Networks battle for Diana rights

Television networks were today set to launch a legal battle to broadcast Princess Diana's inquest live.

It comes after an expert revealed a legal loophole could let them take cameras into the courtroom. Both CNN and Sky News are understood to be keen.

Today Mark Stephens, a partner in media law firm Finers Stephens Innocent, said news organisations were preparing to apply to film the inquest, expected to resume next year.

Changes in the law meant the inquest was already "open to be broadcast", he said. No decision had been made by the Lord Chancellor.

But Mr Stephens said: "Recent changes mean the court is obliged to make access available, so the court is presumptively open to electronic broadcast - whether that is live television, webcasting, radio, or all three."