We help media publishers and broadcasters stay true to their editorial integrity whilst navigating legal risk.
We encourage creativity and journalistic investigation to enable our clients to “push the boundaries” but without contravening regulatory requirements (OFCOM/IPSO/Editorial Codes of Practice) and the law (libel/contempt/slander/copyright).
As specialist media lawyers, we work closely with editors to avoid legal disputes within demanding timescales.
We offer pre-publication/pre-broadcast advice across all media and formats. We can review all forms of material and content – text, audio, video, images, scripts, headlines and more - for maximum reassurance.
We have been providing claims avoidance training to media clients for over 30 years around the UK.
We have built a client-specific bespoke online e-learning training portal for our clients’ staff which has led to reduced premiums in errors and omissions insurance.
We cover all legal issues affecting publishing and broadcasting, from defamation, privacy and breach of confidentiality issues through to IP and licensing matters, compliance with the relevant regulatory code, Contempt of Court and Reporting Restrictions and data protection and Freedom of Information.
We’re always on call, available when you need our help, including evenings and weekends.
If you’re facing a complaint, we act quickly to advise on the most appropriate course of action for the circumstances.
We’re here to deliver the result you want. This might require amendment /public interest consideration/legal defence pre-empting or attribution.
What type of content requires vetting?
Any published or broadcast content (online and in usual media forms) is open to risk of complaint to a regulatory body, litigation or referral to court. Articles, blogs, images, video, pre-broadcast / pre-publication, as well as advertising and social media campaigns.
Media organisations are advised to invest in content clearance and training as part of a prudent approach to risk management. We have secured excellent results before courts when clients have faced contempt issues. Those results have often been the product of being able to demonstrate that our clients are highly responsible publishers/broadcasters who invest in training their journalists to a high standard.
What does the content vetting process entail?
Our content clearance service is fast and supportive of your deadlines. We have a team of 5 specialist media lawyers who will be available to answer your queries. We collaborate with other parties such as your PRs as necessary to ensure there are no gaps in processes and systems.
For all enquiries, please call 01244 230000 and a member of our team will be happy to help. Alternatively, you can fill out a quick form on our contact page.
Contact us