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UK Media Law for Journalists

A practical master hub covering defamation, contempt of court, privacy, data protection, copyright, reporting restrictions, source protection, and how to handle legal threats. Information only — not legal advice.

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Information, not legal advice. Nothing on this hub constitutes legal advice. If you face a live legal threat, consult a qualified media lawyer or your union immediately. Read our full disclaimer.

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This hub is for UK journalists at any career stage who need a reliable reference point on media law. Whether you have received a legal threat, are about to publish a sensitive investigation, or are starting out and want to understand the legal landscape, start with the complete guide below and then navigate to the specific area you need.

New to media law? Read the UK Media Law Complete Guide first. Facing a specific threat? Jump to Legal threats below. About to report a court case? See Contempt & court or visit our dedicated Court Reporting hub.

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Source Protection

Protecting sources is a fundamental obligation and a legal right. Section 10 of the Contempt of Court Act 1981 is your starting point, but digital security matters just as much.

Whistleblower Protection for Journalists
PIDA protections, secure drop tools, Signal, metadata risks, and working with sources safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a UK journalist be sued for defamation even if a story is true?
No. Truth (formerly "justification") is a complete defence to defamation under the Defamation Act 2013. If you can prove on the balance of probabilities that the substantially true meaning of a statement is true, the claim fails. Gather and preserve your evidence before publication, not after.
When does contempt of court apply to online reporting?
The strict liability rule under the Contempt of Court Act 1981 applies once proceedings are "active" — for criminal cases, from the point of arrest, warrant or charge. Publishing anything that creates a substantial risk of seriously prejudicing or impeding active proceedings is contempt, regardless of intent. This includes social media posts and live blogs.
Does GDPR apply to journalists in the UK?
Yes, but with a significant journalism exemption under Section 174 of the Data Protection Act 2018. The exemption allows journalists to process personal data for journalism purposes in the public interest, even where doing so would otherwise breach UK GDPR principles. It must be applied case-by-case — it is not a blanket get-out.
What should I do when I receive a legal threat or solicitor's letter?
Do not panic, and do not agree to anything without taking advice. Preserve all materials relating to the story. Do not destroy notes or sources. Contact your editor and, if you are freelance, your union (NUJ) or a media lawyer immediately. Document when the letter arrived. Most legal threats are designed to intimidate — many never lead to a claim.
Is a journalist ever required to reveal a source?
Courts can order disclosure of sources, but Section 10 of the Contempt of Court Act 1981 provides significant protection: disclosure cannot be ordered unless it is necessary in the interests of justice, national security, or the prevention of disorder or crime. "Necessary" is a high bar. Resist disclosure applications and take legal advice immediately if faced with one.
Can I photograph or film in public places in the UK?
Generally yes — there is no blanket law preventing photography in public spaces. However, you must be careful about: the Official Secrets Act (near military/government sites), the Protection from Harassment Act (persistent pursuit), and a reasonable expectation of privacy even in semi-public spaces. Police have no general power to delete footage or seize cameras without lawful basis.
What are SLAPPs and how do they affect UK journalists?
Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) are legal actions used by powerful individuals or corporations to silence or drain the resources of journalists. The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 introduced early dismissal powers for SLAPPs in economic crime cases. Broader SLAPP reform legislation has been consulted on. The NUJ and Index on Censorship both offer guidance and support.
What is the right to be forgotten and does it affect journalists?
Under UK GDPR, individuals can request erasure of their personal data. However, the journalism exemption means that where processing is for journalism in the public interest, erasure rights can be refused. Publishers maintain archives lawfully for this reason. The key test remains whether continued publication is genuinely in the public interest.

Related hubs

Court Reporting
UK court structure, contempt, restrictions, and practical checklists.
Journalism Ethics
NUJ Code, IPSO Editors' Code, and ethical decision-making.
FOI & Data Journalism
FOI templates, exemptions, appeals, and data sources.
Journalist Safety
Digital security, source protection, and working in hostile environments.

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Keep this page handy for quick reference before publication. Updated every six months and whenever a significant legal change occurs.

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