Journalism in Film: Law, Ethics and Threats
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

The Columbia Journalism Review recently reported that "American Journalism faces a confluence of challenges that present the most profound threat to the free press in more than a century." In the face of that threat, this course will celebrate journalism as portrayed in several major motion pictures while discussing the common professional, legal and ethical issues journalists confront. These movies don't just capture how journalism works--they capture why it matters. Class members will view an assigned film at home along with any bonus films offered, and come prepared to discuss the films and issues in class. Among the films we will likely watch and discuss are "Absence of Malice" (1981); "Shattered Glass" (2003); "All the President's Men" (1976); "The Insider" (1999); "Broadcast News" (1987), "Spotlight" (2015): and "Stripped for Parts: American Journalism of the Brink" (2023).