The Committee's inquiry addresses concerns that the operation of libel laws and the impact of costs were stifling press freedom. It also considers the balance between personal privacy and press freedom, and the increasing use of injunctions and super-injunctions. It also examines press standards in the UK, particularly considering Madeleine McCann's disappearance, the suicides in and around Bridgend in 2008 and phone hacking and blagging. The Committee does not consider that it would be right to legislate on privacy. The Press Complaints Commission (PCC) should amend its Code to include a requirement that journalists notify the subject of their articles prior to publication, subject to a "public interest" test. The report also assesses the damage so called 'libel tourism' has caused to the UK's reputation as a country which protects free speech and freedom of expression. In cases where the UK is not the primary domicile or place of business of the claimant or defendant, the claimant should face additional hurdles before being allowed to bring a case. There is an urgent need to control defamation litigation costs more effectively. Competitive and commercial factors led to an inexcusable lowering of press standards in the gathering and publishing of 'news' about the McCann case, and self-regulation signally failed. The PCC should be renamed the Press Complaints and Standards Commission, reflecting its role as a regulator, not just a complaints handling service. The regulator should have the power to fine its members where it believes that the departure from the Code of Practice is serious enough to warrant a financial penalty.

Incorporating HC 275-i-xv of session 2008-09

This new title covers the law surrounding freedom of press versus rights of the individual, including in depth analysis of the review of UK libel law and the draft Defamation Bill published in March 2011. Contents includes: History and development of libel laws in the UK and USA; Actions brought by US personalities in the UK Courts; The ramifications of the Rachel Ehrenfeld case; Importance of striking a balance between an unfettered press reporting in the public interest and one-sided coverage of particular issues; The argument for statutory press regulation; Level of damages awarded in comparison to costs involved; Super-injunctions; Anticipated changes to the law; Alternative remedies; Difficulties facing Claimants without access to legal aid; Implications arising from the phone hacking scandal.

An indispensable survival guide for anyone in the media industry and the lawyers who serve them Especially now, in an age of instant global access through digital media, it is vitally important that journalists, authors and publishers, as well as the lawyers who serve them, be fully up on the laws governing media, worldwide. The ultimate resource for all the media content providers and purveyors, this fully updated and expanded Third Edition of the critically-acclaimed handbook offers you instant access to relevant libel and privacy laws and important legal rulings in the Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas. It clearly and concisely explains risks publishers should know about prior to publication, steps they can take in order to avoid legal conflicts, and legal defences available to them in the event of a claim. Offers nation-by-nation summaries of libel and privacy law written by local practitioners in an easy-to-use reference format Expanded to include coverage of important emerging territories--Mexico, Israel, and Argentina, et al--as well as the latest libel and privacy rulings Features new chapters on emerging media markets--including Israel, Mexico, Argentina, Jordan, and others--as well as valuable updates to the Middle East section Provides updates on all major media markets and nations, along with coverage of changes in libel laws in key jurisdictions, including Australia, the UK, Hungary and Germany