Memorandum from the Newspaper Society
(DDB 25)
With reference to the above, we would like to
comment in particular on clause 1 of the draft Bill namely, the
proposal to bring third party publishers as well as advertisers
within the scope of the DDA's provisions prohibiting discriminatory
job advertisements. While we understand the rationale for extending
the existing provision, we nevertheless stress the importance
to our industry of retaining a defence as set out in clause 1(2)
of the draft Bill.
Local and regional newspapers operate in very
busy environments and work to extreme high standards, which includes
vetting advertisement that are submitted for publication to ensure
fulfilment with legal and regulatory requirements. This ensures
that local and regional newspapers attract quality levels of reader
trust and satisfaction. However, despite stringent checks, newspapers
are ultimately at the mercy of statements made to them, and evidence
given in support of such statements, by the advertiser.
It is therefore imperative that the new subsections
(2A) and (2B) (as inserted by clause 1(2)) which set out the circumstances
in which a third party publisher will not be liable for publishing
a discriminatory advertisement under new subsection (1), are in
no way removed or amended to the detriment of newspapers.
The Newspaper Society represents and promotes
the interests of the publishers of Britain's local and regional
press, who collectively own over 1,300 daily and weekly, paid-for
and free, newspaper titles.
February 2004
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