IPSO has announced a funding settlement as it marks ten years as the UK’s independent regulator of newspapers, magazines and digital news.
Long-term funding settlements are an essential element of IPSO’s governance. This new deal protects IPSO’s funding in real terms for the next five years. It also allows the regulator to call on additional resource if needed for exceptional costs.
The funding settlement supports IPSO’s independence by providing a clear and open structure for its funding arrangements. In keeping with its commitment to transparency and the recommendations of the Jeffrey Review, IPSO is publishing the terms of the settlement here.
IPSO says it has also reached an agreement with regulated publishers to amend its Regulations. This will give it greater discretion to allocate resources to the most important complaints. The new Regulations are published here. IPSO will share further details of its implementation over the coming weeks.
Lord Faulks KC, IPSO’s Chairman, said: “Ten years from its foundation, regulation by IPSO is a clear mark of accountable journalism that distinguishes publishers committed to accountability and transparency from unregulated online content.
“We are delighted to celebrate this milestone. Working with our partners – including the public, industry, government, and others – to protect the public and freedom of expression by promoting high standards.”
Charlotte Dewar, IPSO Chief Executive said: “Over its first ten years, IPSO has worked continuously to build its record of service to the public. It has provided accountability and support to the public with concerns about press behaviour and intervened to address standards failings. It has built unparalleled expertise on the practical and ethical challenges of practising journalism today.
“We know that pressures on editors and journalists are greater than ever. Working with the public, journalist and all those who care about the future of quality journalism, we will continue to challenge editors and journalists to live up to the standards set out in the Editors’ Code of Practice in everything they do.”
IPSO says the Regulations change will support this work by freeing up resources to deal with the most significant complaints. This will be achieved by reducing the burden of dealing with complaints that do not identify a potential breach of the Editors’ Code. This change was approved by IPSO’s Board and a vote of regulated publishers in the summer.
- IPSO has published 17 formal guidance notices for journalists on editorial standards issues, 12 information sheets for the public on editorial standards issues, and provided training to over 1200 journalists in the last five years alone.
- IPSO says it regulates 1,879 titles produced by 102 publishers.
- This includes 95% of national daily newspapers (by circulation) and most local and regional newspapers, including online versions.
- Over its first decade, IPSO says it has handled over 165,000 complaints and issued more than 500 privacy notices.
- Read the IPSO annual report for 2023 here.
