Press regulation in the UK

Many people across the country have been surprisingly vocal about their stance on press regulation, both for and against it.

Kevin Hurley, now a former Metropolitan police chief superintendent, believes that the bill will hurt journalists and ‘genuine’ whilst blowers as it will instil a level of fear that stops them from anonymously confiding in the media. He said:

“How did we find out about the MPs’ expenses and fiddling going on there? How did we find out about military kit not being up to scratch for Iraq and Afghanistan? How did find out patient care and the NHS failings?

The media find out about [scandals] very often because public officials come forward and tell them about it because they don’t have confidence in their own organisations.”

Having a climate of fear where informants or truth tellers are punished for exposing the wrongdoings of others seems dangerous. It could ultimately negate the purpose of free speech and impartial media.

That said with the somewhat recent phone hacking and monitoring scandals that have come to light others feel their should be a system in place that keeps the media in check, making sure the way in which stories and information is collected respects the privacy of others.

In fact born out of the Leveson enquiry is the now published Royal charter on press regulation draft that aims to regulate the press. The charter has however been heavily criticised for excluding many of the recommendations set out by the Levenson enquiry, thereby not fulfilling its true purpose, protecting the people from press intrusion.

What do you think? Should the press be regulated by a government body? Should it be allowed free reign or should the defamation bill rule them all?  What do you think about the PCC? Leave your comments below.