Media & Communications

A story can cross the world in seconds. A campaign can reach millions of people without passing through a traditional publisher or broadcaster. A business can become a media platform, an individual can become a publisher, and artificial intelligence can create, reproduce and distribute content at unprecedented scale.

The boundaries of media have changed, but the fundamental questions remain: what can be said, published, shown or advertised; who owns the content; how it may be used; and what happens when communication infringes the rights of others.

We advise across the media and communications landscape, from newspapers, magazines, books, publishing, radio and television to websites, streaming services, podcasts, social media, digital platforms and AI-generated content. Our clients include businesses, publishers, creators, professionals and individuals whose work, reputation or commercial activity depends upon how information and content are created, communicated and received.

Our work covers both sides of communication. We advise those creating, publishing, broadcasting and promoting content, and we protect businesses and individuals affected by unlawful or damaging publications, misuse of their content or identity, or interference with their reputation and rights.

Media law has always developed alongside the technologies used to communicate. Print gave way to broadcasting; broadcasting expanded into digital media; and social platforms transformed the distinction between publisher and audience. Artificial intelligence is changing that landscape again, creating new questions about authorship, accuracy, ownership, responsibility and the use of existing material to generate new content.

We advise newspapers, publishers, broadcasters, digital businesses, content creators and others involved in producing and distributing content on the legal framework surrounding publication. This includes copyright and licensing, privacy and personal data, image and personality rights, confidential information, advertising and consumer protection, as well as questions concerning responsibility for third-party and user-generated content.

Publishing extends well beyond traditional newspapers and books. Businesses now communicate directly with audiences through websites, newsletters, podcasts, video, social networks and their own digital channels. Influencers and creators may simultaneously act as publishers, advertisers and commercial partners. We advise on the contracts and rights underpinning these activities, including content creation, production, distribution, syndication, sponsorship, endorsements, influencer and talent arrangements, collaborations and the licensing and commercial exploitation of content.

Advertising is an important part of our work. We advise businesses, agencies, media owners and creators on advertising campaigns, promotional content, comparative advertising, sponsorship, endorsements and influencer marketing. This includes the intersection between advertising rules, consumer protection, intellectual property and competition, particularly where claims are made about competitors, products or services or where the commercial nature of content must be appropriately identified.

Competition between media businesses also raises wider questions. We advise on unfair commercial practices, misleading claims, misuse of competitors' intellectual property or confidential material and other conduct affecting the way businesses compete for audiences, customers and advertising revenues.

Reputation can be affected almost instantaneously in the modern media environment. We represent individuals, professionals and businesses in defamation and reputation matters involving newspapers and broadcasters as well as websites, blogs, online reviews, social media and other digital publications. Speed can be critical. We assist clients in assessing publications, seeking corrections, retractions or removal where appropriate, preserving evidence and pursuing urgent or longer-term legal remedies where necessary.

We also advise publishers and content creators before publication, helping assess potential exposure arising from statements, images and other material. Freedom of expression and the legitimate role of journalism and public debate must be considered alongside privacy, reputation, confidentiality and other protected rights. These questions can require careful assessment of both the content and the circumstances in which it is being published.

Artificial intelligence adds another dimension. AI systems can create text, images, audio and video; reproduce or transform existing material; imitate voices and appearances; and distribute content at scale. We advise on the developing questions surrounding AI-generated and AI-assisted content, including copyright, data, attribution, misleading or manipulated material, deepfakes, personality and image rights, responsibility for outputs and the commercial use of generated content.

Intellectual property runs throughout the sector. We advise on the creation, ownership, protection and licensing of copyright, trademarks and other rights in written, visual, audio and audiovisual content. This includes arrangements between authors, photographers, journalists, producers, broadcasters, platforms, agencies, creators and commercial partners, as well as disputes concerning unauthorised copying, reproduction, adaptation and distribution.

Media businesses increasingly depend on data and technology as much as content. Audience analytics, targeted advertising, subscriptions, personalised content and digital platforms can involve extensive collection and use of personal data. We advise on privacy, data protection and cybersecurity issues arising from these activities, as well as the changing regulatory environment affecting platforms and digital services.

Media will continue to change. The means by which people create and communicate information may be transformed by technology, but content will continue to carry rights, responsibilities and consequences. We help our clients understand those boundaries — whether they are creating the message, carrying it, commercialising it or finding themselves at the centre of it.