How Journalism is regulated in the UK: Print Flashcards
Print is…
- Self-regulated
- It’s voluntary, and in the UK it applies to newspapers, magazines and online (kind of)
1695
Self-regulation: the story so far
Licensing Act lapses, creating a ‘free press’
1936
Self-regulation - the story so far
NUJ Code of Conduct
1953
Self-regulation - the story so far
Press Council
1990
Self-regulation - the story so far
Press Complaints Commission (PCC) replaces Press Council - Editor’s Code
2012
Self-regulation - the story so far
Leveson Report following the phone hacking scandal
2014
Self-regulation - the story so far
IPSO replaces PCC
2016
Self-regulation - the story so far
Impress officially ‘recognised’, sets own code
Some IPSO Facts
- Voluntary - and funded by press itself.
- Covers most newspapers and magazines; also the websites of newspapers and magazines and online only publications produced by members, including audio-visual material on those websites.
- Some, including the Guardian and Private Eye, have not joined
- It is basically a complaints service (plus advice)
- Whistleblowing hotline for journalists
- IPSO talks a tougher game than PCC, up to a point.
IPSO Role and Powers
- Offers advice and guidance to journalists and to ‘victims’ of the press.
- Can investigate complaints under the Editors’ Code if the complainant is not happy with an editor’s response to the initial complaint.
- May make rulings (adjudications) that can require corrections.
- Offer a low-cost arbitration service
- Can launch a ‘standards investigation.’
- Can (in theory) fine a publisher up to £1m for systemic failings.
What was the Press council (1953)
A British voluntary press organisation founded under threat of statutory regulation as the General Council in 1953, with a non-binding regulatory framework.
Self-Regulation
Allows our press to be more independent,
stroppy, partisan, outrageous and to opt-out of formal self-regulation if they want.
