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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.