Journalist and Broadcaster Insurance

As a journalist or broadcaster you need to be extremely careful what you write and/or how you present a news article. Any mistake in the detail and information you present, or if you write something that is defamatory about someone’s character or their business, can land you in hot water.

Defamation claims are not uncommon in journalism as people seek to preserve their reputations.

A couple of examples could include:

Defamation

Claims made by one person about another person on a public forum, such as social media, which are untrue or hearsay. The accused person takes legal action to clear their name in court and wins their case.

Professional Indemnity insurance would respond to provide cover for your legal costs in this instance.

Infringement of copyright or trademark

A blatant copy of someone else’s article without their consent and/or without giving them a credit. The wronged party makes a claim for copyright infringement, wins their case and is awarded compensation.

Professional Indemnity insurance would respond to provide cover for your legal costs in this instance.

With our online quote and buy system you can see a quote for your business insurance in a matter of minutes.

An example quote: a journalist (non-tabloid or national newspapers) with an annual turnover of up to £50,000 per annum, with a £500,000 indemnity limit in any one claim, would pay as little as £192.00 per annum for professional indemnity insurance, which we think is great value considering the cover and peace of mind that you benefit from (Figure correct as of 22.11.2021).

Apart from Professional Indemnity insurance, journalists would be best advised to carry Public Liability (PL) insurance as they meet members of the public. PL insurance will provide cover in case you damage someone else’s property or cause an accident and injury to a member of the public in the course of your work.

If you are a freelance journalist who operates via a limited company owner it is important to be aware that a claim can also be made against you personally and with unlimited personal liability. Directors and Officers insurance will offer protection for you in this instance, which is offered as part of our Business Combined Liabilities insurance.

Tax Enquiry and Legal Expenses insurance will cover costs incurred from a legal occurrence that your indemnity and liability insurance does not cover, such as costs incurred from a tax investigation.