Beazley has launched a new occurrence media liability policy targeted at US-based small to medium-sized media outlets and publishers. The new policy provides professional indemnity cover, focused on defamation, libel and slander and infringement of copyright and trademark. It also includes unintentional breach of contract with a client, and mitigation costs (sub-limited) to minimise claims escalation.

The insurer offers optional coverage for technology E&O, information security and privacy, and bodily injury or property damage arising out of the publication of content.

Angela Weaver, Beazley’s global head of media liability, said: ”The US media sector is undergoing substantial changes, with the launch of new channels for publishing and broadcasting and the growing reach of bloggers, vloggers and social influencers. Freelance publishers and start-up media ventures ought to be aware that they are as liable as traditional, established media groups for the content and materials they publish or share. They face a range of exposures including defamation, intellectual property and privacy and should consider the precautions and cover they need to protect themselves against potential claims.

“Many media businesses are diversifying and will undertake contracts for services as well as publishing or broadcasting content. Our new policy explicitly defines the breach of contract cover as well as more traditional media liability."

Limits of up to US$5m are available on a worldwide basis, serviced through both the US teams and London.

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