' worries. My 12-year-old granddaughter was narrowly missed by someone careering down the High Street in a Porsche.
I've already talked to the highways department but they are not optimistic that 'Access only' sighs will have much effect, especially on local drivers.”
However, bypass was a big success in East Blackwood which even lead a headline in last week's News: “Bypass bring peace to East Blackwood.”
Richard Gough, Chairman of East Blackwood Community Association, said: “The bypass project has been an undoubted success for our community, less so for West Blackwood.
Personally I am prepared to support their campaign and I feel sure many of our members would do the same. I wouldn't like your readers to think we are gloating.”
He and his members played a leading part in a campaign to convince the authorities a bypass was long overdue.
(325 words)
Question Two:
Occupants aged over 70 in a Hewitt Drive house, Kirkbrook, were burgled while they were sleeping.
Burglars made off with a series of items, including a handbag containing about £85 notes, a mobile phone, about 20 CDs and a similar number of DVDs.
The incident, which is the third similar theft in Kirkbrook, happened between about 11pm on Monday and 7:30am today.
They seem to be mainly happened in elderly residents' homes. Anyone with information should call us on 321321.
(80 words)
Questions Three:
Mrs Jean Forrest, the lollipop lady who will retire in three months' time, will be missed by parents and children.
Jean, 68, only took one time off during her duty as crossing patrol officer at Brook Hall Junior and Infants School on Roger Road, Walton when she broke her arm.
(50 words)
Question four:
Manager of one of my town's largest stores:
When did the latest shoplifting happen?
Who found out first? How did he or she find out? What did he or she say? What did you do afterwards?
Have you been in touch with the police?
How about the store's security facilities?
Why did shoplifting so serious in the area?
What have your store done so far to help reduce shoplifting in the area? What about other stores?
How did shoplifting affect your business?
Police:
How did the shoplifting happen?
When did the latest shoplifting in the area happen?
What have you and your team done so far to find out the suspects?
What is the situation now?
Will you charge the suspects?
Is there any possibility to hold an identity parade?
What is the development of the case?
Who should be responsible for the shoplifting?
Councillor who has got an view about the town's shoplifting:
Why are there so many shoplifting in the area?
What have the council done so far to help local stores reduce shoplifting?
What is the council's new plan to reduce shoplifting? Have council got a new plan for tackling the issue?
Who should be responsible for the shoplifting?
How did the shoplifting affect local businesses?
When did shoplifting become serious in the town? Are there any historical reasons?
Online:
Write a summary of the story online and update it when information becomes available.
Cross refer to the newspaper about the story.
Put embedded links on the website beside the story, such as the store's website, the council website, local business association's website.
Start an online campaign to help resolve the shoplifting problem.
Set up an online opinion poll and ask readers to upload their views.
Create an online slide show to upload pictures about the stores' different condition, before shoplifting, after shoplifting etc.
Video:
Make a video of the key players – the police officer, the local councillor or the senior council officer, and the store manager.
Make a video of the reporter in front of the store and make his/her piece of camera talking about the shoplifting incident.
Make a video of the store manager's interview, film what the store is like before encountering shoplifting or after encountering shoplifting.
Upload residents' mobile phone videos that they took when they went to the stores, or they took while they saw the shopifting.
Make a video about the online campaign, and film the campaign.
Make a video about the residents' interview and film their sound-bite about the issue.
Other digital interaction:
Set up a Facebook page and Twitter page and ask people to follow and post their opinions.
Ask someone from the local business association to set up a blog and write about the issue.
Invite readers to send back text messages with their views about the issue and publish their views on the newspaper's website.
Ask the editor to comment on his print and online publication.
Using e-mail alert to tell subscribers about the story link.
Using text message to break down the story and ask them to check online or print publication.
Tuesday 20 July 2010
Small businesses set to benefit from Olympics
by Yixiang Zeng
Small businesses across the UK are expected to have an estimated 3,400 contracts to deliver 2012 Olympic game related services and goods, says chief executive Mike Mulvey from London Business Network.
The event, organised on Tuesday in Stratford, is one of the hundreds of events held by the organisation across London to introduce small enterprises to upcoming opportunities such as catering, football goal post manufacturing and brochure and website design.
Mike said: “6,600 contracts have already been placed to small businesses around the country and 35 per cent of these companies are based in London.”
