3. 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.
4. 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'
5.
6.
7. For press regulation
Hacked 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)
8. 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
9. 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.
10. Media regulation - the
debate
For
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.
11.
12. Theories linked to press
regulation
Moral panic/Cohen
Uses and gratification theory.
Media effects
Audience theory
State control (Althusser et al)
13.
14. 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.
