Magazine of the Chartered Institute of Journalists Summer 2011 TheJServingournal professional journalism since 1912 Clegg’s comments “a slur on our profession”

eputy Prime Minister Nick expedient for them to do so.” Clegg seized on the controversy During his interview, Clegg accused Dsurrounding phone hacking the PCC of being “in the pockets of the to advocate media regulation and media it is supposed to be regulating”

an overhaul of the Press Complaints but gave no evidence to back up his photo: Cabinet Office Commission. statement. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today “The role of the PCC certainly needs programme, Clegg said that the News of to be looked at,” said Ms Brodie, “but the World scandal should be used as an the Government has no power to do opportunity to “clean up” the Press, and this since the PCC is not a Government alleged that the scandal “clearly goes organisation. It can of course legislate to beyond News International” and was regulate the Press, perhaps by creating indicative of a a too-cosy relationship a new body, but who is to say this new between the Press and the Police. body would be any more independent, He added that the rules on media especially if it is set up and administered plurality should be re-examined and the by Government? Clegg: The right balance is vital. “entirely toothless” Press Complaints “We should not forget the vital role the Commission looked at. Press plays in protecting the public, and Amanda Brodie, chairman of the it must be free to continue to do this. not let the free Press be undermined by Chartered Institute of Journalists’ “It should not be forgotten that it the out of control Press. We hope this will Professional Practices Board, expressed was elements of the Press that kept the be the Government’s mantra as it seeks concern about the tone of the Deputy pressure on regarding illegal phone to determine any change in the laws of Prime Minister’s comments. hacking, long after the police and the media regulation in this country.” She commented: “As a professional NoW had found no further need to re- institution which protects the rights of examine the affair. • Police are still using anti-terrorism journalists, we are very concerned at this “However, we do welcome Mr Clegg’s powers to obstruct photographers latest suggestion from the Government comment that: ‘It is important that we do - see page 13 that such illegal practices as phone- hacking are so widespread within the industry. “To suggest that illegal practices are PCC’s chairman resigns endemic amongst the Press is wholly wrong, and a slur on our profession. The he importance of a free Press year term of office expires in the new vast majority of journalists are happy Thas never been greater, Press year came in the wake of criticism of the to subscribe to the Press Complaints Complaints Commission chairman Commission’s handling of the hacking Commission code of conduct and go Baroness Buscombe said in her scandal. about their business in a responsible and resignation statement on July 29. Prime Minister David Cameron had totally legal fashion.” The News of the World phone accused it of being “ineffective and She added: “It is also disingenuous of hacking scandal was brought to light by lacking in rigour”, saying an entirely the Government to start complaining investigative journalism, she said, and new body was needed, while Labour about the ‘cosy’ relationship with newspapers and magazines must have leader Ed Miliband said it was a the Press, which so many politicians the freedom to expose wrongdoing “toothless poodle”. encouraged and benefited from, but are wherever it was found. The commission said Baroness now condemning because it is politically Her decision to leave before her three- Continued on page 5 Andy Smith Editor Editor’s Comment