According to him, the value of these new sub-contracts available now forms part of over £1.7billion, which includes bigger suppliers directly working with the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) and London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG).
Catering2Order, a firm with 20 employees based in Southwark, won their catering contract on the Olympic construction site two years ago.
John Charles, managing director of the company, said: “We are expecting one million turnover for this financial year. Winning the contract in such a difficult financial period is fantastic.”
“As a small company we work with bigger supplier, and we are also constantly getting more contracts because of our quality and service delivery and our track record.”
When asked how hard it is to get the contract, John said: “We got the contract through CompeteFor.
“The whole process is extremely competitive, I know lots of companies achieved 100% score on the questionnaire [designed by the buying companies], but they still can’t get the contract.
“You have got to offer your uniqueness and something beyond what they require.”
CompeteFor portal is a platform that links buyers and suppliers.
Companies who wish to become part of the Olympic supply chain need to register through the website and bid for the contract with other competitors.
Another previous contract winner is translate plus, a 35-staff firm that provides Welsh translation service to London 2012’s education website Get Set.
Director Per Severinsen said: “The contract is very profitable. And obviously, it is a very good reference for the potential clients to use our services.
“When they know that we are working with the biggest sporting organisation in the UK, they just think it is quite impressive.”
When asked whether London-based companies have any priority compared with the ones from other regions, Nick Winch, Olympic co-ordinator from the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “London companies will get the contract if they are the best to deliver the contract.
“They won the contract not because they are local or small. What we do is to make sure London companies are aware about the opportunities and best prepared to bid for the opportunities.”
The challenges small businesses are facing, according to Nick, is some of the contracts might be too big for them to put things together.
“We and other organisations right from the beginning have spoken to the ODA and LOCOG that we wanted the chances to be as small-business friendly as possible.”
Small businesses across the UK are expected to have an estimated 3,400 contracts to deliver 2012 Olympic game related services and goods, says chief executive Mike Mulvey from London Business Network.
The event, organised on Tuesday in Stratford, is one of the hundreds of events held by the organisation across London to introduce small enterprises to upcoming opportunities such as catering, football goal post manufacturing and brochure and website design.
Mike said: “6,600 contracts have already been placed to small businesses around the country and 35 per cent of these companies are based in London.”
According to him, the value of these new sub-contracts available now forms part of over £1.7billion, which includes bigger suppliers directly working with the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) and London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG).
Catering2Order, a firm with 20 employees based in Southwark, won their catering contract on the Olympic construction site two years ago.
John Charles, managing director of the company, said: “We are expecting one million turnover for this financial year. Winning the contract in such a difficult financial period is fantastic.”
“As a small company we work with bigger supplier, and we are also constantly getting more contracts because of our quality and service delivery and our track record.”
When asked how hard it is to get the contract, John said: “We got the contract through CompeteFor.
“The whole process is extremely competitive, I know lots of companies achieved 100% score on the questionnaire [designed by the buying companies], but they still can’t get the contract.
“You have got to offer your uniqueness and something beyond what they require.”
CompeteFor portal is a platform that links buyers and suppliers.
Companies who wish to become part of the Olympic supply chain need to register through the website and bid for the contract with other competitors.
Another previous contract winner is translate plus, a 35-staff firm that provides Welsh translation service to London 2012’s education website Get Set.
Director Per Severinsen said: “The contract is very profitable. And obviously, it is a very good reference for the potential clients to use our services.
“When they know that we are working with the biggest sporting organisation in the UK, they just think it is quite impressive.”
When asked whether London-based companies have any priority compared with the ones from other regions, Nick Winch, Olympic co-ordinator from the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “London companies will get the contract if they are the best to deliver the contract.
“They won the contract not because they are local or small. What we do is to make sure London companies are aware about the opportunities and best prepared to bid for the opportunities.”
The challenges small businesses are facing, according to Nick, is some of the contracts might be too big for them to put things together.
“We and other organisations right from the beginning have spoken to the ODA and LOCOG that we wanted the chances to be as small-business friendly as possible.”
Monday 19 July 2010
Media Law: Court reporting - 8 August 2009 (part one)
1. In what circumstances may an advocate be allowed to treat a person as a hostile witness? What is the effect of being declared a hostile witness? (10 marks)
Answer:
The circumstances is if a witness appears to be refusing to testify or go back on a witness statement given previously.
