Lord Hunt: McNae’s is proof that ‘journalism is already subject to the most extensive laws’

PCC chairman Lord Hunt believes media law bible McNae’s Essential Law for Journalists is proof that no further legislation is needed to regulate journalists.

Speaking at the official launch of the latest edition on Friday, Hunt said McNae’s had ‘become an institution in its own right”, 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.

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 NCTJ Media Law Seminar last week also honoured the highest achievers in the last academic year’s media law exams.

The awards for best performance in the Essential Media Law exam and Media Law Court Reporting went to City College Brighton and Hove students Alice Neal and Daniel Bell respectively.