An overview of NI creative media industry
An overview of the UK's publishing sector
Key facts and statistics about the UK's publishing sector, and how the sector is regulated.
The UK publishing industry has a turnover of £6 billion, with export income accounting for almost 60 per cent of revenues according to the .
The publishing industry directly employs 29,000 people in the UK and 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵs more than 70,000 jobs.
What is publishing?
Traditionally, 'publishing' was seen as printing material to make it available for public view. It referred to the creation and distribution of books, newspapers, music and magazines.
More recently, the creation and increased use of the internet and electronic media has significantly widened the scope of publishing. Now, a huge volume of websites, emails, computer games and software and blogs are published each day around the world, and this has had a detrimental impact on sales of printed publications.
Digital publishing
Publishing used to be an exclusive job for highly trained individuals at publishing companies and agencies. The capability, usability and affordability of modern technology means businesses and individuals can now easily, quickly and cost-efficiently publish their own content at the click of a mouse, thereby becoming a publisher.
Opportunities in publishing
Publishing jobs include developing, commissioning or acquiring content (online or offline), editing, graphic design, photography, production work (including video and Podcasts), website/email creation, and uploading and marketing/distribution of offline and online content. A range of management and administration jobs also 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ the sector.
For suppliers, online and offline opportunities exist in each of the above areas to work for publishing companies and other businesses. Publishers can commission content themselves or be approached by suppliers or producers for publishing work - in return for a fee. Suppliers and producers can publish their own works and receive full payment for doing so, provided there is sufficient demand.
Key publishing regulations
Throughout the publishing process, you need to be mindful of regulations that seek to protect the rights of individuals and organisations by governing what can and cannot be legally published.
For example, actions for libel can be brought in court for publishing statements that defame a person (or people) in a way that affects their livelihood or causes a 'reasonable person to think worse of them'.
Other key publishing legislation concerns:
- copyright - eg reproducing a photograph without the permission of the author
- contempt of court - eg publishing material likely to jeopardise a fair trial
- breaching the Official Secrets Acts
Publishers and editors might also be served with an official request not to publish or broadcast items for reasons of national security.
The Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) is the regulatory body for UK printed newspapers and magazines. It maintains the to ensure the highest possible professional standards in the industry.
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An overview of NI creative media industry
Key facts about the UK's and Northern Ireland's broadcasting sector.
Northern Ireland boasts a dynamic cluster of companies who are working with global clients and international partners to deliver creative solutions within animation, audio technology, mobile content, e-learning and music.
The creative media sector in Northern Ireland comprises:
- TV, film and radio
- interactive media
- animation and computer games
- photo imaging
- advertising and publishing
The animation sector is particularly strong in NI, 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵed by specialised graduate and undergraduate courses in computer animation for games, VFX, feature and TV animation.
Creative media opportunities
Opportunities exist for small production companies and freelancers (eg writers, presenters, producers, directors, camera operators and sound engineers).
For some years, TV in the UK has been undergoing a period of change that has led to a growth in the number of smaller independent production companies. Many popular TV shows now have interactive elements and websites, which has created many opportunities for new media businesses.
Find .
Broadcasting opportunities
The UK has over 500 radio stations, some of which are operated by public charter, with others being independent. Some broadcast regionally, others broadcast nationally.
Businesses wishing to advertise on commercial TV or radio in the UK can contact the stations for a media pack to find out more about audience demographics and rates. You can find audience figures at other sources such as the and .
Those who work in broadcasting also need to be aware of legislation relating to taste and decency, and slander/defamation and discrimination. The is the UK regulatory body for the media and telecommunications industry.
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Copyright in media industries
Importance of copyright protection when working in broadcasting or publishing, and how to protect your original works.
Copyright protects written, theatrical, musical and artistic works. It can also be applied to film, book layouts, sound recordings and broadcasts. You can copyright software and databases as well, since they are classed as literary works.
If you create original work (eg article or script) and record it in fixed form (eg in writing), you automatically have copyright and you do not have to apply for it. Duration of copyright depends upon the type of work and is usually calculated as a period following the creator's death.
If someone wants to use your copyrighted work, they will need to seek your permission to use it (there are a few exceptions), which usually involves paying a fee, unless you waive it.
Copyright and freelancing
Often employers ask employees and any freelancers or contractors to sign an agreement that concedes copyright ownership. This is common in publishing - frequently, suppliers (eg a web content agency) grant copyright to their customers (eg the website owner) as part of a commercial agreement.
To learn more about copyright, see our guides on:
You cannot seek copyright protection for an idea, so before you disclose ideas to a third party you should consider drawing up and signing a non-disclosure agreement. If in doubt, seek legal advice - don't rely on informal verbal agreements.
Copyright infringement
You must be careful not to breach copyright protection for work in the public domain. For example, illegally download a song from a website or broadcast it by radio. In some instances, it can be near impossible to track and take legal action against those who ignore copyright. However, where flagrant copyright abuse has taken place, the copyright owner may take legal action against copyright infringement.
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