Editors in Data Bill plea to MPs to protect freedom of the Press

LOCAL newspaper editors have rejected another Leveson-style inquiry into the media.

They argue that proposed amendments to the Data Protection Bill, due before Parliament this week, threaten press freedom.

In a detailed survey, editors said another costly inquiry would hinder reporting stories of public interest and is more about Parliament trying to muzzle the press.

None of the 68 editors questioned by the News Media Association (NMA) wanted it to go ahead. The survey further found that 92 per cent ruled it out completely while eight per cent were not sure.

A spokesman for the NMA said: “Local media is already trying to grapple with some serious challenges to its business model and the last thing the industry needs is for time, resource and talent to be diverted into dealing with a far-reaching, costly and unnecessary inquiry.

“MPs must resoundingly reject these amendments in order to stand up for freedom of speech and a strong and sustainable local press sector.” The results of the survey come just days before MPs vote on a Data Protection Bill amendment tabled by Labour MP Tom Watson.

It could mean newspapers have to pay all legal bills even if they win any case brought against them.

Jodie Ginsberg, of the Index on Censorship, said it should be dropped “to ensure a free and troublesome press, one that holds the powerful to account, thrives”.

On Wednesday, MPs will initially vote on an amendment to the bill tabled by Ed Miliband which would establish a new statutory inquiry into all media organisations, drawing in all broadcast, print or online media and journalists.

The Leveson inquiry into the culture, practices and ethics of the British press followed the News International phone hacking scandal in 2011.

Then Prime Minister David Cameron said he welcomed many of the £5.4million inquiry’s findings, but declined to enact legislation.

Instead, the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) was founded as the independent regulator for the newspaper and magazine industry in the UK.