Fine Words But Rotten Censors...Ofcom make a submission to the Leveson Inquiry advocating industry self regulation

Read more Ofcom Watch at MelonFarmers.co.uk

See article from guardian.co.uk See Ofcom Submission to the Leveson Inquiry  [pdf] from media.ofcom.org.uk

In a paper submitted to the Leveson inquiry, the TV and radio censor, Ofcom, said reform of press regulation can be achieved if the body which takes over from the Press Complaints Commission is set up with a more robust framework and the power to impose proper sanctions on errant newspapers. Ofcom added: Properly constituted, effective and independent self-regulation could be the basis of a new model of press regulation. But the censor said that in order for self-regulation to work certain elements of the new regime, such as rules governing membership, may need to be recognised by a statute. In the areas of membership and governance, there could be concerns about whether self-regulation would be sufficient to develop a system with genuine legitimacy and capable of building public trust. A minimal enabling statute — or recognition in statute — could be necessary in these areas.

About these ads