Lord Justice Leveson
Julian Bray Media Commentator writes: "Well it could have been worse." This seems the be the general feeling from the few conversations, I've had immediately the £5.5 million Report was published.
A huge weighty tome and delivered very quickly, but with subtle recommendations, no legislation to control or shackle the press or media at large, and a suggestion that the Ofcom model of arms-length regulation as applied to broadcasters should be adopted.
A shade of 'statutory underpinning' and a ratcheted up regulatory system will clearly upset some sections of the print media, and a recognition that news editors collectively command substantial power and undue influence (but sub-Editors can daily ruin careers!)
The fallout will be in the political arena, as Lord Justice Leveson, has very clearly passed the baton back to the media industry and Parliament. The report says that legislation would not create a body to regulate press, and that there has to be a change in press regulation, but the change as such has to come from the media itself.
He recognised the PCC had failed, and that a new body was required and that senior politicians accept politicians and press are too close. The counsel for the 'victims' addressing the media welcomes the report and the recommendations set out.
The key factor now has to be the willingness of Press Barons and Editors to sign up. However The Spectator has already placed on record that it wants nothing to do with any regulatory system, perhaps the 'subtle' approach might win them over..... the jury as the say is still out and Cameron and Clegg had yet to wade in....
Update: having waded ( sorry Rebekka!) in, we are no further forward. Cammy with a 24 hour advance reading of the tome, has set his jaw against it. Parliament regulating the press will see the tories on the opposition back benches until hell freezes over. But Brian has got the politicians off the hook, for a few months anyway.
The 'hacked off' campaign will now 'wither and die on the vine' as it were as there is no media circus or platform for future output. A few fading careers back on track, a bit like "Eat a Celebrity, spit out a Politician in Aus" ( new TV format my copyright) Milly with his new red tie is in a right pickle because secretly he agrees with Cammy, but has to bluster for the next couple of years, just to stay in the loop.
Have to admit the media training is going well, Milly far more assertive, less nasal, and developing quite a machine gun delivery, a better line in jokes and running gags. Cammy setting up a possible legislation drafting operation just in case also takes the heat out of the issue and neatly sidelines the whole matter.
Cleggy facing the wrong way, back to back with Cameron, both have the duelling pistols drawn; but only Cammy has filled it with powder and shot. Labour however holds the flint and tinder, won all the seats last night, The Lib Dems lost their deposit in Rotherham, the Tory lost his bottle on late night telly. Good to See ir David Frost back on late night BBC1, which of course is where he started.
Charlotte Church played a blinder on Question Time and we might see more of her in this very grown up debating mode. Very apt, as the more it all changes, it continues to remain the same. Its all going very well, and Brian is immediately heading for Australia for a lecture tour, but if his Worshipfullness nicks my TV programme idea, I'll.....sue or is that mediate, arbitrate, go for counselling, complain, or head for the pub? You put it to the committee. Pint of Oakhams Bishops Finger landlord , yes, and in view of the Church of England decision earlier tres appropriate. Finally spare a though for Derek Jamieson, a veteran of Fleet Street and following his memorial service at St Brides Church had his ashes scattered along Fleet Street. Do they mean me? Oh yes, rest well dear friend. Amen
The Report published at:
http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/hc1213/hc07/0780/0780.asp.
The Executive Summary published at:
http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/hc1213/hc07/0779/0779.asp
Contributor: Media, Aviation, Politics, Broadcaster & Journalist Julian Bray NUJ, EQUITY UK Landline: 01733 345581 Mobile: 07944 217476 ISDN2 downline +44(0)1733 555 319 (UK HOME ISDN 017 33 55 53 19) G722/APT-X Dual Codecs Glensound C5 SKYPE: JULIAN.BRAY.UK
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