Press regulation

Leveson inquiry

• A public, judge-led inquiry set up by Prime Minister David Cameron to examine the It was a public, judge-led inquiry set up by Prime Minister David Cameron to examine the culture, practice and ethics of the press.

It was established in the wake of the phone-hacking scandal at the now-defunct News of the World tabloid.

Lord Justice Leveson has made recommendations on the future of press regulation.

What did it look at?

• It looked at the relationship between the press and the public, including phone-hacking and other potentially illegal behaviour, and at the relationships between the press and the police and the press and politicians. culture, practice and ethics of the press.

• The phone-hacking scandal at the now-defunct News of the World was the catalyst.

Leveson inquiry summary

New self-regulation body

recommended

Independent of serving

editors, government and business

No widespread corruption of police

by the press found

Politicians and press have been

too close

Press behaviour, at times, has

been 'outrageous'

For press regulationHacked off, pressure group led by Hugh grant.

David Cameron (to a degree - wants tougher self

regulation .)

Wouldn't have a football match without a referee.

Law backed independent regulator would "secure

a free press without abuses that have happened

so far" prof Brian Cathcart.

The general public - 82% believe self regulation

not working. (YouGOv survey 3620 adults)

Against excessive press

regulation

The British press

Bob Satchwell (society of editors) "most

appalling behaviour already covered by

law. Hacking and phone tapping already

illegal.

Freedom of speech campaigners

The UK media is predominantly controlled by self-regulation.

Media institutions produce guidelines and make decisions about

compliance based on these.

They have the power to impose various consequences following

non-compliance.

Only occasionally does the legal system become involved.

Media regulation - the

debateFor

need regulatory bodies to control

the media, and to protect minority

groups.

"rights" of the individual and the

public’s right to know”.

There is always a tension between

what is in the public’s interest vs.

what is of interest to the public

Deregulation means

desensitisation. Possible

damage for children?

Against

freedom of expression is

paramount.

Legality - many 'crimes' already

illegal.

Adults are able to choose and

control what they see and what

they do. They know if it 'too far' or

inappropriate.

Self-regulation is all that's needed.

Theories linked to press

regulation

Moral panic/Cohen

Uses and gratification theory.

Media effects

Audience theory

State control (Althusser et al)

Task

•In pairs, research and summarise the main points relating to the Leveson report and the issues relating to press regulation.

•Create a revision handout on press regulation (no more than 2 sides of A4) and include AT LEAST one case study on the PCC and how it relates to the debate on media regulation.