PCC Overview

What does the PCC do?:

• Independent body, which deals with complaints about editorial content of magazines/newspapers and their websites
• 16 clause Code of Practice which editors and journalists must obey
• They investigate complaints from people directly affected
• Tries to help editor and complainant to find resolution to their disagreement (e.g. apology, public correction, clarification)
• If case isn't resolved simply, PCC assesses evidence in an adjudication, deciding whether to uphold or reject the complaint

How does the system work?:

• Not legal or government run, rather a voluntary agreement between editors
• 16 clause Code of Practice devised by editors
• Commission run by majority public ('lay') members (10/17 including chairman) - No members are connected to the industry

What does the Code of Practice cover?:

• 4 main areas: accuracy, privacy, news gathering and protecting the vulnerable
• Editor expected to take responsibility for stories/photographs in their publication and comply with the code
• 'Public interest' a mitigating factor
• Doesn't cover issues of taste/decency as in accordance with free press publications should be free to choose style
• Understands individuals choose to look at a newspaper and can make their own decisions
• More public mediums (e.g. billboards) may be ruled inappropriate on taste

How are they funded?:

• Funded by 'Press Standards Board of Finance' (PressBof) who receive money from newspapers/magazines in UK
• Newspapers pay in proportion to no. of readers in circulation - big publications pay more than small ones
• No funding from government or public

History of the PCC?:

• Set up in 1991, replacing Press Council set up in 1953
• In 1980s, a small number of publications failed to observe the basic ethics of journalism leading to MPs loss of confidence in the Press Council
• PCC set up to show that "non-statutory regulation can work effectively"

Who complains to the PCC and why?:

• People who believe an article involving them breaches the Code
• In 2007, 1.5% of complaints came from celebrities, 95.8% from the general public
• Special protection to vulnerable groups such as children, hospital patients or minority groups.
• Majority of complaints about smaller regional newspapers

Why is the PCC important?:

• Free press is vital in a democratic society
• The PCC works democratically as it is impartial and voluntary
• Fast (deals with complaints in average of 35 days), and costs nothing to use