Includes index.

This groundbreaking book examines the protection of personal rights to reputation and privacy, the administration of justice, the role of government censorship, the protection of the newsgathering process, the regulation of the media and the impact of digital communications. The analysis is grounded in an account of media freedom that looks at the important democratic functions performed by the media and journalism. Examining various key themes, the book shows how those functions continue to evolve in a changing political culture. Authoritative and accessible, the book is essential reading for students and scholars of media law"-- Provided by publisher