Following the decision of Press Standards Board of Finance (PressBoF) to exclude Northern and Shell titles from the PCC, the following industry figures have given their reaction:
Clive Milner, chairman of the NPA, said:
“The PCC exists to ensure national newspapers conform to clear editorial standards which are independently regulated. All NPA members are committed to upholding this system of press self-regulation which protects and serves members of the public so effectively and maintains a free, responsible press.”
Georgina Harvey, president of the Newspaper Society, said:
“Over 1000 regional and local newspaper titles subscribe to the self-regulatory process and agree to be bound by PCC decisions for the benefit of the public. For the regional and local media sector it is business as usual – independent and responsible journalism subject to adjudication by the PCC.”
Michael Johnston, president of the Scottish Newspaper Society, said:
“The raison d’être of the PCC is a deep-seated belief in the importance of freedom of the press and thus in self-regulation. It is illogical for any publisher to withdraw from the system and thereby deny readers of his publications the right to an independent means of resolving complaints.”
Barry McIlheney, CEO of the PPA, said:
“The magazine industry totally supports the PCC and the UK’s self-regulatory system. It provides a unique service to readers and ensures we meet the highest possible standards.”
Bob Satchwell, executive director of the Society of Editors said:
“The vast majority of editors in newspapers and magazines support the Editors’ Code and the PCC that ensures compliance. They recognise the value of the system to their readers and therefore to journalism and the industry itself. Knowing that newspapers and magazines uphold a strict code of practice has improved confidence in the press which is vital when so many vested interests seek to undermine its work in informing the public.”
Baroness Buscombe, Chairman of the PCC, said:
"It is disappointing that Northern & Shell no longer wishes to provide funding for the PCC and be part of the system of self-regulation. This means that they will not now be able to demonstrate to their readers that they are committed to adhere to the set of standards which are independently enforced by the Commission. We hope that they will resume their subscription to PressBof as soon as possible. In the meantime, the PCC will continue to work to consider complaints against all other major publishers, both national and regional. We will also continue our proactive programme to offer guidance on editorial issues and train journalists within the system, and to raise standards in the industry."
