By David Young-
The Crown Prosecution Service, policing and media representatives including the Society of Editors, have updated protocol aims to help keep the public informed about criminal proceedings and what is happening in the criminal courts.
The protocol has been modified to reflect major changes in legislation, case law, and policy since its original launch in 2005. It is designed to meet the demands of today’s fast-moving media landscape, while upholding the principle that justice should be administered in open and remain subject to public scrutiny.
AD: Capeesh Restaurant
The protocol aims to maintain public transparency in criminal proceedings by providing clear guidance on how the media can request and access prosecution material used in open court.
It replaces the original 2005 protocol (“Publicity and the Criminal Justice System”) to reflect significant changes in legislation, case law, and the digital media landscape.
It seeks to strike a balance between the public interest in transparency and the rights and safety of victims, witnesses, and their families. A new Media Protocol User Guide has been introduced to assist police and CPS communications teams, journalists, and the public in understanding how the protocol operates in practice.
The Society of Editors has welcomed the update as a “vital tool” for driving openness and ensuring timely access to court material. This update follows other 2025 transparency reforms, such as the October 2025 changes to the Criminal Procedure Rules that require parties to notify the media when applying for discretionary reporting restrictions.
AD: Oysterian Sea Food Restaurant And Bar
Responding to the launch, Dawn Alford, chief executive of the Society of Editors said: “The media protocol is a vital tool that supports open justice and transparency by setting out clear expectations around the accessibility and timeliness of material made available to the media. The updated protocol forms part of a wider commitment made between policing bodies and the media to drive greater openness in the criminal justice system.”
The Protocol sets out clearly how requests from the media for material relied upon in open court as part of the prosecution process will be managed, supporting accurate and responsible reporting of criminal trials. It seeks to balance the public interest in open justice with the legitimate interests of others, such as victims of crime, witnesses and members of their families.
New user guidance has been introduced, offering practical support for police and CPS communications teams in handling the release of prosecution material. This guidance also clarifies for journalists and the wider public how the protocol will be applied.
Lisa Benbow, CPS director of communications: “The updated Protocol reflects important developments in law and the media landscape since the original was published and strikes an important balance between openness and the protection of those involved in cases, especially victims and witnesses.”
“It reflects a shared commitment with policing and the media to open justice and transparency in the reporting of criminal proceedings which is fundamental to strengthening public understanding and confidence in the criminal justice system.”
AD: Heritage And Restaurant Lounge Bar