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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.
TIER 1
Bird & Bird
CMS
DLA Piper
Harbottle & Lewis
Howard Kennedy
Lewis Silkin
Osborne Clarke
Reed Smith
Schillings
Wiggin
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