British press fears tougher regulation

LONDON: British newspapers are nervously awaiting the publication of the first part of an extensive judge-led inquiry into press standards which could result in tougher regulation of the industry.

Prime Minister David Cameron set up the Leveson Inquiry in response to revelations that the Rupert Murdoch-owned News of the World tabloid had hired a private investigator to hack the phone of murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler.

The first part has looked at the culture, practices and ethics of the press, shining an uncomfortable light on the aggressive British tabloid press’ methods.

But the eight months of public hearings have also seen politicians, including the prime minister, under the microscope for their often close links with media owners and executives.

Cameron suffered the indignation of having his private text messages to former News International chief executive Rebekah Brooks – signed off with “lol”, which he mistakenly thought meant “lots of love” – revealed to the world.

For many people, such evidence of the web of friendships between media organisations and the top politicians they claim to scrutinise has been one of the revelations of the inquiry.

The recommendations made by senior judge Brian Leveson could usher in a radical change to the way media organisations operate in Britain.

The British press is currently overseen by a body staffed by editors, and newspapers insist the system of self-regulation should be retained.

Leveson has not said whether he favours statutory regulation, but Maria Miller, the culture minister with responsibility for the media, has warned that retaining the status quo is “not an option”.

Cameron’s office on Saturday rejected a newspaper report that the prime minister has already decided to resist the introduction of statutory regulation, saying he was “openminded” until he sees the report. — AFP