Impress has released a statement on the Government's Draft Media Bill and the repealing of Section 40.
Following today’s publication of the Draft Media Bill, which delivers on the Government’s commitment to repeal Section 40 of the Crime and Courts Act 2013, Impress looks forward to working with Government, policy makers and other stakeholders to consider alternative approaches.
Impress Chief Executive Lexie Kirkconnell-Kawana said:
“Independent press regulation is essential to trustworthy journalism. We need incentives that encourage and reward independently regulated, high quality, public interest journalism in what is a rapidly evolving media landscape.”
What is Section 40?
Section 40 of the Crime and Courts Act 2013 is a piece of legislation passed by Parliament, but yet to be commenced by successive Secretaries of State, to support the reforms arising from the 2012 Leveson Inquiry into the culture, practices and ethics of the British press.
It was designed to encourage higher editorial standards and accountability by:
- Incentivising news publishers to join a Royal Charter approved self-regulatory body for the press (such as Impress).
- Providing affordable access to justice for ordinary citizens who are wronged by the press.
- Protecting well-regulated journalism from the chilling effect of legal threats made by wealthy organisations and individuals who wish to avoid scrutiny.
About Impress
Impress is a champion for news that can be trusted. We are here to make sure news providers can publish with integrity; and the public can engage in an ever-changing media landscape with confidence. We set the highest regulatory standards for news, offer education to help people make informed choices and provide resolution when disputes arise.
Media enquiries
Louie Chandler: louie@impressreg.org.uk / 02033076778
