“McNae’s Essential Law for Journalists has become an institution” says Lord Hunt
Lord Hunt, Chair of the Press Complaints Commission, officially launched the latest edition of McNae’s Essential Law for Journalists at the NCTJ Media Law Seminar at The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn in London on 30 March.
Lord Hunt, Chair of the Press Complaints Commission, officially launched the latest edition of McNae’s Essential Law for Journalists at the NCTJ Media Law Seminar at The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn in London on 30 March.
Lord Hunt said: “McNae’s Essential Law for Journalists has become an institution in its own right. The book is an essential resource in newsrooms and courtrooms across the country and I am delighted to endorse the latest edition, which I know will have been eagerly awaited by editors, journalists, students looking to break into the industry and all those for whom the challenges of the world of journalism grow ever more demanding.
“I myself will continue to use this textbook as a respected and highly informative resource for my own reference.”
Lord Hunt also spoke about the Leveson Inquiry and the fact that he does not believe there’s a need for more legislation, adding: “This book demonstrates that journalism is already subject to the most extensive laws, guidance and codes but there must be a credible model of independent self-regulation.”
Lord Hunt concluded his address with references to the teaching of ethics in journalism and also paid tribute to the NCTJ, saying: “I’d like to put on record my admiration for the NCTJ. It is a highly effective system for training journalists.”
Guests including David Newell, director of the Newspaper Society; Martin Wood, group legal advisor at The Daily Mail; Adam Cannon, editorial legal director at Telegraph Media Group; Andrew Stephenson of Carter-Ruck solicitors; and freedom of information campaigner Heather Brooke listened to the 45-minute keynote address and also had the opportunity to ask questions.
The 21st edition of McNae’s Essential Law for Journalists introduces major changes including: new coverage of broadcast regulation; new material on privacy and the media, including injunctions and phone-hacking; new guidance on journalists’ use of social media; and further coverage of online journalism issues. The authors, Mark Hanna and Mike Dodd, presented further information about these changes at the seminar and all delegates were provided with a free copy of the book by Oxford University Press.
Copies of the book are available to order from the NCTJ online shop.
Endorsements of McNae’s Essential Law for Journalists, 21st edition:
“In a rapidly changing media environment McNae’s [Essential Law for Journalists] remains the definitive guide to all aspects of media law and is still an indispensible resource for every newsroom and every journalism student.”
Amanda Ball
NCTJ Principal Examiner and senior lecturer in media law, Nottingham Trent University
“McNae’s is an invaluable reference for both working journalists and journalism students. It is comprehensive, engaging and provides information in an accessible and easy-to-read format.”
Helen Boaden
Director, BBC News
“This is the law book that’s essential for any journalist. It cuts through the legal waffle and is a vital reference tool whether you work in print, broadcast or digital media.”
Andy Cairns
Executive Editor, Sky Sports News
“It’s simply the essential guide to the law and the press and a must-have-to-hand in the newsroom – not to mention the editor’s office. Never without my copy.”
Ian Murray,
Editor-in-Chief, Southern Daily Echo
