Media organisations successfully resist PSNI application for journalistic material
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Pictured (left–right): DWF partner Olivia O'Kane, Alex Thomson of Channel 4 News, Richard Coghlin KC and Demelza Hassani of Channel 4 News.
A judge has rejected an application by the PSNI which sought to force news companies to hand over unbroadcast and unpublished journalistic material.
DWF partner Olivia O’Kane acted on behalf of Channel 4 News, ITN, Press Association and UTV in the proceedings before Judge Gordon Kerr QC of the Crown Court.
The media robustly resisted the application, arguing that the independence of the media is paramount in being able to report about matters of public interest, including when reporting criminality.
The media organisations further argued about the importance of protecting confidential journalistic material.
Evidence was provided to the court from journalists, including from UTV, PA, C4 and ITN and from others such as BBCNI.
The PSNI application was dismissed.
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