Media Law governs what can be said publicly in the media.
Reporters need to abide by two laws: defamation and court reporting
Defamation:
A person can sue you or the media organisation for something you have said in a news report, who believes that their reputation has been damaged as a result.
The defence for defamation varies across states and territories, but basically the only real defence is truth. This means that if the matter is taken to court by the person claiming to be defamed, you as the Reporter will have to prove that what you wrote or said about the person was true.
This is often difficult to do because the laws as they stand protect public figures (politicians, etc) more than the rights of free speech. So, it’s better to stay on the side of caution and avoid saying things about people that may be deemed defamatory.
Court reporting
If you are reporting on any trial before a court, you can only report accurately on what is said in that court by the barristers or the magistrate and judge. You cannot make your own comments about the trial. This will be seen as Contempt of Court, and you can be charged.
For more on this, read the Community Media Training Organisation Resource on Media Law.