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Hacked Off, IPSO and others discuss press regulation

6 December 2016

In a short series of evidence sessions, the Communications Committee questions press regulation bodies created after the Leveson Inquiry beginning, as well as other interested parties.

Background

In 2015 the Communications Committee launched an inquiry to establish where things stood with regard to press regulation in the wake of the Leveson report. This report recommended significant reforms, which resulted in the creation of the Royal Charter, the Press Recognition Panel, and self-regulatory bodies IMPRESS and IPSO.

There have been notable developments since then, including most recently the launch of a consultation on whether the Government should put into force a legislation which would affect legal costs in certain media cases. The Committee seeks to examine the effectiveness of the regulatory bodies, and to investigate the extent to which they restrict the freedom of the press.

Witnesses

Tuesday 6 December, Committee Room 3, Palace of Westminster

At 3.30pm

  • Ashley Highfield, Chairman, News Media Association

At 4.00pm

  • Sir Alan Moses, Chairman, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO)

A 4.30pm

  • Dr David Wolfe QC, Chair, Press Recognition Panel

At 5.00pm

  • Dr Evan Harris, Joint Executive Director, Hacked Off
  • Hugh Tomlinson QC, Chair, Hacked Off

Areas of discussion

Mr Highfield discusses, among other things, the Government's consultation on section 40 of the Crime and Courts Act 2013.

Sir Alan is questioned on whether the refusal by some newspapers to sign up to IPSO has affected its credibility as a regulator, and how this situation can be resolved; and whether the current regulatory system allows for a satisfactory system of redress for complainants.

Dr Wolfe is questioned on the future of the panel and its effectiveness.

Hacked Off witnesses face questioning on whether the new system of press regulation has improved the situation for those seeking redress from newspapers.

Further information

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