Inquiry calls for law to underpin press watchdog

JournalismPakistan.com | Published 13 years ago

LONDON: A far-reaching inquiry into British newspapers called for a new independent body to regulate the press, backed by law, to prevent a repeat of the excesses which led to a phone hacking scandal at Rupert Murdoch's News of the World tabloid.

Senior judge Brian Leveson said the recommendations would in no way allow parliament to regulate the newspapers, but his proposals will put Prime Minister David Cameron on a collision course with an already hostile press and senior members of his government if he accepts the findings.

The inquiry was ordered by Cameron following public outrage at Murdoch's now defunct tabloid whose staff routinely hacked into phones, including that of schoolgirl Milly Dowler who was later found dead. - Reuters

Dive Deeper

Independent Media challenges funding rules in South Africa

December 11, 2025: Independent Media in South Africa has appealed funding eligibility rules tied to press-council oversight, raising wider questions about platform grants and regulatory compliance in global media.

Journalist deaths rise sharply in 2025, Gaza leads toll

December 09, 2025: The 2025 report from Reporters Without Borders records 67 journalists killed worldwide, nearly half in Gaza, highlighting escalating risks for reporters in war zones, crime-ridden regions, and authoritarian states.

Online abuse of women journalists hits new global high

December 09, 2025: A new UN Women report finds 70 percent of women journalists and activists worldwide face online violence, with 42 percent reporting offline harm linked to digital attacks, raising serious press freedom concerns.

Brighton Football Club bars Guardian in access dispute

December 09, 2025: Brighton’s ban on Guardian journalists after critical reporting raises press freedom concerns and highlights growing tensions between sports institutions and independent news outlets in the UK.

Algerian court upholds 7-year jail term for French journalist Christophe Gleizes

December 04, 2025: An Algerian appeals court affirmed a 7-year prison sentence for French journalist Christophe Gleizes, drawing sharp international criticism and raising urgent concerns about press freedom under Algeria’s anti-terrorism laws.

White House page on media bias raises press freedom concerns

December 02, 2025: A new White House page on media bias has raised concerns from the Committee to Protect Journalists, which says the site undermines independent reporting and press freedom.

Algerian journalist arrested amid rising press freedom concerns

December 01, 2025: Algerian journalist Saad Bouakba was arrested in a crackdown on independent media, highlighting growing legal pressure on opinion writers and raising press freedom concerns.

White House launches media-offender tracker for press

November 30, 2025: The White House launches a 'media offenders' tracker, naming US news outlets and reporters, raising concerns over press freedom, credibility, and government influence on journalism.

Newsroom

Dawn struggle deepens as closures raise fears for its future

December 11, 2025 Dawn Media Group faces escalating closures, financial pressure, and political retaliation, raising urgent questions about the future of independent journalism in Pakistan.

Israel media access ban in Gaza draws international press condemnation

December 11, 2025 International press freedom groups condemned Israel’s ongoing ban on independent foreign journalists entering Gaza, characterizing escorted access as restrictive and undermining transparency and independent reporting.

Civic freedoms report warns shrinking space for media

December 11, 2025 Civic freedoms are shrinking globally, with Asia-Pacific repressed or closed spaces impacting journalists and reporting, raising serious risks for media freedom and independent coverage.

Journalists urge courts to quash warrants against Imaan Mazari, husband

December 10, 2025 Veteran journalists and rights activists raise alarm over non-bailable warrants against Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha, calling the NCIA case agenda-driven and a threat to free speech.

AI use in newsrooms rises sharply amid growing ethical concerns

December 10, 2025 Recent surveys show a surge in AI adoption among journalists for research, drafting, fact-checking, and multimedia tasks, but many express deep worry over accuracy, originality, and trust issues in media.