t is difficult in a quarterly publication growing dominance of News International like the Journal to comment on the – until now, that is, when the die is already Icurrent political “hot topic” without cast. risking one’s comments being instantly The LibDem leader is at least consistent overtaken by events – but in the case of the in sticking to a long-held party policy that News of the World phone hacking scandal is critical of the “Murdochisation” of the it is impossible for your Editor to avoid media – but opposing News International’s making some observations on the longer monopolistic tendencies is one thing; term issues and questions raised. advocating state regulation of the Press, Assistant Editors: Stuart Millson At the time of writing, the full implications surely the hallmark of the totalitarian Amanda Brodie for the company at the centre of the storm regime, is quite another. How liberal and Production Editor: Dominic Cooper –News International – are still unclear. how democratic is that? Nevertheless, whatever the fate of the The Daily Mail may have been over- Murdoch empire, and indeed that of its reacting when it accused the Lib-Con erstwhile political allies (on both sides of Coalition of emulating Zimbabwe’s In this issue: the House of Commons), “hackgate” is Marxist dictator Robert Mugabe in seeking set to have far-reaching consequences for a state-controlled media, but even if the Press ethics: Out of control? P5 the relationship between the Press and the Mail’s language was a bit rich, the central various institutions of the British state. argument is sound. Governments that 60 years of journalism training P7 Under close inspection now, are not seek to regulate the Press usually have Turning back the clock P10-11 just Britain’s media and privacy laws but something to hide. Jubilation in Juba P14 the ethical standards of the journalistic Press freedom is the very cornerstone profession itself – the profession whose of a free society and the Press plays an Farewell to Bill Tadd P16 interests and values our Institute has absolutely vital role in highlighting abuses Sean Hoare - a tribute P17 striven for over a century and a quarter to of power. Just think what risks we are uphold and to strengthen. taking if we hand regulatory powers over For many politicians, mired in the the Press to bureaucrats and politicians. scandal themselves in one way or another, Would we, for example, have known about Regular items: the reaction has been to cynically court MPs’ expenses if we had a state-regulated From the President’s Desk P9 popularity by demanding Press regulation. and controlled Press? And, even more to We should not be in the least surprised, the point, would the News of the World’s Travel P12 as the default position of most politicians illegal phone hacking ever have been Freelance News P15 when under attack is to blame the media. exposed? Bookshelf P18-19 David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Ed This really is the slippery slope. That Milliband – and legions of their supporters is why our Institute is supporting and and acolytes – have been eager to bemoan endorsing Press Gazette’s petition in what they see as the failings of the Press defence of a free press, and why in the Complaints Commission and to demand coming months we will be developing our that “something must be done”. own campaigns and initiatives to ‘take the Bizarrely, they all claim that by seeking fight to the enemy.’ greater restrictions on the Press, they are Journalists are not blameless. Standards The views contained in The Journal are those of somehow reinforcing its freedom and have been allowed to slip. But we cannot the Editor and contributors and do not necessarily independence. allow the lack of professionalism in one reflect the views or policy of the Chartered Institute Yet, for all their current talk of taming seedy corner of our industry to bring about of Journalists. All rights reserved. © CIoJ 2011 an out-of-control news media, successive the destruction of press freedom in this Conservative and Labour governments country. Too much is at stake. have singularly failed to address any of these issues in the past, and in particular TheJournal they have baulked at challenging the Andy Smith ISSN 1361-7656 NOW, more than ever, is the time to be able News or views intended for publication to demonstrate your professional credentials should be sent to: The Chartered Institute of Journalists as a journalist... 2 Dock Offices, Surrey Quays Road, London SE16 2XU ...renew your CIoJ subscription today! E-mail: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)20 7252 1187 Right now, more than ever, it is important to maintain your membership of the Fax: +44 (0)20 7232 2302 Institute. Especially at this time when journalism is under attack and the industry is www.cioj.co.uk facing a tough examination. It is vital that, through the Institute, you maintain your access to advice and support Printed by Coolgrey Ltd on situations and circumstances that may affect you. Tel: +44 (0) 1342 321056 So return your renewal form without delay. Don’t forget that you can pay by monthly direct debit to make things easier. If you have any queries please get in touch with head office on 020 7252 1187 or [email protected] The Journal - Summer 2011 edition news Phone hacking inquiry: terms of reference

he Government has set out the draft b. for how future concerns about press proper investigation and how this terms of reference for the judge-led behaviour, media policy, regulation was allowed to happen. Tinquiry into phone hacking. and cross-media ownership should be dealt with by all the relevant 6. To inquire into the extent of corporate Part 1 authorities, including Parliament, governance and management failures 1. To inquire into the culture, practices, Government, the prosecuting at News International and other and ethics of the press, including: authorities and the police; and newspaper organisations. a. contacts between national newspapers and politicians; c. the future conduct of relations between 7. In the light of these Inquiries, to politicians and the press. consider the implications for the b. the relationship between the press and relationships between newspaper the police; Part 2 organisations and the police, and 3. To inquire into the extent of unlawful relevant regulatory bodies and to c. the extent to which the current policy or improper conduct within News recommend what actions, if any, and regulatory framework has failed; International and other newspaper should be taken. and organisations. Process d. the extent to which there was a failure 4. To inquire into the way in which The first part of the Inquiry (1) and (2) to act on previous warnings about the police investigated allegations will be conducted by a Judge assisted by media misconduct. of unlawful conduct by persons a panel of experts. It will report within 12 within or connected with News months. The second part of the Inquiry to be 2. To make recommendations: International, and the review by the considered in light of the ongoing criminal a. for a new more effective policy and Metropolitan Police of their initial proceedings. It will report jointly to the regulatory regime which supports investigation. Culture Secretary and the Home Secretary. the integrity and freedom of the The inquiry is led by Lord Justice Leveson, press, the plurality of the media and 5. To inquire into the extent to which who prosecuted Rose West and was the its independence from Government, the police received corrupt payments judge in the Damilola Taylor case. while encouraging the highest ethical or were otherwise complicit in such The Chartered Institute of Journalists will and professional standards; and misconduct or in suppressing its play an active part in the inquiry process.