The effect is the witness may be asked leading questions by the side who called him.
Example of a leading questions.
2. List what restrictions on identification are applicable if a child or young person:
(a) appeals to Crown Court against a youth court's findings of guilt; appeals to Queens' Bench Divisional Court;
(b) appears on indictment at Crown Court;
(c ) appears at an adult magistrates' court jointly charged with an adult? (15 marks)
Answer:
(a) When a child or young person appeals to Crown Court against a youth court's finding of guilt, Section 49 Children and Young Persons Act 1933 applies.
When appeals to Queen's Bench Divisional Court, as it is part of High Court, section 49 applies.
So anonymity automatically applies that forbids reporting: (I)(1) the name; (2) address; (3) school; (4) photograph, or (5) any particulars likely to lead to the identification. (II) of any child or young person (under 18). (III) involved in the case (whether as defendant, victim or witness).
In addition, jigsaw effect need to be aware.
(b) When a child or young person appears on indictment at Crown Court (adult court), the child can be named unless the court makes a Section 39 Order under Child and Young Persons Act 1933.
If made, you cannot publish: (I)(1) name; (2) address; (3) school; (4) photo; or (5) anything else likely to lead to the identification. (II) of a child or young person (under 18); (III) involved in the proceedings (defendant, victim, witness).
(c ) When a child or young person appears at an adult magistrates' court jointly charged with an adult. Section 39 Order still applies, reporting restriction is the same as (b) answer.
3. A youth court convicts a girl aged 16 of stealing from local shops. The prosecution lawyer then asks the court to impose an anti-social behaviour order on the girl because she is a persistent shoplifter. This lawyer argues that the order should ban her from entering any local shop for a year.
(a) Do any restrictions prevent the media from identifying the girl in a report of the theft case? Explain the law.
(b) Can the media identify the girl in a report of the hearing on whether an ASBO should be imposed on her? Explain the law. (30 marks)
Answer:
(a) As a youth court convicts a girl of stealing goods. Under Section 49 Children and Young Persons Act 1933, anonymity automatically applies that forbids reporting: (I)(1) the name; (2) address; (3) school; (4) photograph, or (5) any particulars likely to lead to the identification. (II) of any child or young person (under 18). (III) involved in the case (whether as defendant, victim or witness).
In addition, jigsaw effect need to be aware.
(b) When the ASBO hearing is made in the Youth Court, it is Bolt-On ASBOs. Section 49 Children and Young Persons 1933 still applies to report of the ASBO hearing, so anonymity automatically applies and the media can identify her. All the restriction see (a) answer.
Reporter cannot report details taken from the criminal trail, nor can he report that the juvenile was convicted of the criminal offence. He can merely report that ASBO was made, its terms and against whom.
However, Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 – S49 does not apply to reports of the subsequent ASBO proceedings if ASBO is imposed.
4. If a defendant is found guilty at Crown Court but sentence is postponed what is a newspaper's position in the law of contempt should it wish to publish a background article in connection with the case before sentence is passed? (10 marks)
Answer:
As the sentence is postponed, the proceedings are still active. In this case, newspaper is highly likely to publish a background article which creates a substantial risk of serious prejudice. Such as:
(1)stating that the person arrested is the same person who committed the crime;
(2)Publishing photo, photo-fit or detailed description if identification is in issue and there is going to be an ID parade, or if identification may be an issue at trial – a witness is expected to testify at the trial on such visual identification;
(3)using the word - “murder” it may be manslaughter or an accident;
(4)using detailed witness statements – the witness may feel obliged to stick to the published version of events in court, even if he later realises it was wrong;
(5)previous convictions;
(6)background material/lifesyle; or
(7)anticipating or influencing the verdict.
5. What are the rights to attend the youth court of: -
(a) the public;
(b) the press?
Name the relevant Act of Parliament. (10 marks)
Answer:
Under Children & Young Persons Act 1993 the public cannot generally attend Youth Court.
However, journalists are entitled to attend and report cases there, because section 47 Children and Young Persons Act 1933 states that “bona fide representatives of news gathering or reporting organisation can.”
(6) List details in the following court report which should be deleted to conform to laws in the U.K. The answer must clearly indicate how conclusions are reached.
