As reported by the Newspaper Society: In a speech in Bristol last week, Lord Hunt (pictured) said that he had asked Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers, recently retired as the first President of the Supreme Court “to assemble a group of experienced and respected individuals” to begin the independent appointments process for the new regulator.
Lord Hunt said: “It is clear what Leveson wants and I am determined to deliver it: namely a balanced and proportionate, self-regulatory structure, presided over by a board containing a majority of independent people, all of whom will have been selected by an open and transparent, public process.
“That structure should serve to preserve a sustainable and free press, but also one that acts in the public interest, abiding by a tough Code and offering effective and rapid redress, if ever it does overstep the line.”
Lord Hunt said that the independent appointments process was “the key to everything, the well-spring of the new system of independent self-regulation of the press”.
“I believe this approach will end the continuing uncertainty. It will deliver Leveson compliance. It will initiate a process of cultural change, with the clear and realistic intention of preventing further instances of appalling press practice.
“It will, also, establish a regulator with a clear brief to encourage the good, as well as stamping out the bad - creating a positive climate for public-interest journalism. Most importantly of all, for the credibility of the new structure, I believe this will carry the support of politicians, the press and also the victims of past misconduct by the press.
“Within a matter of months, this new era will begin. Just give us the tools and we will finish the job.”
The NS said: "Along with other newspaper and magazine organisations, the NS - the voice of Britain's local media - is working towards setting up a new independent system of press regulation which is founded on Lord Justice Leveson’s recommendations. The whole industry is ready to move forward, and hopes that the current political discussions will support that process.
"The Leveson Inquiry report found that the local media sector had nothing to do with the phone hacking scandal and that the new regulatory model should not be an added burden to the regional and local press. The report also called on the Government to look urgently at what action it might take to help safeguard the ongoing viability of what it rightly described as a valued and important part of the British press. The industry awaits a response to these findings.
"The regional and local press has always been opposed to any form of statutory regulation of the press which would impose an unacceptable regulatory burden on the industry, potentially inhibiting freedom of speech and the freedom to publish. Britain’s 1100 regional and local newspapers and their 31 million readers are central to the future system of press regulation and will play their full part in its future development.”
