Carson McDowell has one of Northern Ireland’s strongest media law teams. We provide both contentious and non-contentious advice on all aspects of media law and a comprehensive service for media organisations in regulation, content advice, and litigation. The team provides media law advice from the outset of planned source investigations through to the pre-broadcast or print copy and broadcast stage.
Our defendant-focused media litigation team handles a wide range of developing issues for our clients including online disputes as well as commercial and competition litigation affecting media companies. We provide regulatory advice in relation to Ofcom, ATVOD, and the PCC. Carson McDowell act for the biggest selling tabloid newspaper in Ireland, as well as book publishers, broadcasters, football associations, churches, and online publishers.
What we do
- Broadcasting
- Defamation
- Privacy
- Reputation management
- Contempt of court
- Anonymity orders
- Reporting restrictions
- PACE
- Production orders
- Interim and final injunctions
- Data protection
- Freedom of information
- Intellectual property
- New media / internet law
- Publishing and pre-publication advice
What Others Say About Us
Chambers UK 2021
Media & Entertainment Department
What the team is known for
Assists publishers, broadcasters and social media platforms with commercial agreements, IP protection and compliance with online, data protection and advertising regulation. Also recommended for advice on pre-publication and reporting restrictions.
Strengths
Clients praise the lawyers' "superb service and great out-of-hours access."
Work highlights
Provided pre-broadcast and clearance advice on Channel 4's Smuggled documentary, including copyright, OFCOM, libel, privacy and data protection matters.
Notable practitioners
Defamation/Reputation Management Department
What the team is known for
Superb defamation practice focused on media defence. Acts for a number of leading Northern Ireland publications, as well as broadcasters, social media providers, high net worth individuals and politicians. Also provides comprehensive brand management advisory and pre-publication services, and is noted for its work challenging reporting restrictions and anonymity orders.
Strengths
One client refers to the firm as "market-leading in their areas of speciality," further describing the team members as "responsive, top-rate solicitors who combine technical expertise with sensible real-world advice."
Another describes Carson McDowell as "a very professional and reputable firm."
Work highlights
Defended journalist, author and documentary maker Edward Moloney in libel proceedings involving a tweet about alleged money laundering.
Notable practitioners