APPENDIX
DESIST MESSAGES
In 2003, the PCC introduced its 24-hour-pager
to deal with—among other things—harassment (and gets
around 100 calls a year). It also undertook, following a recommendation
from the previous Select Committee, to liaise with broadcasters
in order to prevent the formation of media scrums. As a result,
the PCC was better able to communicate concerns to the relevant
parties more easily.
However, the PCC did not keep individualised
records of its desist messages until during 2006. These records
show the following:
2006: 17 messages
2007 (until this point): 21 messages
The PCC generally issues these messages in response
to concerns raised directly by those involved, or their representatives.
It would not issue them of its own volition (as it relies on the
information provided by the parties concerned). However, as has
been elsewhere detailed, the PCC does contact people to ask whether
they have any concerns, which it can then act upon.
The contact list is based upon those with whom
the PCC deals at each national newspaper. It has been expanded
to include major magazine representatives and also PA (as a means
of contacting the regional papers). On individual cases, the list
may be augmented with the particularly relevant regional titles.
The broadcast details were obtained from the broadcasters themselves
and comprise senior editorial figures.
June 2007
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