What the others say... Magazine editor says: “Don’t muzzle the Press” he editor of the journalists’ magazine Press Gazette has Any reforms to press regulation should seek to strengthen the expressed alarm at the “knee-jerk” reaction to the News of ability of journalists to report the news without fear or favour Tthe World phone hacking scandal. Dominic Ponsford fears – and not further weaken it. that with all three major political parties gunning for the Press The Press Gazette petition can be signed on-line at: http://blogs. Complaints Commission, there is a growing danger that Parliament pressgazette.co.uk/editor/2011/07/14/petition-journalists-for- may try to impose far-reaching legislation to muzzle the press – “a freedom-and-fairness/ Dangerous Dogs Act for journalists”. The magazine is promoting a petition to show that the vast majority of journalists do act in the public interest and need help, not further hindrance, to let them continue to do so. Press Gazette will publish the names of those who sign this petition and submit it to Number 10 and to the IFJ welcomes inquiry inquiry into press standards in due course. he International Federation of Journalists welcomed the The petition reads: Tannouncement of inquiries into the illegal phone tapping and The vast majority of Britain’s journalists work hard to tell breaches of media ethics following revelations of widespread their readers the truth under increasingly tough conditions. telephone hacking by journalists at the News of the World. “We We deplore the actions of journalists who have intercepted welcome these inquiries, which should expose the web of illegal mobile phone messages. And we condemn any journalist who practices involving corruption and violation of people’s privacy,” has breached the trust of their readers/viewers by being involved said Jim Boumelha, IFJ President. in corrupt practices. “The growing tide of public outrage at these revelations is As journalists, we believe in free speech and a robust free understandable and trust in journalism cannot survive if they are press and media. We also believe we have an overall duty to not stamped out for good.” serve the public interest and the common good. The IFJ says its report “Case for Reform Is Unanswerable”, The press should be fearless, exciting, entertaining, waspish, commissioned last year to look into the role of the PCC after the commercial and competitive. controversy erupted over telephone hacking of celebrities, has At the same time journalistic integrity must be respected, been vindicated. The report found that the PCC lacked the power, encouraged and protected from political, commercial and other capacity and mandate to carry out proper investigations and was pressures. not independent enough from the media industry.

 The Journal - Summer 2011 edition Phone-hacking: is it time to get tough on the Press? s the News of the World scandal was breaking, with almost hourly Arevelations, that was the question tackled at a debate at the LSE on July 13. It was chaired by Charlie Beckett, director of Polis, the LSE’s media think-tank, and the speakers were the Times columnist David Aaronovitch; the libertarian blogger Paul Staines (alias Guido Fawkes); Martin Moore, director of the Media Standards Trust), and lawyer Charlotte Harris, of Mishcon Private. Beckett said that the furore around the From left to right: David Aaronovitch - Times columnist/broadcaster; Paul Staines - libertarian blogger who phone-hacking scandal at the News of the writes under the name Guido Fawkes; Charlie Beckett - panel chairman/director of Polis, the LSE’s media think- World had raised wider issues such as the tank ; Charlotte Harris - Media Lawyer at Mishcon Private; Martin Moore - of the Media Standards Trust ethical standards of British newspaper journalism and regulation of the press. this would lead to a permanent change in be going through this now, he said. The general consensus was that while the balance of power between journalists, In a contribution from the floor, Bob imposing tougher legal restrictions on the politicians, the the police and the public. Satchwell, director of the Society of Editors, press might prevent a recurrence of what Staines warned that tighter legal regulation argued that allegations of criminality by had happened at the NoW, the price paid in of the press would accelerate the “downward journalists, or those working on their behalf restricting journalists’ freedom to investigate spiral” of newspapers. such as private investigators, would be and expose wrongdoing would be too high. He wanted to see an end to the dealed with by the law. Moore hoped that the scandal would make parliamentary lobby system which created But unethical behaviour falling short of journalists, especially those working in the an unhealthily cosy relationship between law breaking was best tackled from within “popular press” think more carefully about journalists and MPs. the profession by beefing up the existing what was in the the public interest, rather Aaronovitch described the affair as a self-regulatory system. than “of interest to the public”, a debate they “media firestorm” which had been blown The event was jointly organised by Polis had so far refused to take part in because out of proportion. We had learned nothing and the Media Society. A video of the they saw the distinction as a restriction. new: what had caused the furore was not complete debate can be seen at http://www. There may be a case for legally protecting what had been revealed but how it had come youtube.com/watch?v=i2RTN12kV6Y&feat genuine investigative journalism, he added. to light. ure=youtu.be Harris said that NoW scandal had made If NI executives had carried out a proper For more about Polois, and everyone more aware of how some parts investigation and “’fessed up” who had forthcoming events, go to: www2.lse. of the press operated and she hoped that down what at the beginning we would not ac.uk/media@lse/POLIS/home.aspx

