UK media law: Why journalists can’t always report names, descriptions, or case details in crime stories

Journalists assembled outside the Supreme Court in London Image: Steve Nimmons/Wikipedia

What are the rules of UK media law? Why don’t journalists always name suspects, describe people in police appeals, or report all case details? These questions come up regularly, especially in the age of social media and breaking news.

However, strict UK media laws protect privacy, fair trials, and ethical journalism, meaning news organisations must carefully follow legal and ethical guidelines when reporting crime and court cases.

At the Bedford Independent, we are committed to reporting the news accurately and responsibly. This means there are times when we cannot publish names, details, or descriptions, even if they are widely shared online.

We also adhere to the Impress Standards Code, which goes beyond legal requirements to uphold high ethical standards in journalism, ensuring trust and transparency in our reporting. Here’s why.

Why we may not name a suspect

Before charge: A suspect who has been arrested but not charged is legally entitled to privacy. Publishing their name before a charge can be defamatory if the allegations are later found to be false.
After charge: Once someone has been charged, their name can typically be published. However, restrictions still apply if revealing their identity could interfere with a fair trial. Under the Contempt of Court Act 1981, publishing prejudicial information (such as prior convictions) could jeopardise proceedings.
Age restrictions: Under the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999, suspects under 18 involved in legal proceedings are usually granted anonymity.
Exceptions: The police may release names in cases where public safety is a concern, such as missing persons or fugitives.

Why we may not name victims or witnesses

Sexual offence cases: Under the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992, victims of sexual offences are granted lifelong anonymity.
Children in court: The Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 prohibits the identification of minors in court proceedings unless a judge lifts restrictions.
Jigsaw identification: Even if a guilty person is named, journalists must avoid inadvertently revealing a victim’s identity.

Contempt of court: What can and can’t be published

What is contempt of court? Contempt laws exist to ensure a fair trial by preventing media coverage from influencing a jury. Publishing prejudicial details, such as previous convictions, can impact proceedings.
Example: Christopher Jefferies (2011) was falsely portrayed as a suspect in the murder of Joanna Yeates, leading to heavy fines for contempt of court.
How we stay compliant: We follow contempt laws strictly, meaning we may have to withhold details, even if widely shared elsewhere.

Why we may not include a description in police reports

Police discretion: Sometimes, the police may choose not to issue a description of a suspect at all, even if journalists or members of the public know what they look like.
Ethical considerations: Vague descriptions that focus on race without meaningful details can reinforce stereotypes.
Legal risks: If an incorrect description leads to a wrongful arrest or public speculation, there could be legal consequences.
When we do publish descriptions: Only when police request public assistance and provide a specific, detailed description.

Defamation and libel risks

What is defamation? Publishing false information that harms someone’s reputation can result in legal action.
Why we moderate social media comments: Readers may wonder why their comments on our posts are sometimes removed. Comments that name suspects, and victims, or speculate about cases can break reporting restrictions and put both the commenter and Bedford Independent at legal risk.
Example: During the Ched Evans case (2011-2016), several individuals were fined for identifying the victim on social media.

The difference between law and ethical best practice

Legal vs. ethical decisions: Media law sets strict boundaries, but journalists also follow ethical codes such as the Impress Standards Code.
How Impress promotes ethical journalism: As an Impress-regulated organisation, the Bedford Independent follows a code of conduct that ensures reporting is fair and transparent, including its own ethical standards created using industry best practices.
Balancing public interest and responsibility: Just because something can be published doesn’t mean it should be. Responsible journalism protects individuals and the integrity of the news.

Media laws protect individuals, ensure fair trials, and prevent misinformation. While social media spreads speculation, professional journalists must follow strict legal and ethical standards.

The Bedford Independent’s trained and regulated journalists are committed to making sure our reporting is fair, accurate, and legally sound.

If you have questions about our reporting policies, feel free to get in touch. Responsible journalism is about more than publishing facts, it’s about protecting journalistic integrity and raising trust in journalism.

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