George William Roberts (42), a plasterer of Ashby Road, Luggtown, has bee remanded on bail by the town's magistrates, charged with voyeurism. The charge says he hid a camera in the bathroom of a 32-year-old ballet teacher.
Bail was conditional on his reporting daily to police and not going to Lake View Road.
Reporting restrictions were not lifted. (15 marks)
Answer:
Because reporting restriction were not lifted, so section 8 Magistrates Court Act ten points applies:
(1) Name, age, occupations, address of the defendant, which the report has given details, are covered by the Court Act; (2) arrangement to bail on adjournment and bail condition, as the reports states, is also covered by the Act; (3) the offences with which the defendant is charged, or a summary of the charge can be reported and the report has given these details.
According to The Sexual Offences Act 2003, (1) from the point of complaint, the newspaper cannot publish anything likely to lead to the identification of the complainant as a victim of such an offence. So anything leads her identification such as name, address, photo or identity of school/college/workplace have to be prohibited.
“The charge says he hid a camera in the bathroom of a 32-year-old ballet teacher” and “not going to Lake View Road” should be deleted because of possibility of revealing her identification.
(2) Restriction applies automatically to grant anonymity for life to a person who complains they are a victim of a sexual offence. So the women enjoys lifelong anonymity.
Answer:
The circumstances is if a witness appears to be refusing to testify or go back on a witness statement given previously.
The effect is the witness may be asked leading questions by the side who called him.
Example of a leading questions.
2. List what restrictions on identification are applicable if a child or young person:
(a) appeals to Crown Court against a youth court's findings of guilt; appeals to Queens' Bench Divisional Court;
(b) appears on indictment at Crown Court;
(c ) appears at an adult magistrates' court jointly charged with an adult? (15 marks)
Answer:
(a) When a child or young person appeals to Crown Court against a youth court's finding of guilt, Section 49 Children and Young Persons Act 1933 applies.
When appeals to Queen's Bench Divisional Court, as it is part of High Court, section 49 applies.
So anonymity automatically applies that forbids reporting: (I)(1) the name; (2) address; (3) school; (4) photograph, or (5) any particulars likely to lead to the identification. (II) of any child or young person (under 18). (III) involved in the case (whether as defendant, victim or witness).
In addition, jigsaw effect need to be aware.
(b) When a child or young person appears on indictment at Crown Court (adult court), the child can be named unless the court makes a Section 39 Order under Child and Young Persons Act 1933.
If made, you cannot publish: (I)(1) name; (2) address; (3) school; (4) photo; or (5) anything else likely to lead to the identification. (II) of a child or young person (under 18); (III) involved in the proceedings (defendant, victim, witness).
(c ) When a child or young person appears at an adult magistrates' court jointly charged with an adult. Section 39 Order still applies, reporting restriction is the same as (b) answer.
3. A youth court convicts a girl aged 16 of stealing from local shops. The prosecution lawyer then asks the court to impose an anti-social behaviour order on the girl because she is a persistent shoplifter. This lawyer argues that the order should ban her from entering any local shop for a year.
(a) Do any restrictions prevent the media from identifying the girl in a report of the theft case? Explain the law.
(b) Can the media identify the girl in a report of the hearing on whether an ASBO should be imposed on her? Explain the law. (30 marks)
Answer:
(a) As a youth court convicts a girl of stealing goods. Under Section 49 Children and Young Persons Act 1933, anonymity automatically applies that forbids reporting: (I)(1) the name; (2) address; (3) school; (4) photograph, or (5) any particulars likely to lead to the identification. (II) of any child or young person (under 18). (III) involved in the case (whether as defendant, victim or witness).
In addition, jigsaw effect need to be aware.
(b) When the ASBO hearing is made in the Youth Court, it is Bolt-On ASBOs. Section 49 Children and Young Persons 1933 still applies to report of the ASBO hearing, so anonymity automatically applies and the media can identify her. All the restriction see (a) answer.
Reporter cannot report details taken from the criminal trail, nor can he report that the juvenile was convicted of the criminal offence. He can merely report that ASBO was made, its terms and against whom.
However, Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 – S49 does not apply to reports of the subsequent ASBO proceedings if ASBO is imposed.
