Law and Media Studies # MCQs Practice set

Q.1 Which legal principle protects journalists from revealing their sources in many jurisdictions?

Defamation Law
Right to Privacy
Reporter’s Privilege
Copyright Law
Explanation - Reporter’s privilege allows journalists to refuse to disclose confidential sources or information gathered during reporting to protect press freedom.
Correct answer is: Reporter’s Privilege

Q.2 Which of the following is considered a primary form of media law?

Contract Law
Criminal Law
Copyright Law
Family Law
Explanation - Copyright law is central to media law as it governs the rights over creative works and content.
Correct answer is: Copyright Law

Q.3 What does the term 'defamation' in media law refer to?

Publishing false statements that harm a person’s reputation
Copyright infringement in media content
Unauthorized access to private information
Obstruction of a news broadcast
Explanation - Defamation involves making false statements that damage a person’s reputation, either written (libel) or spoken (slander).
Correct answer is: Publishing false statements that harm a person’s reputation

Q.4 Which law primarily governs the broadcasting of content on television and radio?

Telecommunication Law
Broadcasting Law
Media Ownership Law
Press Freedom Act
Explanation - Broadcasting laws regulate content standards, licensing, and operation of television and radio networks.
Correct answer is: Broadcasting Law

Q.5 The 'Right to be Forgotten' is most closely related to which area of media law?

Intellectual Property
Privacy and Data Protection
Defamation
Advertising Standards
Explanation - The 'Right to be Forgotten' allows individuals to request removal of personal information from online platforms to protect privacy.
Correct answer is: Privacy and Data Protection

Q.6 Which international treaty is central to protecting copyright in media across borders?

Berne Convention
Geneva Convention
Paris Agreement
TRIPS Agreement
Explanation - The Berne Convention protects the rights of authors and creators of artistic and literary works internationally.
Correct answer is: Berne Convention

Q.7 What legal issue arises when news content is shared without verifying its truth?

Invasion of Privacy
Defamation
Cybercrime
Copyright Violation
Explanation - Publishing unverified false information that harms someone’s reputation can lead to defamation lawsuits.
Correct answer is: Defamation

Q.8 Which act regulates digital media and online content in many countries?

Information Technology Act
Freedom of Information Act
Communications Act
Press Council Act
Explanation - The IT Act governs online communications, cyber activities, and electronic records, including content liability on digital platforms.
Correct answer is: Information Technology Act

Q.9 In media law, 'libel' refers to which of the following?

Verbal defamation
Written defamation
Invasion of privacy
Breach of copyright
Explanation - Libel is defamation in written or published form, whereas slander refers to spoken defamation.
Correct answer is: Written defamation

Q.10 What is the legal responsibility of a publisher to remove offensive content?

Strict Liability
Editorial Oversight
Negligence
Due Diligence
Explanation - Due diligence requires publishers to take reasonable steps to prevent dissemination of harmful or illegal content.
Correct answer is: Due Diligence

Q.11 Which concept allows the media to report government proceedings freely?

Freedom of Press
Right to Privacy
Censorship
Defamation Protection
Explanation - Freedom of press ensures that media can report news, including government proceedings, without undue interference.
Correct answer is: Freedom of Press

Q.12 Which type of media content is most regulated to prevent misleading the public?

News Reports
Advertisements
Blogs
Social Media Posts
Explanation - Advertising content is heavily regulated to protect consumers from false or misleading claims.
Correct answer is: Advertisements

Q.13 Which law governs ownership concentration in media industries to prevent monopolies?

Competition Law
Broadcasting Act
Copyright Law
Defamation Law
Explanation - Competition law prevents excessive concentration of media ownership that could limit diversity of viewpoints.
Correct answer is: Competition Law

Q.14 In media law, what does 'infringement of copyright' involve?

Using someone else’s creative work without permission
Publishing false statements
Invading someone’s privacy
Blocking media access
Explanation - Copyright infringement occurs when protected content is reproduced or distributed without consent of the owner.
Correct answer is: Using someone else’s creative work without permission

Q.15 Which body typically oversees ethical standards for print and electronic media?

Press Council
Supreme Court
Copyright Office
Information Commission
Explanation - Press councils regulate journalistic ethics, address complaints, and promote responsible media conduct.
Correct answer is: Press Council

Q.16 What is a primary legal concern with user-generated content on social media?

Copyright violation
Tax evasion
Property disputes
Employment law
Explanation - User-generated content may infringe on copyrights, requiring platforms and users to address potential legal liability.
Correct answer is: Copyright violation

Q.17 Which legal doctrine protects fair reporting of public meetings even if errors occur?

Qualified Privilege
Strict Liability
Libel Defense
Injunction
Explanation - Qualified privilege allows reporting on public interest matters without liability if it is done fairly and without malice.
Correct answer is: Qualified Privilege

Q.18 Which type of law addresses fake news and misinformation on digital platforms?

Cyber Law
Tax Law
Labor Law
Trade Law
Explanation - Cyber law includes regulations addressing online misinformation, digital content liability, and responsible internet use.
Correct answer is: Cyber Law

Q.19 In media law, what does 'censorship' involve?

Legal review and suppression of certain content
Copyrighting media content
Publishing private information
Monitoring advertisement revenues
Explanation - Censorship is the practice of officially suppressing content deemed objectionable, harmful, or politically sensitive.
Correct answer is: Legal review and suppression of certain content

Q.20 Which right is central when reporting on individuals’ private lives in the media?

Freedom of Expression
Right to Privacy
Right to Property
Freedom of Assembly
Explanation - The right to privacy protects individuals from unwarranted intrusion by media into their personal life.
Correct answer is: Right to Privacy

Q.21 Which legal issue arises when media platforms allow users to post harmful content anonymously?

Liability of Intermediaries
Trademark Infringement
Patent Violation
Contract Breach
Explanation - Platforms hosting user content may have legal liability for harmful or illegal posts unless protected under intermediary liability rules.
Correct answer is: Liability of Intermediaries

Q.22 Which of the following is a defense against defamation in media law?

Truth
Censorship
Copyright Claim
Exclusive Rights
Explanation - Truth is a complete defense in defamation cases, as truthful statements do not constitute defamation.
Correct answer is: Truth

Q.23 Which legislation governs advertising and marketing practices in media?

Consumer Protection Law
Intellectual Property Law
Contract Law
Environmental Law
Explanation - Consumer protection laws regulate advertising practices to prevent misleading or unfair marketing.
Correct answer is: Consumer Protection Law

Q.24 Which legal concept allows media to report sensitive issues without facing defamation claims under certain conditions?

Qualified Privilege
Strict Liability
Injunction
Copyright Protection
Explanation - Qualified privilege shields journalists reporting matters of public interest from defamation liability when reporting is fair and non-malicious.
Correct answer is: Qualified Privilege

Q.25 Which law protects against unauthorized use of a person’s image in media?

Right of Publicity
Copyright Law
Patent Law
Contract Law
Explanation - The right of publicity prevents unauthorized commercial use of a person’s likeness or image without consent.
Correct answer is: Right of Publicity