Newspaper Regulation

Task One: Media Magazine article and questions

Read the Media Magazine article: From Local Press to National Regulator in MM56 (p55). You'll find the article in our Media Magazine archive here. Once you've read the article, answer the following questions:

1) Keith Perch used to edit the Leicester Mercury. How many staff did it have at its peak and where does Perch see the paper in 10 years' time?

They had 130 employees at its peak. Perch suggests that in ten years: if it is still print, it will be weekly, extremely expensive and have a very small circulation. However, if it is online, it will be unlikely to make money and so would only have 5-6 employees. 

2) How does Perch view the phone hacking scandal?

Perch is against the phone hacking scandal and suggests that "a small section of the press behaved in a totally unacceptable way" and how it "should have been delt with legally",  but doesn't think that regulation is needed.

3) What does IPSO stand for and how does it work?

IPSO - Independent Press Standards Organisation - a newspaper has 28 days to deal with a complaints, and if it has not been resolved then you can take this up with the IPSO Complaints committee which will see if the editors code of practice has been broken. 

4) What is Perch's view of newspaper ownership?

He is not against it as he is saying that whoever has bought or owns the paper has the right to say what they feel like just as anyone else is, and that people have the ability to choose what newspapers they consume.

5) Do you agree with his view that broadcast news should have less regulation so that TV channels can support particular political parties or people?

Yes I agree with this view as, as stated in the article there are many more news broadcasting channels for audiences to pick and choose so they are not exposed to only one political viewpoint and can make there on decision and go elsewhere.