Remote court reporting and readers’ social media posts are among the fresh topics discussed in the new edition of McNae’s Essential Law for Journalists.

The 26th edition of the media law book, described as the “journalists’ bible”, is now available for order.

The new edition touches on issues including the emerging importance of media organisations’ legal liability for readers’ postings, as well as the new law that enables remote reporting of court hearings.

The book also examines “seminal” cases covering copyright, defamation and privacy law, including the latest cases brought by Johnny Depp and Meghan Markle.

It further covers the latest updates on journalists’ rights to gain access to court case material and features expanded coverage of the law of contempt of court.

The edition is the first to be co-authored by Sian Harrison, law editor of PA Media, alongside Mark Hanna.

Sian was appointed after Mike Dodd, Marks’ previous co-author, announced he was stepping down from the role following the publication of the 25th edition in 2020.

The book is available for pre-order at £23.99 and can be purchased here.