Monthly Archives: January 2011

Mop ups

Posted on January 31, 2011 by jtownend

Morning all. I’ve decided to run the Media Law Mop Up mid-week rather than Mondays (most likely on Wednesdays or Thursday afternoons). In the meantime, here’s a phone hacking themed thought from the Guardian’s letter page this morning: “Although it’s … Continue reading →

Posted in media law mop-up | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Digital forensics

Posted on January 28, 2011 by jtownend

I recently looked into the fascinating field of digital forensics for the re-launched Insite blog (Colin Meek’s internet research skills/resources site). Specialists such as Professor Hany Farid and Professor Anthony TS Ho are honing techniques to analyse and detect digital … Continue reading →

Posted in journalism, media law resources, media regulation, photography | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Monday media law mop up: Coulson's exit; why celebs sue; and the Palestine Papers

Posted on January 24, 2011 by jtownend

The week in media law & ethics… It was a news week that included Alan Johnson’s resignation as shadow chancellor (and PC Rice’s suspension), developments in the Yeates murder case and Tony Blair’s appearance at the Chilcot Inquiry, but Coulson’s … Continue reading →

Posted in media law mop-up, media law resources | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

PCC & self-regulation: New version of Editors' Codebook released

Posted on January 18, 2011 by jtownend

A new version of the Editors’ Code handbook has been released by the Editors’ Code of Practice Committee, including the new 2011 rule for publishing corrections. The code is enforced by the Press Complaints Commission (PCC). Press release here [PDF] … Continue reading →

Posted in media law resources, media regulation, newspapers | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Monday media law mop up: Libel and the public; prior notification attempt; and changes at Out-Law

Posted on January 17, 2011 by jtownend

Media law bits and bobs from the last seven days… Lawyers talk libel The libel reform event of the week took place at Gray’s Inn Hall last Tuesday, with a focus on the ‘public’. Tweets from the event can be … Continue reading →

Posted in defamation, media law, media law mop-up, media law resources | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

What happens to the hundreds of defamation claims each year?

Posted on January 14, 2011 by jtownend

The Inforrm blog has an excellent piece on what happens to defamation actions in England & Wales. It reports that while there are between 200 and 300 defamation claims each year, very few are disposed of at hearings, let alone … Continue reading →

Posted in defamation, media law | Tagged , | 1 Comment

MST: Libel and the public – we're all publishers now

Posted on January 13, 2011 by jtownend

I’ve written a short piece for the Media Standards Trust blog about libel reform and the public, in regards to online publishing. I look at the multiple publication rule and why I think we’re only at the very beginning of … Continue reading →

Posted in comment, digital open justice, social media, social networking | Tagged , | Leave a comment

How many libel lawyers does it take…

Posted on January 12, 2011 by jtownend

… to discuss where the public interest lies in libel reform? Quite a few it would seem.  Last night in the austere but impressive surroundings of Gray’s Inn Hall, dozens of lawyers and miscellaneous libel reform types gathered to hear … Continue reading →

Posted in defamation, media law | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

When does a newspaper's comment become its opinion?

Posted on January 12, 2011 by jtownend

I spotted an interesting little Twitter conversation between the Guardian’s editor Alan Rusbridger and Salon writer Glenn Greenwald last night. It started when Greenwald (@ggreenwald) said: The Guardian slams WikiLeaks for endangering reformists in Zimbabwe, then sheepishly admits that *they* … Continue reading →

Posted in media law, media regulation, newspapers | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Event: Libel reform: in the public’s interest?

Posted on January 11, 2011 by jtownend

Tonight I’m off to an Inforrm / Media Standards Trust debate at Gray’s Inn looking at the implications of libel reform for the public. More about it here. It The event will be chaired by Baroness Helena Kennedy.  The panel … Continue reading →

Posted in defamation, media law | Tagged , | 3 Comments