Module Directory

This module provides a comparative cross-border overview of the most controversial issues of law and policies that apply to the media and communication amidst the rise of global media platforms, the digital economy, artificial intelligence (AI), and “post-truth” politics. These include the standards on media platform liability for own publications and user-generated content. They also cover various problems related to content moderation, disinformation, digital media piracy, and AI-generated content. Apart from the principles and standards set by the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR) that apply to the UK, EU and most other European states, the module explores the issues of media regulation at the UN and and draws comparisons with the US, China and other states, where relevant. It also examines how global media platforms, such as Google, FB, Netflix and others, respond to regulatory challenges through their policies and practices. The module evaluates media law and policy developments in light of their social and cultural context. No prior knowledge of media law is necessary. Broad brush explanations will provide the legal framework against which comparisons will be drawn.

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

1. demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the nature and purpose of relevant legal principles and the ways in which they shape professional practice at a national, regional and international level;


2. show critical awareness of controversial legal and policy issues at the forefront of a fast-changing communications sector;


3. demonstrate familiarity with relevant domestic and international sources of media law and policy and the ability to critically apply them both verbally (in seminars) and in writing;


4. clearly communicate media law-related concepts to specialist and non-specialist audiences and show independent learning, team work and project management skills.

The module seeks to fulfil its aims through a combination of weekly lectures and seminars in the spring term (i.e. a 1-hour lecture, followed by a 1-hour seminar, for 10 weeks). Lectures will introduce participants to the subject matter of the week and provide the foundation for guided independent study.

Audiovisual materials will be employed, where appropriate, with a view to enhancing students’ learning experience. Seminars will provide the opportunity to deepen participants’ understanding of the key legal issues covered in lectures through the use of additional materials supplied. Specific instructions for the seminars will be posted on Moodle. Participants will be expected to engage actively in seminar debates, having been provided with a relevant reading list beforehand.