Media Law Essentials

This course is the perfect primer, or refresher, for anyone who needs a better understanding of how media law works 

This four-hour media law course will develop your understanding of media law and share up-to-date guidelines on topics including copyright, defamation, social media and court reporting.

What you’ll learn: defamation, copyright, contempt laws, court reporting

A solid grounding in media law is essential for anyone working in publishing or content production. This course serves as a useful starting point for individuals and groups on the fundamentals of media law.  

You’ll be guided through a refresher on the key principles of media law, covering defamation (and the defences against it), copyright and the legalities of using posts on social media and user-generated content.   

The course also covers points to remember regarding readers’ comments on websites, apps and social platforms and explores privacy and the basics of contempt law using real-life cases.   

You’ll also consider need-to-know information regarding court reporting and the legal rights a reporter has while newsgathering. You’ll leave with a stack of resources to continue building your media law knowledge. 

Please note that PA trainers are not legal professionals and cannot provide formal legal advice. This training is not intended to replace legal advice

How you’ll learn 

This essential media law course will be led by an experienced editor who will share their knowledge and journalistic expertise through presentations, discussion and practical exercises. 

Who the course is for

This training is for anyone who needs a better understanding of how media law applies to their daily job and output, from journalists and editors to content producers and publishers. It is suitable for those building their knowledge in this area, and also as a refresher to those looking to update their knowledge.

If you are interested in studying media law in more depth, please get in touch about studying our NCTJ Essential Media Law module. At the end of this industry-standard media law course, run on Tuesday evenings over multiple weeks, delegates will take NCTJ exams in Essential Media Law and Court Reporting. The next course begins in September. You might also consider our part-time NCTJ Diploma if you are looking for firm foundations on which to build your career as you work.

BOOK AS AN INDIVIDUAL: Check out the scheduled dates below and book your place now. This will be a remote course. 

BOOK FOR YOUR TEAM: The course will be tailored to your needs and can be delivered remotely or in your offices. Get in touch using the button below to discuss times and dates for bespoke training. 

Course Modules

Media Law Fundamentals 1

  1. What is media law?
  2. What is defamation?
  3. Key principles of copyright
  4. Using social media/UGC
  5. Readers’ comments

Media Law Fundamentals 2

  1. Privacy: An evolving area of media law
  2. Contempt laws: The essentials
  3. Reporting the courts: What to know
  4. Legal rights when newsgathering
  5. Media law resources

Media Law Essentials

This course is the perfect primer, or refresher, for anyone who needs a better understanding of how media law works 

Get in touch

What our students say

View all testimonials

The training scenarios are as real to life as you could possibly get. They took considerable time to research our current plans and issues and used these to design a series of true to life radio and TV interviews. The team is outstanding, and their expertise and knowledge has been invaluable. Book them – you’ll be glad you did.

NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group
, Communications Manager

The staff truly go above and beyond, providing detailed feedback, a wealth of knowledge and many career opportunities. I’d recommend the course to any budding journalist. You’ll have fun, too!  

Erin Waks
, Trainee Sub-Editor
, Daily Mail

I made amazing friends, amazing memories and now it has led me to an amazing job which I never would have gotten without my time at Press Association.  

Holly Bishop
, Digital Reporter
, GB News

I was able to count on excellent teachers and professionals who helped me push my limits and achieve my goals. I was impressed by the quality of the course and the motivation teachers put into it. It was a great experience and I would definitely do it again!

Laure Poncet
, Research Officer
, ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes

I honestly thought that the whole day was fabulous!!! You really couldn’t have done anymore for us. The combination of practical exercises and feedback was particularly useful, it was a challenging day (in a very good way) in that we really had to think, learn and adapt quickly. I know the team are significantly better prepared for media interviews after this training.

Fragile X Society
, Managing Director

The small class sizes nurture a comfortable environment where everyone supports and learns from each other. The staff helped me hone in on my writing skills and develop the confidence to feel comfortable on camera.

Camilla Foster
, Reporter
, Newsquest

Contact us

Do you wish to train on one of our specialist courses? Start by filling in the application form – we’ll ask you for some important information such as your education and employment history.

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For more information , simply fill out the form and a member of our team will be in touch.

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