Media Law in Australia

This is the third edition of Australia’s foremost media law book for people who work in the media, deal with media or study them.

It has been completely rewritten since the last edition to cover changes to the law up to April 1994. New developments include major High Court decisions on defamation, contempt and free speech, as well as new broadcasting and telecommunications laws. Among the topics discussed are defamation, business reputation, copyright, advertising, censorship, contempt, access to the courts, journalists’ sources and other long-standing issues for all media. The book also covers new and growing areas such as radio, television, ‘narrowcasting’, the Press Council and freedom of information.

While the main purpose of the book is to explain the law to media people and students, it also serves as a timely audit of restrictions on freedom of speech for all who are concerned about professional media values or the new electronic environment. The authors have ensured that the law is made comprehensible to people who do not have a legal background, yet through footnotes and references they have provided access to the formidable body of principles that make up modern media law.

Media Law in Australia belongs on the desk of everyone who works in print or electronic media, or in film, public relations or advertising.