Hacking scandal boosts popularity of CIoJ Facebook page

he fall-out from the phone-hacking up and runs the page, told The Journal: “It about the Institute and a link to the CIoJ Tscandal and the growing interest in the is obvious that many people are visiting the website. CIoJ’s work to promote professionalism page several times a day to keep informed of “I regularly post invitations to users and excellence within the media has led to this fast-moving story. to consider joining us, and plug the massive increase in the popularity of our “They clearly appreciate the “one-stop International division to attract applications Facebook page. shop’ we offer. I monitor dozens of online from overseas visitors.” The page offers a daily service of news and news sources, both at home and abroad, so Harris appeals to all Institute members information alerts for journalists and others that users of our page don’t have to.” who use Facebook to register as users of the interested in media issues. Most visitors to the page are based in the page and to occasionally re-post items from For months it had been attracting about UK , but many live abroad, with the second it on their own pages to spread awareness 40,000 hits a month, but since the scandal biggest group living in India. As of July 28, of the Institute to their owns “friends”, broke that figure has rocketed to more than the rest of the league table’s top-10 was: many of whom probably work in the 121,000 (on the day of writing), an increase Ghana , USA, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, Ireland, media. He would also welcome feedback of 232 per cent on the previous four weeks. South Africa, Bangladesh and Tanzania. from members on how the page could be That figure includes about 450 registered There are users in nine other countries, developed and improved. users of the service, a figure which has including a group in the United Arab The CIoJ Facebook page is at www. remained static. Emirates. facebook.com/pages/Chartered-Institute- Registered users automatically get updates Charlie Harris explains: “A random check of-Journalists/108017897514 posted on their own Facebook pages. Others on many users shows that most work in All posts also appear on Charlie Harris’s have to go to the Institute’s page to see the the media, so the page is an invaluable Twitter feed, HotMetalHack, which has latest news. recruitment tool. As well as the regular news nearly 200 followers, spreading the name of CIoJ Vice-President Charlie Harris, who set updates, it also carries lots of information the Institute even further.

 The Journal - Summer 2011 edition Press ethics: spinning out of control?

By Roger Bush ardly have Charlie Harris (the well. One way and another we are all open role for the Press Complaints Commission Press and privacy) and Amanda to more surveillance. Privacy is not what it in libel and defamation cases. The HBrodie (the Government’s draft was. Commission has recently come under fire Defamation Bill) raised these subjects in Turning to defamation, the President for its alleged lack of active investigation of The Journal (Spring issue) than the whole and I were at a Media Society meeting at phone hacking complaints. area of press ethics has gone ballistic, with which a panel of speakers discussed the Jack Straw, a former Justice Secretary, the phone-hacking scandal absorbing acres draft Defamation Bill. This was in Portcullis thought it might be strengthened into a Press of print. I do find the whole business rather House, the Parliamentary extension Commission. Perhaps he’s got something over-inflated, fuelled as it is by politicians across Bridge Street from the Palace of there. Twelve years ago I tackled the question still smarting from all those expenses stories Westminster. of the PCC Code of Practice, “framed by the and by media interests keen on frustrating a It was to have been chaired by John newspaper and periodical industry and controversial takeover bid. Whittingdale, but at the last minute he was ratified by the PCC”. Unsurprisingly, it is Spying and surveillance have always called away to an urgent meeting at No 10. mainly concerned with those areas that give been a part of investigative journalism, As stand-in chairman, John Battle, of ITN, rise to most complaints to the Commission. sometimes for good, sometimes for bad. managed the panel well. It comprised Simon On ethics it simply exhorts all members of Back in the 1980s, when for three troubled Singh, a journalist involved in a high-profile the press “to maintain the highest ethical years I was concerned with public relations and professional standards”. for the Property Services Agency, I faced Most codes involve an element of restraint one intractable problem. Despite all its good on freedom of action. But any code that is work, innovative designs and projects, the written mainly to cope with actions that give only PSA stories the media were interested ‘Everyone agrees about rise to complaints will to some extent help in were those to do with fraud and the need for freedom of to preserve the situation that gives rise to corruption, not unfamiliar activities in the those complaints. A well constructed code construction and building industries. After the press. But that means needs to be more positive. In particular it a raft of reports and cuttings involving freedom to print rubbish should have something to say about the Devonport Dockyard, I asked members of service so that the reader knows that those the PSA Board to find me a squeaky-clean if it is cheaper to produce subscribing to the code have an interest in District Works Office (DWO) where I could supplying the sort of publication he wants . take a BBC TV team who were making and can be sold as easily as Among several suggestions I made for a short documentary on government quality’. such a code, is one that has quite a familiar public works. The office chosen was the ring when I look at the coverage of the Westminster DWO, standing almost in the phone hacking scandal. It goes: “Where shadow of the Department of Environment an exclusive has been labelled as such, the headquarters in Marsham Street. The TV case; Dr Barendt, an academic lawyer; Mark basis of exclusivity should be spelled out. team duly arrived, interviewed a number Stephens, whose firm specialises in media If a story has been bought, it should carry of key staff and took some background law; and Alastair Brett, formerly of The a price ticket.” footage of the office at work. It’s just the Times and The Sun newspapers. Members Everyone agrees about the need for way of things that about 15 seconds of of the panel were all in favour of reform, but freedom of the press. But of course that film showing men loading or unloading less sure that the draft Bill did more than means freedom to print rubbish if it is a van in the yard behind the office were scratch the surface. By several times asking thought that rubbish is cheaper to produce all that reached the screen; the rest was for a show of hands from the audience, the and can be sold as easily as quality. binned, I guess. But how the producers Chairman established that many of those Therein lies the need not just for self- must have kicked themselves when, less present had also been unimpressed by it. restraint but for self-appreciation. It’s the than a month later, that same DWO was After the meeting I talked to Alastair Brett, lack of this that poses just as much a threat revealed as every bit as corrupt as the one an old sparring partner of my friend Ivor to newspapers as any controls that might be at Devonport. The exposure was in the late Cole (of Associated Newspapers). He had imposed from outside because of disaffected News of the World, whose reporters had expressed himself keen for an expanded politicians or public. concealed microphones beneath the tables in a local pub and clandestinely recorded conversations between officials and a number of contractors. Buscombe “proud” of her work at the PCC Hidden cameras and microphones were Continued from page 1 just part of the equipment of investigative journalism. What has happened since is Buscombe’s early departure would help proud of my work at the PCC which, from largely down to new technology. It wasn’t ensure that her successor was in a position the very beginning, has been aimed at that easy to tap a land-line telephone or to assist and support the Leveson inquiry. instigating the process of reform of the intercept Royal Mail. But now that all and She will contribute to the inquiry as an organisation.” sundry are communicating by e-mail, expert in media regulation and will stay on She would continue to be a campaigner mobile phones and voice-mail, social as chairman of the PCC until her successor for change from outside the organisation, networks and the like, security has gone out is appointed. saying: “I am convinced the answer to of the window. The PCC said: “She leaves the ethical concerns about the Press is not While we are all ready to sing the praises Commission structurally stronger than statutory intervention. of each new development, be it CCTV, when she came in, and in a better position “What is needed is a greater sense camera phones, i-pads, Facebook or Twitter. to continue its evolution.” of accountability among editors and these products usually have a down-side as Baroness Buscombe said: “I am very proprietors.”

