This is a companion website for the publication by Routledge of the Second Edition of UK Media Law Pocketbook in 2022.  The first edition was published in 2013.

The second edition of The UK Media Law Pocketbook presents updated and extended practical guidance on everyday legal issues for working journalists and media professionals.

This book covers traditional print and broadcast as well as digital multimedia such as blogging and instant messaging, with clear explanations of new legal cases, legislation and regulation.

There are seven further online only chapters allowing readers to access all the most up-to-date laws and guidance around data protection, covering inquests, courts martial, public inquiries, family courts, local government and the media law of the Channel Islands and Isle of Man.

Tim Crook critically explores emerging global issues and proposals for reform with concise summaries of recent cases illustrating media law in action, as well as tips on pitfalls to avoid.

The UK Media Law Pocketbook is a key reference for journalists and media workers across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The book’s companion website provides downloadable sound files, video summaries and updates all the developments in one of the most dynamic and rapidly changing fields of law.

Every effort will be made to update on the constant and rapid changes to UK media law in terms of legislation, court rulings, regulation and ethics every year.

The author, Tim Crook, Emeritus Professor in the Department of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies, Goldsmiths, University of London, has been President of the Chartered Institute of Journalists, and continues as Chair of the CIoJ’s Professional Practices Board and Welfare Committee. He has been a journalist since the age of 16, and in a career spanning five decades has been on the front-line of advancing and protecting the rights of journalists and media workers. His campaigning in the 1980s and appeal to Strasbourg led to legislative reform which enabled journalists to gain the right to challenge and appeal reporting bans and secret hearings in the Crown Court. He was among the first journalists to personally advocate Open Justice before Crown Court and Appeal Court judges. In 1988 he received a Campaign for Freedom of Information award for his challenges and exposures of courtroom secrecy.

In recent years he has been trying to persuade the Freedom of Information Tribunal System in England and Wales to apply Strasbourg case law recognising a standing right for journalists, academic researchers and public watchdog NGOs to access state information.

After five First Tier Tribunal hearings and three Upper Tribunal hearings, his application for judicial review was rejected by a High Court Judge who insisted this issue is a matter for Parliament.

He was the recipient of a BJTC Special Recognition Award for services to journalism and journalism training in 2019.

He produces a comprehensive updated pdf file on media law, ethics and regulation for the UK Broadcast Journalism Training Council, BJTC. The new edition for end of September 2023 has now been completed and is downloadable from the link below. Every effort will be made to include news on the changes in media law covering the intervening years.

This electronic book will be updated between editions so do please revisit and obtain the latest version. The most recent version will be dated in the pdf file name. It is currently up to date with media law developments to 15th October 2023.