Media Law Essentials

Approached as either a primer or refresher, you’ll consider the fundamentals of media law and how these apply to practice. 

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

Approached as either a primer or refresher, you’ll consider the fundamentals of media law and how these apply to practice. 

Get in touch

What our students say

View all testimonials

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

PA Media Training were efficient, well organised and genuinely lovely people to deal with and, importantly for us, able to provide flexibility around our needs to create the bespoke training we required. I wouldn’t hesitate to use them for further training or to recommend them to other organisations.

Mayor of London’s Press Office
, Head of Media

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

Not only did I develop the necessary toolkit to become a journalist, but I also did so in an environment that fosters a real sense of community and personal career support.

Erin Waks
, Trainee Sub-Editor
, Daily Mail

I learned to write concise articles and features, while developing my skills in social media, interviewing sources, and producing stories for an increasingly online audience. The course has allowed me to start a full-time journalism career.

Jonathan Moynihan
, Social Media Producer
, Forces News

What a great session we had on Communicating with Impact. Bridgid shared practical techniques to enhance and develop our communications skills so we can present and speak publicly or to senior stakeholders with confidence and impact.  I speak for my whole team in highly recommending Bridgid Nzekwu if you are after effective and fun communication training.

Vodafone
, Group Legal Director, Corporate Commercial & Compliance

Contact us

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