 The Journal - Summer 2011 edition Privacy and the Press… again

By Norman Bartlett ranging speech, learned, humane and witty. n a recent article in the Financial Times, On privacy he referred to the problems Mathew Engel was discussing the about ten years ago with an increasing Icontinuing appeal of the UK to rich number of cases where orders to restrict foreigners despite all the hoo-ha from the reporting were made. resident rich about the penalties they incur “Some of these orders undoubtedly by dwelling here. contravened the principle of open justice He contrasts the dedication on the Statue and did not fall within the exceptions to of Liberty – “Give me your tired, your that principle,” he said. “So between us, poor,/ Your huddled masses yearning to the judiciary and lawyers from the media breathe free /The wretched refuse of your worked together to produce easily read, teeming shore./ Send these, the homeless, manageable text for use in the Crown Court tempest-tost to me” with the aspirations and the Magistrates Court in which the of today’s rich migrants. He imagines essential principles were set out. They have London’s dedication would be on the lines become valuable handbooks,” he claimed, of ’Yearning to breathe free of your huddled “Used regularly whenever a question of masses?/… ‘Give me your tanned, your reporting restrictions arises up and down rich/ We won’t refuse.” the country. Another vexed topic is the “Good schools, Harrods, and a co- Lord Justice Judge world of super-injunctions.” He explains operative attitude to the reputationally that the Master of the Rolls is chairing a challenged: for the recently retired Mr committee of lawyers representing both the and Mrs Dictator in a hurry, there’s still the privacy needs of the high net worth media and privacy advocates that should nowhere like London,” says one private individual, as well as their reputations. have reported by May 2011. banker quoted by Mr Engel. “London is already known as the libel However there is another aspect to this “No other global centre can claim to have capital of the world,” continues Mr Engel. matter that seems quite perverse. While the perfected London’s social, intellectual, “Other more cunning weapons include the general public has a ready appetite for the business, finance, lifestyle and property press-gagging ‘super-injunction’ whose sordid and seedy antics of the famous and offering,” says Liam Bailey of Knight Frank, very existence, if one is imposed, is itself a the not-so-famous, its sympathy can readily a real estate firm quoted in the same article. secret.” switch. Many people identify with the But then he brings press and law into Now contrast that scene setting from the individual when a newspaper or broadcaster the same par. He notes that the press, Grub Street perspective and consider the goes after a sports or entertainment celebrity and especially the tabloids can be a bit views of Lord Chief Justice Judge. Earlier who has been naughty. irritating and unwelcome to those used to in the year he addressed the Hebrew It may be, of course, that the techniques of their lifestyles being less scrutinised. But University in Jerusalem with the title media management from a skilled exponent the UK has done its best to accommodate ‘Judiciary and the Media’. It was a wide- like Max Clifford have been applied.

