APPENDIX 30
Memorandum submitted by The Press and
You, The Voice of the North (Aberdeen)
Along with the Society of Editors and other
industry bodies, I welcome the inquiry because I believe it will
show how the current system of self-regulation through the Editors'
Code Committee and the Press Complaints Commission is effective
and efficient. Since it was created it has improved the conduct
of the press both in my own sector of the regional press and in
the national press.
While there may be occasional instances that
suggest the need for improvements, the system has the advantage
of being responsive to the need for change both from the point
of view of the industry and the public.
In particular in my own sector I can assure
you that journalists are well aware of the practicalities of the
code of practice, the decisions of the PCC and the important principles
that led to their creation. This has brought about a significant
improvement in the understanding of journalists about the ethical
framework in which they should conduct their work.
As you will appreciate, as ours is a regional
newspaper, the application of self regulation to the needs of
ordinary people who are not generally in public life is especially
important. I believe the system is particularly effective in balancing
the rights of individuals with the wider public interest in the
free flow of information.
The Code of Practice is crucial in establishing
a framework to which ovary journalist works. All of my journalists
are aware of both the terms of the code and the importance that
it should be followed in its spirit as well as its detail. They
are made aware of the code in their basic training and they are
issued with copies in the pocket-sized format issued by the Society
of Editors so they can carry it with them. Adherence to it forms
part contracts of employment. The code has succeeded in raising
standards because it provides a clear statement of both principle
and practice.
The code is a major point of reference in the
editorial process and an important factor in decisions about how
or whether stories are pursued or published. Application of the
code can ensure that stories can be published but without any
mischievous impact. Unacceptable coverage that I suspect is behind
your committee's inquiry can be limited or removed.
Furthermore the code and the PCC system helps
us to deal with complaints that inevitably arise from time to
time. It is especially helpful because it enables prompt response
without the need to resort to expensive legal advice. The PCC
can act as a mediator and the system is fair and acceptable to
both sides. It is also particularly helpful in that we and other
editors accept PCC decisions and publish adjudications when required.
I can assure you that critical adjudications
are regarded most seriously. No editor or journalist enjoys the
prospect of having to publish such criticism. Most importantly,
editors invest a good deal of time and energy in winning readers.
It is therefore particularly important that complainants are satisfied
their complaints are dealt with fairly and appropriately so that
we can retain their support. I would be happy to provide any examples
of how complainants have been satisfied.
A further advantage of the system is that it
is possible to seek advice from the PCC informally prior to publication.
The pro-active involvement of the PCC is helpful in order to discuss
issues or problems arising from stories and in preventing possible
breaches of the code.
As you will appreciate regional/local newspapers
such as ours take great pride in how we serve the local community
by developing close relationships with our readers. Indeed we
could not succeed editorially or commercially if we did not achieve
that. As a result examples of praise and gratitude far outweigh
complaints about invasions of privacy or inappropriate behaviour.
Like all newspapers we set out to question and criticise the actions
and behaviour of people whether or not they are in the public
eye when it is appropriate. Similarly, we aim to spotlight and
praise when that is appropriate.
The nature and duties of the press at local,
regional or national level is understandably likely to cause tension
from time to time. A dynamic code of practice that can be amended
and improved when required is the cornerstone of self-regulation.
Professional members of the PCC help to create respect from within
the industry because they are aware of the operational factors
involved in editorial decision-making. The built-in lay majority
of non-journalist members helps to ensure fair play for the public.
Worries about the balance between the democratic
needs of a free press and individual privacy which is one of your
committee's concerns are being effectively tackled by the PCC—as
several senior judges have publicly and privately acknowledged.
A state funded "Press Ombudsman" would be seen as a
first step to Government censorship, while a privacy law would
allow only the rich and privileged able to afford to enforce it.
A statutory system would struggle to achieve such a balance and
would not be acceptable because the motives behind it would continually
be subjected to question and criticism by both the press and the
public.
I hope this will help you in your deliberations.
I would be happy to discuss instances of when and how the code
has guided us in specific examples of reporting or to expand on
any of the points I have raised, and would he happy to meet with
you to discuss it in detail if you feel this appropriate.
22 January 2003
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