'What will the lawyers say?': Australian newsroom perspectives on journalism ethics and naming criminal suspects in a digital world.

This article investigates journalism ethics and the practice of naming criminal suspects in Australian news media, focusing on editorial decision-making and ethical considerations. Based on a national survey of 410 Australian journalists and twelve semi-structured interviews with crime reporters, editors, and producers, the study finds that while most journalists view naming suspects as an ethical decision, it is treated as a default practice heavily influenced by legal advice and police sources rather than thorough ethical reflection. The research highlights a lack of formal policies and media accountability mechanisms in Australia compared to countries like Sweden, the Netherlands, and Canada, where stronger ethical guidelines limit naming suspects before charges are laid. The article argues for the development of clearer ethical standards to address the power imbalance and lasting impact of naming suspects in a digital, global news environment.