4. If a defendant is found guilty at Crown Court but sentence is postponed what is a newspaper's position in the law of contempt should it wish to publish a background article in connection with the case before sentence is passed? (10 marks)
Answer:
As the sentence is postponed, the proceedings are still active. In this case, newspaper is highly likely to publish a background article which creates a substantial risk of serious prejudice. Such as:
(1)stating that the person arrested is the same person who committed the crime;
(2)Publishing photo, photo-fit or detailed description if identification is in issue and there is going to be an ID parade, or if identification may be an issue at trial – a witness is expected to testify at the trial on such visual identification;
(3)using the word - “murder” it may be manslaughter or an accident;
(4)using detailed witness statements – the witness may feel obliged to stick to the published version of events in court, even if he later realises it was wrong;
(5)previous convictions;
(6)background material/lifesyle; or
(7)anticipating or influencing the verdict.
5. What are the rights to attend the youth court of: -
(a) the public;
(b) the press?
Name the relevant Act of Parliament. (10 marks)
Answer:
Under Children & Young Persons Act 1993 the public cannot generally attend Youth Court.
However, journalists are entitled to attend and report cases there, because section 47 Children and Young Persons Act 1933 states that “bona fide representatives of news gathering or reporting organisation can.”
(6) List details in the following court report which should be deleted to conform to laws in the U.K. The answer must clearly indicate how conclusions are reached.
George William Roberts (42), a plasterer of Ashby Road, Luggtown, has bee remanded on bail by the town's magistrates, charged with voyeurism. The charge says he hid a camera in the bathroom of a 32-year-old ballet teacher.
Bail was conditional on his reporting daily to police and not going to Lake View Road.
Reporting restrictions were not lifted. (15 marks)
Answer:
Because reporting restriction were not lifted, so section 8 Magistrates Court Act ten points applies:
(1) Name, age, occupations, address of the defendant, which the report has given details, are covered by the Court Act; (2) arrangement to bail on adjournment and bail condition, as the reports states, is also covered by the Act; (3) the offences with which the defendant is charged, or a summary of the charge can be reported and the report has given these details.
According to The Sexual Offences Act 2003, (1) from the point of complaint, the newspaper cannot publish anything likely to lead to the identification of the complainant as a victim of such an offence. So anything leads her identification such as name, address, photo or identity of school/college/workplace have to be prohibited.
“The charge says he hid a camera in the bathroom of a 32-year-old ballet teacher” and “not going to Lake View Road” should be deleted because of possibility of revealing her identification.
(2) Restriction applies automatically to grant anonymity for life to a person who complains they are a victim of a sexual offence. So the women enjoys lifelong anonymity.
Saturday 17 July 2010
News writing - NW36 (first version)
Question One:
A shortlisted award-winning retailer has been hit hard by the credit crunch and announced to close today.
Hedley Tindall, the firm with 21 employees running over six decades business, is facing closing on its diamond anniversary year while has just been short-listed for a national award.
Philip Platts, 57, metalworker and staff representative at Tindall Shopfitters, said: “We were crying because this is the end of an era. Those who created the country’s economic crisis have a lot to answer for.
“Some of us are of an age where we’re unlikely to find new jobs, but that wasn’t what we were crying about.
“Everyone has always been treated fairly.”
The family-run business in Gresley Street premises has built up a reputation for the production of high quality shop and warehouse fittings.
Its young apprentice Angelina Edwards received the National Association of Shopfillters’ annual Apprentices’ Design Award last year.
Matt Adsley, the spokesman of the Association of Small Businesses, said: “Small firms act as the canary in the coalmine. If they are finding it more difficult it’s good indicator of the underlying health of the business community.
“It is very unfortunate when one of our members, such as Tindall Shopfitters, has to close its doors, especially when it is a company with such a good reputation.”
The company’s sales have been reduced to non-existence level by economic downturn but the late payment resides as the main obstacle to cause its closing.
Harold Livesey, chief executive officer of Beeton Chamber of Commerce, said: “The economic maelstrom has led to a clutch of firms in Beeton getting into difficulties and, as already reported in the press, a couple have closed down.
“We know there are others on the rink of collapse so the local outlook is mostly gloomy.
“All our recent surveys of members continue to show a declining level of business activity, although there are one or two brighter spots.”
(322 words)
Question two:
A move driving mean theft off the streets is to launch by a charity in order to fund specialist nurses.
