Avoiding libel is one of the most critical skills student journalists must learn early. In a fast-paced newsroom where stories develop quickly, it’s easy for inexperienced reporters to make mistakes—especially when dealing with sensitive topics, rumors, or incomplete information. Teaching students the basics of libel, such as verifying facts, confirming sources, avoiding assumptions, and understanding the difference between opinion and accusation, helps protect both the publication and the students themselves. A culture of accuracy, fairness, and careful reporting is the best defense against legal issues and helps build trust within the campus community.
To make this easier for advisors, I created a simple, student-friendly presentation that breaks down libel in clear terms and offers practical steps your newsroom can use right away. If you’d like ready-to-use slides, examples, and teaching points you can bring straight to your staff meeting, head over to the Advisor’s Toolkit page.
You’ll find the full “Avoiding Libel” presentation along with other resources designed to help strengthen your student publication.
