Media Ethics

adjective A word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun. In this case, 'defamatory' describes something that harms someone's reputation.

• The article published by the journalist contained defamatory remarks about the politician.
• I heard that the gossip spreading around the office was full of defamatory lies.
• She was spreading defamatory rumors about him behind his back.
• His words were like defamatory arrows, piercing her reputation.

adjective showing a critical or disrespectful attitude

• The lawyer warned against making disparaging remarks about the defendant.
• She couldn't help but make disparaging comments about her ex-boyfriend.
• I overheard them making some really disparaging jokes about the new teacher.
• Her words were like a dagger, sharp and disparaging.

noun behavior or language that is morally or sexually offensive

adjective indecent

• The court ruled that the defendant's actions constituted indecency and he was charged accordingly.
• I can't believe she showed up to the party dressed like that, it's pure indecency.
• That movie was full of indecency, I couldn't even watch it till the end.
• The indecency of their behavior towards each other was evident in their harsh words and actions.

noun a violation or breach, especially of a law or right

• The company was found guilty of copyright infringement for using the artist's work without permission.
• They got in trouble for infringing on someone's copyright.
• They were busted for ripping off someone's work.
• His constant interruptions were an infringement on my ability to concentrate.

noun a published false statement that is damaging to a person's reputation; a written defamation

verb to publish a libel against someone

• The newspaper was sued for libel after publishing false information about the politician.
• I can't believe she's spreading libelous rumors about her ex-boyfriend!
• Don't listen to him, he's just spouting libel to make himself look better.
• Her words were like a weapon, cutting through his reputation like a sharp blade of libel.

noun a person who spreads gossip or rumors, especially in a sensational or malicious way

• The newsmonger spread false information about the company's financial status.
• Don't listen to that newsmonger, they always exaggerate everything.
• I heard from a newsmonger that there's a big sale happening this weekend.
• She's like a newsmonger, always gossiping and spreading rumors.

noun obscenity - the state or quality of being obscene, offensive, or indecent

• The artist faced criticism for including obscenity in his latest work.
• I can't believe they let that movie show so much obscenity.
• The comedian's jokes were full of obscenity, but everyone was laughing.
• The corruption scandal was described as an obscenity to the country's values.

noun a publication that is printed before the official release date

adjective describing something that occurs or is done before the official publication date

• The prepublication process involves reviewing and editing the manuscript before it goes to print.
• I'm excited to read the prepublication version of the book before it's officially released.
• Have you seen the prepublication sneak peek of the new magazine issue?
• The prepublication stage is like laying the foundation for a building, ensuring everything is in place before construction begins.

noun the action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation

verb make false and damaging statements about (someone)

• The politician filed a lawsuit against the newspaper for slander.
• I can't believe she spread such slanderous rumors about her coworker.
• Don't listen to that gossip, it's all just slander.
• Her words were like a weapon, cutting through his reputation with slander.

noun A word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea.

verb A word that expresses an action, occurrence, or state of being.

article A word that specifies a noun as definite or indefinite (e.g. the, a, an).

• It is unethical to stretch the truth in a court of law.
• I know you like to stretch the truth, but try to be honest this time.
• Stop stretching the truth, just tell it like it is.
• Sometimes in storytelling, it's okay to stretch the truth to make the story more interesting.

verb to invent or fabricate something, typically with the intention to deceive or falsely accuse

• The lawyer argued that the charges against his client were trumped up and lacked evidence.
• I can't believe they trumped up those ridiculous accusations against him.
• They totally trumped up those charges just to make a point.
• Her fear was trumped up by her overactive imagination.

noun a type of lawsuit that is intended to censor, intimidate, and silence critics by burdening them with the cost of a legal defense until they abandon their criticism or opposition

• The company filed a SLAPP lawsuit against the environmental group.
• They tried to SLAPP them with a lawsuit, but it didn't work.
• The company thought they could SLAPP the little guy, but they were wrong.
• Her sharp words felt like a SLAPP to his ego.

noun a crime of violating majesty or sovereignty

adjective related to a crime against majesty or sovereignty

• The accused was charged with lèse-majesté for insulting the royal family.
• I heard that spreading rumors about the king could be considered lèse-majesté.
• Don't even think about committing lèse-majesté, it's a serious offense.
• In some cultures, criticizing the leader is seen as a form of lèse-majesté.

noun a strategic lawsuit against public participation

• The company filed a slapp suit against the whistleblower in an attempt to silence them.
• They're trying to scare me with a slapp suit, but I won't back down.
• Don't worry about their slapp suit, it's just a scare tactic.
• Her words were like a slapp suit, attempting to silence any opposition.

noun a term used to describe media that exploits the poor and impoverished for the entertainment of wealthier audiences

• The documentary was criticized for its use of poverty porn to evoke emotions from the audience.
• I can't believe they're making another poverty porn movie about that neighborhood.
• I'm so over all these poverty porn shows exploiting people's struggles for ratings.
• Using poverty porn to sell magazines is just a cheap way to grab attention.