CPBF welcomes terms of press inquiry
The Campaign for Press and Broadcasting Freedom (CPBF) has welcomed the terms put forward by David Cameron for the inquiry into the culture, practices and ethics of the press.
The inquiry is part of the aftermath of the News of the World phone hacking scandal. The phone hacking inquiry is being chaired by Lord Leveson.
In a statement, the CPBF says it is important that the prime minister recognises that the inquiry needs to consider ‘the extent to which the current policy and regulatory framework has failed’ and ‘how media policy, regulations and cross-media ownership should be dealt with’. The CPBF also said it would be calling for a ‘major reform of the system of press regulation’.
Barry White, CPBF national organiser, said: “We welcome the opportunity to put the case for media reforms, designed to promote diversity, media independence and high standards.
“We expect that the inquiry will inform how any new Communications Act is framed, rather than being seen as separate from it.
“The current system of rules governing ownership, and the regulation of the media, including the regulation of standards has proven a failure.
“Notable have been those journalists, who, through their unions, have attempted to uphold standards – particularly the NUJ, via its code of conduct.
“We hope Lord Leveson will be willing to support positive steps to improve media accountability.”