Launch of new independent Press standards authority welcomed

THIS WEEK has seen the launch of a new standards authority which governs the local and elements of the national Press, one that this newspaper and website has signed up to.
By The Newsroom
Published 10th Sep 2014, 02:04 BST

The new Independent Press Standards Organisation was born out of the Leveson Inquiry that deemed a new charter and regulatory organisation should be brought into being following the hacking scandals that shamed elements of the national press.

​Editor Jeremy Clifford welcomed the launch of IPSO, saying: “​We are committed to serving our community with honesty, integrity, and sensitivity – while never being afraid to tackle injustice with uncompromising vigour.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“​We take a tough line in holding local decision-makers to account. Ensuring that the public interest is properly served by those politicians who seek to serve you is fundamental to our role.”

Until now, ​the local Press has been regulated by the Press Complaints Commission.​​

Although Leveson found the local Press had done nothing wrong, he called for a new regulatory body to be established which would hold member newspapers to account with a far more vigorous brief, including the ability to fine newspapers and to direct where corrections and apologies should appear on the news pages.

​If you believe ​this newspaper ever fall​s​ short of the high standards we set and have breached the code of conduct, then you should write to Independent Press Standards Organisation, c/o Halton House, 20-23 Holborn, London EC1N 2JD, or telephone 0300 123 2220.

We will always strive to resolve complaints fairly and will fully support the involvement and adjudications of IPSO as part of that process.