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.

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

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.

An introduction to media law from a journalist's perspective is offered in this fully revised and updated practical guide. A comprehensive overview of the aspects of law that relate to a journalist's work is provided, including defamation, contempt, confidentiality, privacy, trespassing, copyright, and ethical regulation. Tips, summaries, and a flow chart to defamation law make it a handy reference for professionals and an essential text for students.

'A refreshing complement to more venerable textbooks. Indeed, being both reflective and accessible, it is arguably a better first resort for aspirant hacks' Times Higher Education Supplement 'It is written in a clear and user-friendly style, avoiding the legalistic language that can be a problem with so many law textbooks. Particularly well written are the case studies that Ursula Smartt explains in each chapter' - Writing Magazine Media Law for Journalists functions as both an introduction and a reference guide to the main legal issues facing journalists. It is intended as a course textbook for students, first and foremost. However, it is also intended to help keep journalists out of jail and on the right side of the law. The book presumes no prior legal knowledge, but covers all the relevant areas including: defamation, privacy, contempt of court, freedom of expression, and intellectual property. It also looks at the difference between the English and Scottish legal systems as they pertain to the media. This book will be essential reading for all students of journalism as well a welcome guide to professional journalists.

Canterbury University's Professor John Burrows QC is known to every journalist in New Zealand. His books on media law are in every editor's office and newsroom; his knowledge of media law has long been the foundation of journalism teaching and the industry's standards. When he first wrote this easy-reference, shorter version of his media law 'bible' in 1982, he was fulfilling a long-standing need for a basic law manual for working journalists. This new and completely revised fifth edition has, as always, been eagerly anticipated by those teaching the topic in journalism schools. Media law is constantly changing and there have been significant developments - in privacy law, especially - since the fourth edition was published in 2000.

"An excellent book for teaching media/journalism students at any level. The book is written in a concise style with updated information and legal cases. I especially like the pedagogical features which are excellent tools for both teachers and students." Yik Chan Chin, Advanced Research Fellow, Human Rights Law Centre, School of Law, University of Nottingham. "Finally, a law book which doesn't bore you to death! A refreshing text laid out in a clear, succinct manner with the same depth as its competitors but presented in a much more user-friendly style. This should be the first choice guide for journalists needing to know about media law." Jo Newsholme, Broadcast Journalist, LBC Radio. Engaging, relevant and comprehensive, Law for Journalists is the must-have guide to media law for journalism students, trainees and working journalists alike. This popular text is specifically structured for journalism courses, including those accredited by the NCTJ and BJTC. Offering practical guidance and an engaging insight into the law as it relates to journalists, this new edition continues to enhance the strong reputation of this text.

All journalists need to be aware of the legal environment in which they operate. Uses examples from real reporting situations to offer practical guidance on how a jounalist can work within the law.

This second edition of Hong Kong Media Law is an authoritative guide to the laws most important to reporters, editors, news executives and other professionals working for the print, online and broadcast media—and the lawyers who advise them. Topics include defamation, court reporting, privacy, access to information, copyright, newsgathering and reporting restrictions. The book also examines legal hurdles Hong Kong and international journalists face while reporting on the mainland of the People’s Republic of China. Also featured are chapter FAQs and checklists, a glossary of legal terms, a research guide and key legislation texts.

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. Instead of covering every nuance of media law for diverse communications majors, Mathewson focuses exclusively on what's relevant for journalists. Even though media law and media ethics are closely linked together in daily journalistic practice, they are usually covered in separate volumes. Mathewson brings them together in a clear and colourful way that practicing journalists will find more 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. Mathewson advises journalists who must often make ethical decisions on the spot with no time for the elaborate, multi-faceted analysis. The book assigns to journalists the hard decisions on ethical questions such as whether to go undercover or otherwise misrepresent themselves in order to get a big story. The ethics chapter precedes the law chapters because ethical standards should underlie a journalist's work at all times. There may be occasions when ethics and law are not parallel, thus calling for the journalist to make a personal judgment. Law and Ethics for Today's Journalist is user-friendly, written in clear, direct, understandable language on issues that really matter to a working journalist. Supplementary reading of the actual court cases is recommended and links to most cases are provided in the text. The text includes a fine (but purposely not exhaustive) bibliography listing important and useful legal cases, including instructive appellate and trial court opinions, state as well as federal.