Press self-regulation in Britain: a critique

Cohen-Almagor, Raphael

Abstract

This article reviews the history of press self-regulation in Britain, from the 1947 Ross Commission to the 2012 Leveson Inquiry Commission. It considers the history of the Press Council and the Press Complaints Commission, analysing the ways they developed, their work, and how they have reached their current non-status. It is argued that the existing situation in Britain is far from satisfactory, and that the press should advance more elaborate mechanisms of self-control, establishing a new regulatory body called the Public and Press Council that will be anchored in law, empowering the new regulator with greater and unprecedented authority, and equipping it with substantive sanctioning abilities. The Public and Press Council should be independent and effective, with transparent policies, processes and responsibilities. Its adjudication should be made in accordance with a written, detailed Code of Practice.

Citation

Cohen-Almagor, R. (2015). Press self-regulation in Britain: a critique. Science and engineering ethics, 21(1), 159-181. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11948-014-9538-8

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 21, 2014
• Online Publication Date: Mar 31, 2014
• Publication Date: 2015-02
• Deposit Date: Mar 13, 2022
• Journal: Science and engineering ethics
• Electronic ISSN: 1471-5546
• Publisher: Springer Verlag
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 21
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 159-181
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11948-014-9538-8
• Keywords: Britain; Code of Practice; Leveson Inquiry Commission; Press Council; Press Complaints Commission; Public and Press Council; Self-regulation
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/528139