Papers are lifeblood of liberty
Sports editor Political editor Supplements editor There is a serious and far reaching threat to the freedom of the press with the provisions of Section 40 of the Crime and Courts Act (KM Dec 16), whereby anyone suing a newspaper for libel would, under the law, have their legal costs met by it, WIN OR LOSE.
It appears the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, at present consulting on the repeal or otherwise on the section, is in favour of allowing under Royal Charter regulation of our free press to fall into the hands of an outfit called Impress, funded by millionaire Max Mosley.
Most newspapers, local and national, large and small, have set up their own organisation, the Independent Press Standards Organisation, with strict standards on press behaviour, and appropriate severe penalties for those who breach these. But this is outside government control.
Its essential point is the press will remain free from the authority of government, and those in power who wish to curb it. Business editor
Local newspapers are the lifeblood of liberty locally, where opinions, or wrongdoing of those who live here, can be fully heard.
I write as a retired journalist, who started as an apprentice on a local paper and was fortunate enough to finish my career as editor of the Mail on Sunday. Jonathan Holborow, Hythe