Inquiry calls for law to underpin press watchdog

JournalismPakistan.com | Published 12 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

Georgia urged to free jailed journalist Mzia Amaglobeli

November 19, 2025: CPJ urges Georgia to release journalist Mzia Amaglobeli after an appeals court upheld her two-year sentence, raising serious concerns over press freedom and political reprisals.

Belarus adds former Intex-Press journalists to extremist list

November 18, 2025: Belarus adds four former Intex-Press journalists to its extremist list as courts uphold house arrests and fines, raising fresh concerns over media freedom and government repression.

Nigeria jails journalists amid cybercrime law concerns

November 15, 2025: Three Nigerian journalists are detained under the Cybercrime Act despite 2024 reforms, raising concerns for press freedom ahead of the 2027 elections.

Nigerian travel journalist detained in Benin on terrorism charges since January

November 13, 2025: Nigerian travel journalist Mathew Ojoduma has been detained in Benin on terrorism charges since January. Authorities and CPJ call for his immediate release.

BBC faces leadership crisis and Trump’s $1 billion lawsuit over edited speech

November 11, 2025: BBC reels from leadership resignations and Trump’s $1B lawsuit over an edited speech as outgoing chief Tim Davie rallies journalists to defend press freedom.

Serbian Journalists’ Association condemns attacks and threats against reporters

November 11, 2025: IJAS condemns rising attacks and threats against journalists in Serbia and calls for urgent investigations, police accountability, and stronger protection for media freedom.

Journalist murders in Europe: 32 unsolved cases undermine media freedom

November 10, 2025: In Europe, 32 of 51 journalist killings remain unresolved, exposing a crisis of impunity and threatening media freedom across the continent.

Moldovan journalist Mariana Rață receives death threat after interview

November 04, 2025: TV8 journalist Mariana Rata in Moldova receives a death threat after interviewing politician Renato Usatii on-air, raising concerns about journalist safety.

Newsroom

Shahzeb Khanzada faces lawsuit threat in Canada over video

November 19, 2025 Shahid Bhatti threatens legal action against Shahzeb Khanzada and his wife in Canada, claiming their actions endangered his life and violated Canadian law.

Journalists condemn police handling of Imran Khan’s sisters

November 19, 2025 Journalists across Pakistan condemn police for allegedly roughing up Imran Khan’s sisters outside Adiala Jail, sparking outrage and raising questions about rights and accountability.

Minister says man who harassed Shahzeb Khanzada identified

November 19, 2025 Pakistan’s information minister says the man who harassed journalist Shahzeb Khanzada in Canada has been identified as a PTI worker, though BBC Urdu says it cannot verify the claim.

Human Rights groups urge U.S. to press Saudi Arabia on press freedom

November 18, 2025 Human rights groups urge U.S. officials to press Saudi Arabia on releasing jailed journalists and reforming media restrictions during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Washington visit.

Major X disruption exposes newsroom dependence on single platforms

November 18, 2025 A major X outage on November 18 disrupted newsroom workflows, exposed platform dependence, and created openings for misinformation as media outlets scrambled to shift distribution channels.