Bogus clothing collectors stole 25 plastic bags yesterday from Macmillan Cancer Support's Beeton branch on the streets of Dalton area.
The charity use only vans with the official Macmillan logo in dark green and lime on the side of the vehicle, says its secretary Amanda Powney.
Anyone sees donated bags been put into an unmarked van contacts 0844 873 2199.
(80 words)
Question Three:
Well-known figure Arnold Higgs is attending a charity bazaar at the church hall in Stanley Street this Saturday.
The event aims to raise £500 for the British Heart Foundation following the fatal heart attack on Arnold.
Toys and crafts can be bought between 10am and 12.30pm, admission is free.
(50 words)
Question Four:
Spokesman of hospital:
* Why is there a breach of hygiene code that is designed to ensure cleanliness and infection control?
* Why are the cleaning services not available 24 hours a day? How will the hospital solve it?
* Why are there a number of lapses in the decontamination of equipment?
* How do these problems happen?
* What have your hospital done so far to change the situation after the report?
* Who should be responsible for these problems?
Patient at the hospital:
* Could you talk to me about the hospital's cleaning services?
* How do the services affect your recovery?
* Have you ever complained anything regarding the hospital’s environment is not clean or the food is not healthy?
* Did you notice that the cleaning services sometimes is not available? If just happened that you need it, what would you do?
* Have you heard anything about the hospital hygiene problem before?
Who should be responsible for these problems?
Local councillor who has a view on the local hospital:
* What has the council done so far to help the hospital change its current situation regarding breaching hygiene code.
* Who should be responsible for these problems?
* Does the hospital have any hygiene problem before? If so, what reaction did the council take?
* How does the council help the hospital improve its cleaning services?
* What impact did the Commission’s report bring to the hospital? How did it affect the hospital?
Online:
* Write a comprehensive summary of the story online and then update s it when more information become available.
* Put embedded links to guide reader for further information such as the hospital website or the council’s website and the commission's online report version.
* Cross refer to your newspaper which will carry out the full story.
* Start an online campaign to protest against the hospital’s mismanagement.
Upload a picture slide show to show the different scenes of the hospital cleaning facilities.
* Invite comments and suggestions of what can be done to make the hospital do something about the situation.
Set up Facebook or Twitter Page asks reader to join and discuss issues.
Video:
* Video of the main scenes of the hospital, such as toilet, canteen, patient’s rooms.
* Video of the spokesperson from the hospital when he/she gives an interview
* Video of the patient giving sound-bite views of the hospital's hygiene problems.
* Video of the local councillor or the senior council officer when commenting on the issue.
* Video of the online campaign which protests against the hospital’s mismanagement.
* Mobile phone video from the patients who have suffered from the problems caused by the hospital's breaching of the hygiene code.
Make a video of the reporter standing in front of the hospital, like making a piece of camera of the reporter reporting the thing.
Other Interaction platform:
* Use the text message to break the story and guide your reader to the full story in the newspaper or the web.
* Send an e-mail alert to reader subscribers and let them know a new story on the website.
* Ask the editor to comment on his/her print and web publication.
* Invite a person from the campaign group to write about a blog to discuss his/her opinion or invite a patient to write about his/her experience when been cared in the hospital
* Set up Facebook or Twitter Page asks reader to join and discuss issues.
Invite readers to send in text messages of their views and publish them on your website or in the paper.
* Set up an online reader poll asking readers whether they think the hospital should make more effort to rectify the problems.
A shortlisted award-winning retailer has been hit hard by the credit crunch and announced to close today.
Hedley Tindall, the firm with 21 employees running over six decades business, is facing closing on its diamond anniversary year while has just been short-listed for a national award.
Philip Platts, 57, metalworker and staff representative at Tindall Shopfitters, said: “We were crying because this is the end of an era. Those who created the country’s economic crisis have a lot to answer for.
“Some of us are of an age where we’re unlikely to find new jobs, but that wasn’t what we were crying about.
“Everyone has always been treated fairly.”
The family-run business in Gresley Street premises has built up a reputation for the production of high quality shop and warehouse fittings.
Its young apprentice Angelina Edwards received the National Association of Shopfillters’ annual Apprentices’ Design Award last year.
