At a hearing on 26 October 2011 the Leveson Inquiry announced that the Inquiry proper would begin on 14 November 2011 with “opening statements”. The first witnesses are due to appear a week later on 21 November 2011, with 18 victims of unethical behaviour by the press being the first to give evidence. The hearing of evidence is likely to last until February 2012. A transcript of the hearing is now available on the Inquiry website. There were reports of the hearing, inter alia, in the “Guardian” and the “Independent“.
On 26 October 2011 the Metropolitan Police and the Crown Prosecution Service made joint submissions concerning the impact of the Inquiry on the criminal investigation. They argued that the Inquiry should not rehearse any evidence that is “likely to prove central to any criminal proceedings”. In particular, they mentioned evidence as to which individuals were aware of possible criminal activity and their positions at the newspapers. They made it clear that the police were still searching for evidence. The Inquiry was asked not to take evidence of anyone who is a suspect. The police and the CPS made a number of proposals as to the way forward for the Inquiry (Joint Submissions, paras 33 to 38). These issues will be further considered at a hearing on Monday 31 October 2011 to discuss how the “interface” between the inquiry and the police investigation should be handled.
Finally, following its programme of seminars, the Leveson Inquiry announced yesterday that it is seeking additional information, which may be considered as evidence. The objective was said to be to hear different perspectives and broaden the debate by asking for contributions in key areas covered by the seminars. It said it would welcome submissions from the press, the public and other interested parties. To help this process, the Inquiry has set out some key questions. The full text is set out below and is of considerable interest as it show the areas which are of concern to the Inquiry and on which it requires further assistance:
The Inquiry is currently looking at the relationship between the press and the public.
We’re interested in hearing from professionals and the public with information and examples in response to the specific questions below. Your answers may be considered as potential evidence to the inquiry.
Culture, practices and ethics:
1 The Inquiry needs to understand how newsrooms operate, particularly in the tabloid and mid-market sectors. Can you provide a personal accounts of culture, practices and ethics in any part of the press and media?
2 Seminar debate suggested that commercial pressures were not new, were not unique to the press, and did not impact adversely on standards of journalism or ethical behaviour. The Inquiry would be interested in submissions on this, with examples where possible.
3 Some seminar attendees suggest reader loyalty limits competition between titles. Professional competition to be first or best with a story, though, could be a powerful force. Other participants suggest some papers put journalists under significant pressure to produce a story within a tight timeframe. The Inquiry would be interested in experiences of the competitive dynamics in journalism and how that impacts on they way in which journalists operate, with examples where possible.
4 With the advent of the internet and 24 hour news as well as declines in revenue and circulation we have heard that fewer journalists are having to do more work. The seminars also raised the issues of the casualisation of the workforce. The inquiry would be interested in experiences of how this may have changed the culture in newsrooms and what it might mean in terms of journalistic practice, with examples where possible.
5 The issue of stories that attract a high degree of press attention but subsequently turn out to be false was raised at the seminars. The Inquiry would be interested in submissions from editors, reporters and subjects of such stories – why they occur (what are the pressures that drive press interest), and how they occur (what checks and balances are or should be in place to stop this happening and why do they sometimes not operate)?
6 One seminar attendee suggested that the National Council for the Training of Journalists does not teach ethics. The Inquiry would be interested in experience of how ethics are taught and promulgated amongst journalists.
Standards
7 Attendees proposed that the law, as it applies to everyone, should be the only constraint on the press. The inquiry would welcome submissions on whether, and if so why, the press should be subject to any additional constraints in relation to behaviour and standards, for example relating to accuracy, treatment of vulnerable individuals, intrusion, financial reporting or reporting on crime, other than those imposed by existing laws.
8 Editors at the seminars argued that the Editors’ Code was a good set of standards to work to. The Inquiry would be interested in submissions from all parties on the coverage and substance of the Editors’ code including accuracy and redress for those who are affected by breaches of the code.
9 It has been argued that the statutory regulation and impartiality requirements that apply to broadcasting do not chill investigative reporting on television. Broadcasters are able to rely on the printed press to break controversial stories and then follow on behind. The inquiry would be interested in submissions on the extent to which the regulatory regime for broadcasting casts a chill on broadcast reporting and the relationship between the printed press and broadcast media as a result of the different regulatory environments.
Public interest
10 The Inquiry has heard strong arguments for the importance of a free press in a democratic society. The Inquiry would be interested in submissions on the special role to be played by the press in a democracy, what ‘freedom’ requirements need to be in place for that role to be played and the whether this role places any obligations or responsibilities on the press.
11 We’ve heard arguments that sometimes it will be in the public interest for journalists and media organisations to do things that would otherwise be ethically or legally questionable. The inquiry would be interested in submissions on the extent to which, if at all, should acting in the public interest be a complete or partial defence in relation to unlawful or unethical activity in pursuit of journalism; and, if so, subject to what conditions.
12 In practice any public interest argument would need to be considered in the context of specific cases. The Inquiry would be interested in submissions on who should be responsible for reaching decisions on whether something is in the public interest, and on what basis. Illustrative examples would be helpful.
All submissions should be sent to generalinquiries@levesoninquiry.org.uk
Not sure if anyone noticed, but the current commencement date of the 14th November 2011 is very inconveniently in the middle of the Society of Editors Annual Conference, astonishingly titled, Magna Carta II, A modern Media Charter.
Not exactly the best time to commence an Inquiry into the culture, practices and ethics of the press when they will be shouting about free speech right near where King John signed the Magna Carta in 1215.
Moreover, it is unfair to commence the Inquiry until my Judicial Review on being unjustly refused Core Participant status is determined. I was told the one Judgment made against me would be on Inquiry’s website yesterday, along with the one adding 4 new Core Participants. This process is not transparent. I may be the sole American seeking to be a Core Participant, but I hope I will not be the only one critiquing the Inquiry in the spirit of the First Amendment.