We are all journalists and publishers now: at the touch of a button we can send our words, sounds and images out to the world. No matter whether you're a traditional journalist, a blogger, a public relations practitioner or a social media editor, everything you publish or broadcast is subject to the law. But which law? This widely used practical guide to communication law is essential reading for anyone who writes or broadcasts professionally, whether in journalism or strategic communication. It offers a mindful approach to assessing media law risks so practitioners can navigate legal and ethical barriers to publishing in mainstream and social media. This sixth edition has been substantially revised to reflect recent developments in litigation, and the impact of national security laws and the rising gig economy where graduates might work in the news media, PR, new media start-ups, or as freelancers. It covers defamation, contempt, confidentiality, privacy, trespass, intellectual property, and ethical regulation, as well as the special challenges of commenting on criminal allegations and trials. Recent cases and examples from social media, journalism and public relations are used to illustrate key points and new developments. Whether you work in a news room, in public relations or marketing, or blog from home, make sure you have The Journalist's Guide to Media Law at your side. 'Whether you're an MSM editor or reporter, a blogger, a tweeter or a personal brand, this book might save your bacon.' - Jonathan Holmes, former ABC Media Watch host 'The leading text book from which most journos learned their law' - Margaret Simons, associate professor in journalism, Monash University

This widely used introduction to media law takes a journalist's perspective. Written in a clear, non-legalistic fashion, it shows how journalists can produce ethical, hard-edged reportage while staying on the right side of the law. The authors also explain how to negotiate some of the key ethical minefields of day-to-day reporting, focusing on ethical dilemmas which can have legal consequences. This fully revised fourth edition offers a comprehensive overview of aspects of law which relate to a journalist's work including defamation, contempt, confidentiality, privacy, trespass, intellectual property, and ethical regulation. Recent cases and examples are used to illustrate key points. Also included is an introduction to the legal system and guidelines on reporting legal issues. Tips, summaries, and a handy flow chart to defamation law make The Journalist's Guide to Media Law a handy reference for professionals and an essential text for students.

This book is both an introductory text and reference guide to the main issues facing journalists today, including social media, fake news, and regulators. The text covers the law of the United Kingdom – including Scots and Northern Irish devolved legislation – as well as human rights and EU laws. This book covers essential areas such as: privacy, confidentiality, freedom of expression and media freedom, defamation, contempt of court, regulation of the print press and broadcast regulation as well as discussions on fake news and how to regulate online harm. There is a section on intellectual property law, covering mainly copyright. Court reporting and how to report on children, young people and victims of sexual offences receive particular attention in this book with relevant cases in user-friendly format. The engaging writing style is aimed to enthuse students, practitioners and lecturers with plenty of examination and practice materials. The text is packed with extensive learning aids including case studies, boxed notes, sample examination questions, appendices of statutes and cases and a glossary. It is intended as a complete course textbook for students and teachers of journalism, media, communications and PR courses, focusing on diploma courses, NCTJ examinations and broadcast journalism courses such as the BJTC. The book’s international focus would also make it ideal reading for journalists from across the world who are working in the UK. The book presumes no prior legal knowledge.

Written by a working journalist with over 20 years’ experience, Law for Journalists is designed to equip you with a solid understanding of the day-to-day legal principles and practices you will need throughout your career. Suitable for use on courses accredited by the NCTJ and BCTJ, this book is packed full of practical tips and suggestions, making it a must-have guide to media law for journalism students, trainees and working journalists alike. New to this edition: ● Discussion of the first cases brought since the Defamation Act 2013 came into force, highlighting how the new provisions are being interpreted by the courts. ● Increased coverage of broadcast and online journalism, and social media. ● More detailed focus on the ethical codes of practice used by Ofcom and IPSO.

Law and Ethics for Today's Journalist offers aspiring and working journalists the practical understanding of Law and ethics they must have to succeed at their craft. Mathewson engagingly weaves together the essentials of media ethics and Law by focusing on what practicing journalists will find most useful. Everything a journalist needs to know about legal protections, limitations, and risks inherent in workaday reporting is illustrated with highlights from major court opinions.

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