WHO BLOWS THE WHISTLE TO THE MEDIA, AND WHY - ORGANIZATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF MEDIA WHISTLEBLOWERS

The law does not usually protect whistleblowers who make their disclosures to the media. The assumption is that such whistleblowers are self-serving and vengeful and thus, do not deserve protection. Nonetheless media disclosures can be vital in controlling corporate and government activity. The potential for negative publicity can be an effective deterent. This article evaluates two whistleblower studies and concludes that the reasons for failure to provide legal protection are unfounded. Changes in the law are therefore required.