What legal issues does this page cover for journalists?

The page covers several key legal areas for journalists, including Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, defamation, source protection, contempt of court, reporting restrictions, and public-interest reporting. It also addresses specific scenarios such as rejected FOI requests, defamation threats, and complaints to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) regarding your reporting.

What are the main legal risks mentioned for journalists?

The content notes that defamation, contempt of court, and reporting restrictions all carry serious legal risks. While most national publications have in-house legal teams, freelancers are advised to ensure they have professional indemnity insurance and access to support from the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) to manage these potential liabilities.

What should I do if my FOI request is rejected?

The page lists a rejected Freedom of Information (FOI) request as a specific scenario. It also includes a link to an FOI request tool, indicating that the site provides resources for handling FOI-related matters, including when a request is not successful.

How does the page address defamation threats?

The page identifies defamation threats or pre-action letters as a specific issue. It also mentions defamation limitation calculators as a resource. The text emphasizes that defamation carries serious legal risks, suggesting that journalists should be prepared to handle such threats, potentially with legal support.

All Situations

For Journalists

FOI requests, defamation, source protection, contempt of court, reporting restrictions, and public-interest reporting.

Reviewed 2026-05-22

Common Problems

FOI request rejected

Defamation threat / pre-action letter received

Reporting restriction order

Source protection / RIPA 2000

ICO complaint about your reporting

Letter Templates

Freedom of Information Request

Statutory request for information from a UK public authority under the FOIA 2000.

Formal Complaint to the ICO

Letter accompanying an ICO complaint about a data controller's failure to comply with UK GDPR.

Legal Tools & Calculators

Defamation Limitation Calculator

Calculate the 1-year limitation deadline for a defamation or malicious falsehood claim under s.4A of the Limitation Act 1980, applying the single publication rule under the Defamation Act 2013.

Frequently asked questions

What legal issues does this page cover for journalists?: The page covers several key legal areas for journalists, including Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, defamation, source protection, contempt of court, reporting restrictions, and public-interest reporting. It also addresses specific scenarios such as rejected FOI requests, defamation threats, and complaints to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) regarding your reporting.
What are the main legal risks mentioned for journalists?: The content notes that defamation, contempt of court, and reporting restrictions all carry serious legal risks. While most national publications have in-house legal teams, freelancers are advised to ensure they have professional indemnity insurance and access to support from the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) to manage these potential liabilities.
What should I do if my FOI request is rejected?: The page lists a rejected Freedom of Information (FOI) request as a specific scenario. It also includes a link to an FOI request tool, indicating that the site provides resources for handling FOI-related matters, including when a request is not successful.
How does the page address defamation threats?: The page identifies defamation threats or pre-action letters as a specific issue. It also mentions defamation limitation calculators as a resource. The text emphasizes that defamation carries serious legal risks, suggesting that journalists should be prepared to handle such threats, potentially with legal support.

When to Get Legal Advice

Defamation, contempt of court, and reporting restrictions all carry serious legal risks. Most national publications have in-house legal — freelancers should ensure they have professional indemnity insurance and access to NUJ legal support.