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Guide to the Global Leaders in Media Law Practice

  REGIONS WE COVER

  Middle East and North Africa

  North America

  Asia-Pacific

  Western Europe

  Central and Eastern Europe

Media law is expected to continue evolving in response to the growing influence of digital platforms, the expansion of streaming services and increasing concern about privacy, data protection and intellectual property rights.


Social media regulation is likely to remain a key focus in 2025, with governments worldwide scrutinising the power of tech giants. The UK government’s Online Safety Bill, intended to hold social media companies accountable for harmful content, could set a precedent for stricter controls. These laws may require platforms to take stronger action against hate speech, misinformation and online abuse, while also protecting freedom of expression.


Major news publishers have seen substantial increases in digital subscriptions, with The Times, Financial Times, and The Telegraph all reporting growth. This shift reflects consumers' increasing willingness to pay for quality content amid concerns about misinformation.

The UK streaming market has become increasingly competitive, with Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video dominating, while local platforms such as ITVX and BBC iPlayer have enhanced their offerings to compete. Bundle offerings and ad-supported tiers have emerged as key strategies.


Traditional linear television viewership has continued to decline, particularly among younger demographics, forcing broadcasters to accelerate their digital transformation strategies and develop hybrid distribution models. Separately, the podcast industry has evolved from growth-focused to profit-focused, with improved monetisation through subscription models, exclusive content and more sophisticated advertising approaches. Major publishers have acquired independent podcasts to strengthen their portfolios.


Social media influencers have become an integral part of the marketing industry. UK brands have increased their reliance on influencers to reach younger consumers. This trend has led to greater regulation and formalisation of influencer marketing, with calls for clearer guidelines around transparency and paid promotions.


Technology companies such as Google, Meta, Amazon and Apple continue to dominate digital advertising, content creation and distribution platforms. The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority could become more active in scrutinising deals involving media and technology companies to prevent monopolistic practices and protect smaller players in the industry.

UNITED KINGDOM - ENGLAND

COUNTRY CHAPTER


2025 RANKINGS


LEADING LAWYERS


Phil Sherrell, Bird & Bird   

Richard Davies, Charles Russell Speechlys

Victoria Gaskell, CMS

Paul Guite, CMS

Hayley Brady, Herbert Smith Freehills

Gregor Pryor, Reed Smith

Top


TIER 1

Bird & Bird

CMS

DLA Piper

Harbottle & Lewis

Howard Kennedy

Lewis Silkin

Osborne Clarke

Reed Smith

Schillings

Wiggin



RANKINGS



TIER 2

Baker McKenzie

Bray & Krais

Carter-Ruck

Charles Russell Speechlys

Fieldfisher

Hogan Lovells

Lee & Thompson

Simkins

Simons Muirhead & Burton

Sheridans



TIER 3

ACK Media Law

Bindmans

Clintons

Dentons

Farrer & Co

Hamlins

Herbert Smith Freehills

Latham & Watkins

Onside Law

Pinsent Masons

Reynolds Porter Chamberlain

Russells

Taylor Wessing




TIER 4

A&O Shearman

Bates Wells

Blake Morgan

Boyes Turner

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Hansel Henson

Mishcon de Reya

Northridge

RWK Goodman

Simmons & Simmons

Stevens & Bolton



TIER 5

Ashurst

Arnold & Porter

Cadence Solicitors

Cooley

Eversheds Sutherland

Fladgate

Gentle Mathias  

Healys

Mayer Brown

Swan Turton




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