Assume you are the producer of the campus television show, a late night show which runs on the local public access channel as well as the campus channel. You are preparing a segment entitled “What do You Know about University Professors?” about the private lives of university professors. You hear some rumors about the new English professor, Bob Jones, from several students, and decide to investigate. You send student researchers to Jones’ hometown and former employers. You find out several bits if information, including an arrest for drunk driving ten years ago, a brief stint in prison for shoplifting as a twenty-year old, and accusations of inappropriate relationships with students at his former university. You also discover Jones’ penchant for naked parties, which can be viewed on a restricted Internet site. You and a fellow student stake out the next party, and get some shots of Jones’ with other professors naked partying in the backyard. You got the pics and video by climbing a tree in the neighbor’s yard. You run the promo of the segment claiming “Jones’ bares all…..with other profs.”
3.
a. From a legal standpoint, would be safe broadcasting this information?
b. What is the difference between a public figure and a private citizen?
c. Are there any cases that act as precedent for privacy law?
d. Would you act any differently if these were professors in your department? At another university? What are the ethical ramifications of running this story?