Two health awards for FT’s Nick Timmins

ick Timmins has been voted “Health Timmins started his media career as a Branwen Jeffreys, BBC News: Broadcast NJournalist of the Year” by the Medical science reporter, first with Nature and then Journalist of the Year Journalists’ Association, and has been made the Press Association, before moving to Stephen Robinson, GP newspaper: an honorary fellow of the Royal College of health and social services with The Times, Medical Journalist of the Year Physicians – the first time this honour has followed by The Independent when it was Nigel Hawkes: Freelance Journalist of been conferred upon a professional health set up in 1986, and eventually becoming the Year journalist. public policy editor at the Financial Times Adam Legge, Pulse: Health Editor of in 1996. Although health policy is at the the Year heart of Timmins’ reporting, his role as Liza Williams, Liverpool Echo: Regional public policy editor is considerably wider. Print Journalist of the Year He heads a team covering education, home Matthew Hill, BBC West of England: and legal affairs; his core task being to cover Regional Broadcast Journalist of the Year the boundary between public and private Health Service Journal: Health sectors on both the demand and supply Publication of the Year side. BBC website – www.bbc.co.uk/health In recommending Timmins for his RCP Health Website of the Year. fellowship, Dame Carol Black wrote: “The sight of Nick Timmins at a press briefing The Medical Journalists’ Association will put any politician or professional on was launched in 1967 and is open to their toes. Polite but fearless is how I would journalists who work full or part time on describe him.” At Westminster, according to health or medical science subjects, as well a member of the opposition health team, he as to academics or clinicians who write or is regarded by all parties as: “A class act”. broadcast in their spare time, and health Winner: Nick Timmins Other MJA awards have gone to: charity communications staff.

 The Journal - Summer 2011 edition Celebrating 60 years of The end of journalism training Computer ore than 100 guests joined the Weekly National Council for the Training By Norman Bartlett of Journalists in celebrating its fter the end of the print version 60Mth birthday at a party in July. Aof Accountancy Age, reported in To mark more than half a century of the last issue of the Journal, comes the providing quality journalism training, Amanda Brodie photo: announcement of the end of Computer the charity hosted a celebratory bash Weekly. at Devonshire Terrace near London’s First published in September 1966, it Liverpool Street. The guest list included claimed to be the world’s first weekly regional and national press, broadcasters, computing newspaper. Initially the journalism trainers and a number of NCTJ coverage was concerned with mainframe student council representatives. computers as the revolutionary IBM 360 In his address to the Diamond Jubilee series had just been launched to begin an gathering, NTCJ Chairman Kim exciting new industry. The newspaper Fletcher referred to the poignancy of was sustained with a huge amount of the organisation’s celebration of quality recruitment advertising. For the first 25 training and journalism standards in a years of its existence, Computer Weekly week when the News of the World phone- focused on what the manufacturers were hacking scandal was so much in the news. doing – new products, new technology, After the event, NCTJ chief executive Joanne Butcher and Kim Fletcher faster and more powerful. It even ignored Joanne Butcher told the Journal: “It was we look forward to achieving even more in the arrival of the PC in 1982. wonderful that so many people were able the future.” But by the 1990s, the world had changed to join us in celebrating this milestone She added: “These are challenging times somewhat. Instead of “computing” the anniversary. I am glad that the celebrations for journalism for so many reasons. They term was “information technology”, or were such a great success and that everyone make carrying the torch for excellence over IT. Manufacturers were no longer in the had an enjoyable evening. The NCTJ the next ten years even more important. driving seat – customers were. Chief remains the respected ‘gold standard’ Thank you to everyone who shares our information officers studied Computer thanks to the hard work and support of all values and contributes to our work.” Weekly just as the chief financial officers those involved in our work. With their help joiningus to celebrate.” read the Financial Times. The publication began to win prestigious awards for its editorial output. It became a pillar of the Reed magazine empire. Since 2000 it has been growing its web Proofreaders help to protect the presence. The print version in online format bottom line of your business has found a ready acceptance among IT usinesses concerned about damage to mistake you don’t see in your own writing, Btheir credibility – and their revenue – as there’s a lot to be said for having a fresh a result of website errors should be taking pair of eyes look at your work.” sensible precautions, according to the The issue of poor spelling on websites is Society for Editors and Proofreaders. The not new. As long ago as 2002 the Stanford– SfEP is urging companies to protect their Makovsky Web Credibility Survey claimed online reputations by having all their web that errors on websites “have roughly material checked thoroughly by trained the same negative impact on a website’s proofreaders before it goes live. credibility as a company’s legal or financial A news story this week claimed that trouble”. And research by the Royal Mail spelling and grammatical errors on in 2005 showed that over 70% of customers websites are resulting in lost revenue for would not trust a business that has poor internet businesses. The report blamed communication skills. the educational system for failing to turn “It seems incredible that companies will out school and college leavers who have risk their reputations in this way,” says the required skills – but the SfEP believes Wendy. “Many organisations spend a great that, rather than simply bemoaning the deal of money on an impressive website, professionals. As recruitment advertising educational system, businesses should only to spoil it with some basic spelling fell away it was only a matter of time before take action to ensure that all their written errors. By using the services of a professional the title ceased. It has now been transferred communications are clear and free of proofreader they could avoid damaging to global media company TechTarget and errors. their reputation – and at a fraction of the lives on as a web-based title (http://www. “The truth is we can all make mistakes,” overall cost of the website.” computerweekly.com/). says the SfEP’s Wendy Toole. “Even people The SfEP has an online, searchable The editorial office has moved from who are highly proficient at spelling, directory of members who proofread all Sutton to the West End. The magazine is no punctuation and grammar can slip up. kinds of written communications. More longer recognisable as print but is fully web Whether it’s a typing error, or simply a information at www.sfep.org.uk. structured.

