How a media and television lawyer can help you

Media and television lawyers are specialists in all aspects of television production and distribution. Television production and distribution includes a broad range of activities which span across legal areas.

Contract law is an important specialisation of media and television lawyers. Media and television lawyers can assist you with reviewing, drafting and negotiating contracts for development, production, and co-production, whether for writers, directors or producers. Media and television lawyers are also experienced with distribution agreements, financing agreements, licensing agreements and contributor/talent agreements.

Another important aspect of television and media law is the regulatory side. Ofcom (the Office of Communications) is the communications regulator charged with responsibility for regulating the television and radio sectors, as well as fixed line telecoms and mobiles and the airwaves over which wireless devices operate. Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code sets out the principles and rules which broadcasters must observe. These rules cover issues such as defining ‘harm’ and offences, as well as other areas such as impartiality and accuracy, sponsorship and commercial references, and fairness and privacy. Ofcom can impose fines of up to £250,000 upon broadcasters who breach the Code. Ofcom does not preview the content before it goes on air, and therefore television lawyers are required to undertake careful risk assessments before airing programmes. Media and television lawyers can also advise upon the regulations imposed and monitored by the Advertising Standards Authority.

Intellectual property law is another important part of a media and television lawyer’s role. It is essential to ensure that ideas and productions are protected through intellectual property law.

If you would like to obtain legal advice on television issues, Contact Law can put you in touch with a local specialist media / television solicitor free of charge. So, if you have any questions or would like our help in finding local media / television solicitors please call us on 0800 1777 162 or complete the web-form above.