In the United States, unlike in Canada, the law as it relates to the media is totally distinctive. There individuals have the protection of the 'First Amendment,' but it is the very different Charter of Rights and Freedoms that determines the rights of Canadians. As well, Canadian libel and contempt rules are much closer to the British than the American tradition.

Morals and the Media examines why the media behave the way they do. It also discusses how values have been developed and applied and suggests value systems which can be used to judge special situations. As the first book of its kind, it will not only be of great value in journalism courses, but it will also be an important resource for journalists, as it offers criteria for analyzing complex situations and reaching justifiable decisions. Finally, it will be of interest to the general reader, as it gives insights into how the media work and provides a yardstick by which to judge their performance.