Changes could be made to National Council for the Training of Journalists exams to reflect new legal issues arising from the growing use of online media by newspapers and magazines.

Its media law examinations board is considering whether changes need to be made and, if so, what issues need to be covered.

Chair of the board Mark Hanna, a former Western Daily Press and Sheffield Star journalist, is seeking the views and experiences of editors and journalists.

He said: “Our syllabus already covers relevant fields such as copyright and defamation. But, clearly, websites are making new demands on many newsrooms as regards vigilance to avoid complaints and lawsuits.

“For example, use of video clips, and of comment rapidly supplied by readers/viewers, means that journalists formerly working only in print are adapting their legal antenna and responses. We would like to tap into their experience of that change.”

He said the board was keen to hear of any cases of online material which had caused complaints or possible problems that were spotted prior to publication.

This could include issues relating to online archives, or juxtaposition of video footage not handled by newspaper journalists until recently.

Similar scenarios could then be added to exams to test students.

Mark said: “We want to know what is going on out there and what basic grounding we should give to students on NCTJ courses in this area.

“We want to make sure that they can at least spot a potential problem and seek advice or respond correctly to a complaint.”