 The Journal - Summer 2011 edition Championing the cause of investigative journalism

By Amanda Brodie Chairman, Professional Practices Board named News Journalist of the Year at the n organisation dedicated to the Sony Radio Academy Awards. best traditions of investigative The team is advised by an editorial board Ajournalism has celebrated its first which includes distinguished journalists birthday. The Bureau of Investigative from all walks of the media world, including Journalism, which was officially launched chair Ray Fitzwalter, former executive in April last year, is the first organisation of producer on Granada TV’s renowned its kind in the UK. ‘World In Action’ programme. Based at City University, London, the Also on the board is David Pallister, who Iain Overton Bureau aims to bolster original journalism for many years worked as a reporter for financial involvement with the Saudi royal by producing investigations for national the Guardian. He was involved in one of family. He now works as a freelance writer and international press and broadcast the biggest libel actions of the 20th century and editor. media. It works in collaboration with other when Conservative politician Jonathan For more information, contact the news organisations to get its investigations Aitken sued The Guardian, and Pallister Bureau: [email protected] or published and distributed. Its long-term personally, for allegations about Aitken’s +44 (0) 207 040 0081. aim is to explore new ways of conducting and funding investigative journalism. The Bureau has worked for and with Panorama, Dispatches, Al Jazeera, Channel 4 News, the Sunday Times, the Telegraph, CIoJ backs best practice code the Daily Mail, the Independent and the Financial Times. It has more than 20 for interns journalists working across several major investigations. he CIoJ is supporting the introduction It is headed by editor Iain Overton, who Tof a Common Best Practice Code for told the Journal: “Sometimes a programme High-Quality Internships. like Dispatches will commission us to do General Secretary Dominic Cooper and something or we work with newspapers to Immediate Past President Liz Justice have provide multi-media stories. We do a lot of been working members of the Gateways work for Channel 4 news.” He says about to the Professions Collaborative Forum 50 per cent of their stories are from UK and since last year when, at the CIoJ annual the rest from abroad. conference, several members raised “We welcome story suggestions from concerns about the misuse of interns on journalists,” Mr Overton explained. “We newspapers and magazines. are not going to take the story away from The best practice code has been them. Journalists will sometimes come to us endorsed by the Department for Business, if their own publications have decided not Innovation and Skills in recognition of the to take the story any further.” role of internships in improving access to a In the current economic climate it is professional career – including journalism increasingly difficult for editors to invest – by talented people who could not access in expensive long-term investigations. The high quality university courses. Bureau received a £2 million grant from the David and Elaine Potter Foundation Launched last year, and it hopes this will help plug The code was launched in London by the gap. The foundation is a charitable Universities Minister David Willetts MP. Mobility Foundation and the PRCA family foundation aimed at encouraging a Liz Justice said: “Access and meritocracy Commission on Access. stronger, fairer, civil society. remain vital stepping stones for all young Dominic Cooper added: “It was Iain Overton was a commissioning people looking for a job and even more so reassuring that the minister said the rules executive at ITN and a senior producer at when recruitment departments concentrate relating to the minimum wage and access the BBC. He has worked in over 85 countries on graduates from elite universities. to university using company sponsorship around the world and his films have been “This code makes it clear that interns are are two further ways the Government were awarded a Peabody Award, a OneWorld not a cheap way of getting people in to do looking to take this forward. Award and a BAFTA Scotland, amongst the work without pay. “Because the code was drawn up by others. “If followed, the code turns barriers professional bodies like ours, it allows a Deputy editor Rachel Oldroyd spent 13 into positive opportunities for a ‘win clear guide which if followed works for years at the Mail on Sunday, where she win situation’ without exploitation of the all parties. There is more work that needs worked closely with many of today’s best candidate or the company.” doing but as a first step we can endorse investigative journalists. Lead reporter As well as getting the backing of the and support our members using the code Angus Stickler joined the Bureau after 16 Government, the code has gained support if they are considering using interns.” years as a staff reporter at the BBC. He has from the TUC, the Chartered Institute The code is available to download from won numerous awards. In 2006 he was of Personnel Development, the Social the CIoJ website - www.cioj.co.uk

