As part of Osgoode Hall Law School’s program in Law & Journalism, The Star’s Kevin Donovan will deliver a talk on Oct. 25 that explores the many challenges of investigative journalism, including legal and ethical concerns.
Kevin Donovan
This event, titled “The Law & Ethics of Investigative Journalism” takes place from 12:30 to 2:30pm in Room 2001.
Following the talk, there will be a Q&A period hosted by Osgoode Professor Jamie Cameron.
This multi-disciplinary event will focus on the importance of investigative journalism, and is taking place an especially poignant time in history. Media outlets and individual journalists are under an unprecedented amount of pressure at a time when democratic institutions seem to be functioning at near their worst. This free event keeps the dialogue going about what journalism contributes to society and how it does so.
The talk will highlight how the digital age has changed reporting and journalism; how journalists think about ethical and legal implications of their work; the rhetoric of ‘fake news’ and its impact on society; and how free and democratic societies require checks and balances – such as journalism – on political power.
Donovan is the longest serving investigative journalist at The Star. He is also an editor and runs the Star’s I-Team. Donovan led the coverage of the Jian Ghomeshi and Mayor Rob Ford stories, and his series on child protection problems with colleague Moira Welsh led to a new law in Ontario. He has investigated government, charities, businesses, lawyers, doctors and many other groups and individuals. His investigation of the ORNGE air ambulance service led to an overhaul of the agency, along with probes by government and the police. Other stories have led to the creation of new prescription drug policies to protect the public, and the exposure of backroom deals by officials at all levels of government.
He will explore questions such as: What would accountability look like in a democratic society without great journalism?
The event is open to the York University community, and anyone interested in current affairs and the importance of investigative journalism.
This is a unique event that has come together as a result of the efforts of McLaughlin College, the York Collegium for Practical Ethics, IP Osgoode, the York Centre for Public Policy and Law, and Osgoode Hall Law School.
For more, contact Ian Stedman at ianstedman@osgoode.yorku.ca.