Matt Adsley, the spokesman of the Association of Small Businesses, said: “Small firms act as the canary in the coalmine. If they are finding it more difficult it’s good indicator of the underlying health of the business community.
“It is very unfortunate when one of our members, such as Tindall Shopfitters, has to close its doors, especially when it is a company with such a good reputation.”
The company’s sales have been reduced to non-existence level by economic downturn but the late payment resides as the main obstacle to cause its closing.
Harold Livesey, chief executive officer of Beeton Chamber of Commerce, said: “The economic maelstrom has led to a clutch of firms in Beeton getting into difficulties and, as already reported in the press, a couple have closed down.
“We know there are others on the rink of collapse so the local outlook is mostly gloomy.
“All our recent surveys of members continue to show a declining level of business activity, although there are one or two brighter spots.”
(322 words)
Question two:
A move driving mean theft off the streets is to launch by a charity in order to fund specialist nurses.
Bogus clothing collectors stole 25 plastic bags yesterday from Macmillan Cancer Support's Beeton branch on the streets of Dalton area.
The charity use only vans with the official Macmillan logo in dark green and lime on the side of the vehicle, says its secretary Amanda Powney.
Anyone sees donated bags been put into an unmarked van contacts 0844 873 2199.
(80 words)
Question Three:
Well-known figure Arnold Higgs is attending a charity bazaar at the church hall in Stanley Street this Saturday.
The event aims to raise £500 for the British Heart Foundation following the fatal heart attack on Arnold.
Toys and crafts can be bought between 10am and 12.30pm, admission is free.
(50 words)
Question Four:
Spokesman of hospital:
* Why is there a breach of hygiene code that is designed to ensure cleanliness and infection control?
* Why are the cleaning services not available 24 hours a day? How will the hospital solve it?
* Why are there a number of lapses in the decontamination of equipment?
* How do these problems happen?
* What have your hospital done so far to change the situation after the report?
* Who should be responsible for these problems?
Patient at the hospital:
* Could you talk to me about the hospital's cleaning services?
* How do the services affect your recovery?
* Have you ever complained anything regarding the hospital’s environment is not clean or the food is not healthy?
* Did you notice that the cleaning services sometimes is not available? If just happened that you need it, what would you do?
* Have you heard anything about the hospital hygiene problem before?
Who should be responsible for these problems?
Local councillor who has a view on the local hospital:
* What has the council done so far to help the hospital change its current situation regarding breaching hygiene code.
* Who should be responsible for these problems?
* Does the hospital have any hygiene problem before? If so, what reaction did the council take?
* How does the council help the hospital improve its cleaning services?
* What impact did the Commission’s report bring to the hospital? How did it affect the hospital?
Online:
* Write a comprehensive summary of the story online and then update s it when more information become available.
* Put embedded links to guide reader for further information such as the hospital website or the council’s website and the commission's online report version.
* Cross refer to your newspaper which will carry out the full story.
* Start an online campaign to protest against the hospital’s mismanagement.
Upload a picture slide show to show the different scenes of the hospital cleaning facilities.
* Invite comments and suggestions of what can be done to make the hospital do something about the situation.
Set up Facebook or Twitter Page asks reader to join and discuss issues.
Video:
* Video of the main scenes of the hospital, such as toilet, canteen, patient’s rooms.
* Video of the spokesperson from the hospital when he/she gives an interview
* Video of the patient giving sound-bite views of the hospital's hygiene problems.
* Video of the local councillor or the senior council officer when commenting on the issue.
* Video of the online campaign which protests against the hospital’s mismanagement.
* Mobile phone video from the patients who have suffered from the problems caused by the hospital's breaching of the hygiene code.
Make a video of the reporter standing in front of the hospital, like making a piece of camera of the reporter reporting the thing.
Other Interaction platform:
* Use the text message to break the story and guide your reader to the full story in the newspaper or the web.
* Send an e-mail alert to reader subscribers and let them know a new story on the website.
* Ask the editor to comment on his/her print and web publication.
* Invite a person from the campaign group to write about a blog to discuss his/her opinion or invite a patient to write about his/her experience when been cared in the hospital
* Set up Facebook or Twitter Page asks reader to join and discuss issues.
Invite readers to send in text messages of their views and publish them on your website or in the paper.
* Set up an online reader poll asking readers whether they think the hospital should make more effort to rectify the problems.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)