Freedom of the Press Flashcards
What does Freedom of the press mean?
The principle that communication and expression through various media should be considered a right to be exercised freely. It is the right to report news or circulate opinion without censorship from Government.
Why did The Leveson Inquiry (Phone Hacking Scandal) of 2011/2012 occure?
The News of The World was exposed as having hacked the voicemails of a young murder victim (Milly Dowler) which was viewed as an invasion of privacy.
What did The Leveson Inquiry (Phone Hacking Scandal) of 2011/2012 find and what did this lead to?
That journalists had been using this method of investigation for many years, with celebrities and ordinary people ~ This ‘hacking scandal’ led to the newspapers closure.
What did The Leveson Inquiry (Phone Hacking Scandal) of 2011/2012 suggest?
Politicians had developed ‘ too close a relationship with the press in a way that had not been in the public interest’.
What did the The Leveson Inquiry recommend and what did this lead to?
The press should regulate itself but that this body would have to be recognised by a panel set up by parliament (wanted newspapers to volunteer to regulate themselves) ~ most of the British pressed joined IPSO.
Why did IPSO refuse to apply to the parliament panel (The Leveson Inquiry)?
They saw this as state interference ~ a rival regulator IMPRESS has also been set up.
Why is it important for a democracy?
Helps reduce corruption and fosters innovation, supporting a business-friendly environment.
