New legislation aims to curb abusive lawsuits targeting journalists. Legal experts say the reforms could help protect local publishers and freelancers. The government faces calls to support these measures.
Media organizations and freelance journalists could soon see stronger legal protections as new Anti-SLAPP Private Members’ Bills move forward in both the House of Lords and House of Commons. The proposed legislation is designed to prevent strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs), which are often used to burden newsrooms and individuals with costly, time-consuming legal battles that discourage public interest reporting.
Sayra Tekin, General Counsel of the News Media Association, said these lawsuits are a clear misuse of the legal system, intended to intimidate and silence those reporting in the public interest. She noted that Baroness Stowell’s Bill offers a practical approach by allowing courts to dismiss abusive claims early, while still ensuring legitimate cases can proceed. Tekin emphasized that local and regional publishers, as well as freelance journalists, are especially vulnerable to SLAPP tactics due to limited resources.
With Anti-SLAPP Bills now under consideration in both Houses, Tekin urged the government to collaborate with Baroness Stowell and John Whittingdale MP to enact legislation that balances freedom of expression with access to justice. The goal, she said, is to deliver effective protections for those most at risk of legal intimidation.
SLAPPs are increasingly recognized as a threat to accountability and transparency, targeting not only journalists but also whistleblowers and victims of abuse. These lawsuits often rely on the threat of high legal costs and prolonged proceedings to deter scrutiny. The issue has drawn attention across the media sector, with some publishers expressing concerns about the chilling effect on investigative reporting. For example, recent coverage of legal risks facing publishers can be found in this analysis of ongoing legal challenges in the news industry.
