APPENDIX 112
Memorandum submitted by Margaret Ruddlesden
It has come to my attention that you are making
an inquiry into the Press Complaints Commission and in particular
to the service which it gives to members of the public who have
experienced a breach of the editors' Code of practice.
I felt that it was only fair to let you know
that I had nothing but praise for the Press Complaints Commission
last year. Forgive me for not having full dates for reference
etc although I am sure that I could acquire them if needed. A
few weeks ago I disposed of all the paper work in order to put
the memories behind me. I had a very unhappy time with a personal
situation and Bella Magazine milked it for every drop they
could without any consideration that they were totally inaccurate
on their facts. The stories were published about my unfortunate
experiences with joining a Dating Agency. Bella Magazine
was arrogant, dispassionate and ignored all requests from me to
stop publishing the nonsense.
Being an ordinary person in the street I took
advice from the Press Complaints Commission and was automatically
given confidence in that I had a right to complain and they gave
me clear and instructive points on how to go about doing it. I
felt that the Commission gave me support and were fair and reasonable
to both sides. At all times I had quick responses with telephone
calls being answered as promised and I received uncompromising
advice that could never have been patronising in any way.
I have always felt that Bella Magazine
were determined to do what they wanted in order to dramatise their
stories without any concern for me or publishing accurate facts.
Once I had made my complaints I felt that the Press Complaints
Commission listened to both sides in a fair and undiscriminating
manner. They then suggested a means to put an end to my misery
and I was consulted in this matter throughout all lots of correspondence.
In fact both my son and I felt that if anything the Commission
were more supportive of my side of the argument putting the publishers
straight and giving them a warning not to repeat the articles
which put me in an embarrassing situation.
I was always under the impression the Press
Committee was for those in the media limelight or a famous star.
Fortunately I do not fit into either of these two categories but
I do know that even if I had been I could not have been treated
anymore professionally in helping me to solve what was a very
distressing time for me and I cannot thank them enough.
I hope that this letter gives you some idea
of the Press Complaints Commission's excellent service. Please
do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of any further assistance.
12 January 2003
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