Module Directory

This module provides you with a broad introduction to the law and how it affects the practice of all varieties of journalism.

It provides you with knowledge of the main legal issues encountered by journalists - knowledge you will need to apply in practice as you undertake all forms of reporting, in particular the proceedings of the courts. It also covers the regulatory framework within which journalism works, and frequently touches on ethical issues.

The module will enable you to sit the NCTJ Essential Media Law (early in your second year), which is an element of the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism. You will also be ready to sit the separate NCTJ exam in Media Law Court Reporting.

The aims of this module are:

• To give students a good knowledge of the legal system, especially those parts of the law that relate specifically to the media, and a working knowledge of reporting in court. This knowledge is essential for every journalist. The financial and reputational cost of ignorance or error, such as committing libel or contempt, can be huge; the whole organisation is damaged, as well as the individual.


• To give students a thorough grounding in, and understanding of, the legal issues facing journalism and how to handle them.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Understand the foundational legal principles governing multimedia journalism practice in England and Wales, incl. key legal frameworks relevant to journalism such as defamation, contempt of court, privacy, confidentiality, and copyright.


2. Analyse how media law and regulation influences journalistic practice, incl. reporting on crime, public figures, sensitive topics and other ethical considerations.


3. Apply basic legal and ethical reasoning to common news gathering practices.


4. Acquire an introductory understanding of court reporting, including court hierarchy, basic court procedures and reporting restrictions in accordance with the law.

General Reading:

Dodd, Mike and Hanna, Mark (2020) McNae's Essential Law for Journalists, 25th edition, Oxford, Oxford University Press

The syllabus is based on the key text in this area, McNae's Essential Law for Journalists, 25th edition, 2020 OUP, by Mike Dodd and Mark Hanna.

The subjects covered will include:

• contempt;


• anonymity (on grounds of ethics, age, sexual offences or jigsaw identification among others);


• accuracy;


• defamation;


• copyright;


• confidentiality;


• disclosure of sources;


• privacy;


• other ethical and regulatory considerations;


• filming in public places;


• status, responsibilities, powers of media regulatory bodies.


• You will also cover the Editors' Code of Practice and the Ofcom Broadcasting Code in the context of applying the law or these codes to a scenario.

You will be taught, and gain practical experience, of court processes and the workings of the legal system, and cover the specific instances in which reporting restrictions will or could be appropriate - such as contempt, juveniles in court, identification of complainants in sexual abuse cases and defamation in the context of court reporting.

Anticipated teaching delivery:

• Weekly 2-hour seminar