Newspaper regulation

Task One: Media Magazine article and questions

Read the Media Magazine article: From Local Press to National Regulator in MM56 (p55). You'll find the article in our Media Magazine archive here. Once you've read the article, answer the following questions:

1) Keith Perch used to edit the Leicester Mercury. How many staff did it have at its peak and where does Perch see the paper in 10 years' time?

It had 130 journalists and that in 10 years time if newspapers were in print it would be released weekly and be very expensive with a small circulation.

2) How does Perch view the phone hacking scandal?

The scandal has revealed far too many newspapers have been caught up in a regulatory system. He believes that this small section of press should not have been dealt with legally and that regulation is not the answer. Levenson may have been involved however Perch writes how he didn't look carefully in what was is happening in the regional press or in small weekly papers.

3) What does IPSO stand for and how does it work?

IPSO- Independent Press Standards Organisation

If a complaint has not been resolved it is taken to IPSO complaints committee who will decide if the code practise has been broken.

4) What is Perch's view of newspaper ownership?

He believes that people shouldn't be forced to sell some of their titles to ensure that no one person or company can control too much of the media industry and therefore control the agenda.

5) Do you agree with his view that broadcast news should have less regulation so that TV channels can support particular political parties or people?

On one hand, allowing TV channels to openly support particular political parties or figures could increase media plurality, giving audiences clearer choices. This approach mirrors tactics in countries like the United States, where networks openly lean towards specific political ideologies.  However, reducing regulation on broadcast news comes with significant risks as news channels have a powerful influence on public opinion, and if they are allowed to be openly there is a risk of increased misinformation and political propaganda. Regulations ensuring balanced reporting exist to prevent media from becoming a tool for propaganda. Some level of regulation remains necessary to ensure accuracy and fairness in broadcasting.

Task Two: Newspaper regulation exam question

Write an answer on your blog answering the following exam question:

What are the arguments for and against statutory regulation of the newspaper industry? [20 marks]

Aim to write an answer of around 400-500 words featuring at least three detailed paragraphs. Make sure you cover both sides of the debate. This topic could well be our 20-mark essay at the end of Paper 1, Section B so it's great preparation for the summer exams.

Statutory regulation is favoured as it it seen to abide by this rules that help prevent any harm being caused to the public although it is viewed as restricting as if to take away the independence newspapers have gained over the years.

Arguments for statutory regulation are that it prevents unethical journalism, ensuring that there is accuracy and a sort of accountability for the information presented to the readers. This helps prevent the spreading of misinformation or any false reporting that may be exaggerated to get the attention of an audience. It also helps to ensure that the newspaper industry is regulated correctly by following guidelines that prevent issues like the phone hacking scandal from reaching public ears. This also links to protecting individuals privacy as seen through this scandal that led to accessing data and causing harm to the family. Another reason for this regulation is to reduce and political bias or manipulation the industry intends to portray through this media as a way to spread propaganda and influence innocent people. This communicates the audiences trust in journalism which could also be improved with statutory regulation as they can trust the reliability of government regulation.

However, there are arguments against for this type of regulation as it is seen as a threat to press freedom as government control over newspaper leads to limiting journalism and free speech. This could then also lead to slowing down reporting process delaying publication of important stories or even preventing reporting crucial issues. This regulation gives the government a chance to supress opposing voices which highlights political interference with this industry resulting into a one way biased newspaper.

In conclusion, the regulation is balance between the idea of ethical journalism and freedom of journalism. Whilst statutory regulation is a good prevention of this unmoral way to gain information, it has a risk of the government interfering making it appeal as if they are taking control  of us through the media.