 The Journal - Summer 2011 edition From the President’s Desk By Norman Bartlett ere at the beating heart of the CIoJ, the News of the World was a stalwart IoJ in the dramatic setting of London’s member and personally gave £5,000 to start HDocklands, the office gets letters up the Orphans Fund. He was generous from many people and places. in support of all journalistic appeals and A recent receipt was from Dr Dong-Keun journalism standards in the early days of Shin, who modestly asserts that “I will be the last century. the greatest computer scientist if no one Mentioning the great British institution protests my theory* and names a computer we know as News of the World brings my scientist who has greater achievement speculation about the profile of the CIoJ to Norman Bartlett than mine. I believe that I have achieved a very relevant matter. The phone hacking too much to be defeated by any computer scandal and the sudden and unnecessary scientist, not only in this era but also any closure of the News of the World has shown payments from those who want to promote future eras.” that the British press and British journalists their own, communicating simply and He helpfully enclosed copies of his letters face a challenging time. The cynical and directly, checking thoroughly for accuracy, to HM the Queen amoral management respecting privacy, and maintaining and David Cameron of News personal integrity. Please offer your own setting out his claim *The theory asserts that International took suggestions on the desirable characteristics in similar terms. He there is no distinguishable its action, riding on a of a “Chartered Journalist”. explains that since difference between the crest of public anger We may be sure that the powers-that- declaring himself about its big selling be are eagerly looking at some kind of the world’s greatest performance of any relatively newspaper. How regulation, using the disgrace of the hacking computer scientist he good and data independent can we persuade business to justify restrictions on reporting has not encountered hash functions. This concept that public that most the goings on of politicians, celebrities and any challengers. As of relatively good solutions journalists have the wealthy. The Prime Minister himself well as the Queen and integrity, morals and implies as much. the Prime Minister he leads to the hypothesis high professional Brendan O’Neill in the Daily Telegraph, also invited me – well that they are present in all standards? reporting on Cameron’s press conference the President of the polynomial complex problems On Council and after the News of the World was closed, CIoJ to be precise - to requiring exponential time in the Professional wrote: “This is a line that should send a his concert and press algorithms to solve. He draws Practices Board, shudder down the spine of every man conference in Seoul we are discussing and woman who cares about freedom of in February last. I’m the inference that no matter how this might the press: ‘It is vital that a free press can afraid I missed it and how fast the computer, it will be achieved. One tell truth to power; it is equally vital that so did the Queen. never be able to deduce like a suggestion is those in power can tell truth to the press.’ What a shame. human. (full details at www. the concept of Cameron is doing nothing less than hinting The concert looked the “Chartered at a rearrangement of the relationship particularly attractive dkshin.com) J o u r n a l i s t ” . between the state and the media.” It could featuring a number This would be a affect individuals as well as publications. of gospel songs declaration that the We have to be ready with an alternative written by Dr Shin, a few in association individual had affirmed to follow ethical approach and the Chartered Institute of with King David such as “Cast Your Cares behaviour and maintain high journalistic Journalists must show the way. on the Lord”. But his main claim to fame standards throughout his or her career. To paraphrase Dr Shin: “We will be lies with the cross-referencing algorithm to The attributes might be producing only the leading organisation on journalistic which he has given his name – Shin’s join. truthful and balanced accounts, declining integrity, if no one protests at our idea.” Someone of the same name also appears on Wikipedia as a football player – a midfielder for Goyang Kookmin Bank FC. If the same man, his achievements are outstanding. You may think I am poking fun at Dr Guardian journalist denies hacking Shin yet the fact is that with his doctorate, Guardian journalist David Leigh unlike NoW] I was not interested in song-writing and sheer chutzpah he has far has denied allegations by blogger Paul witless tittle-tattle about the royal family. exceeded any achievements of mine. Staines (alias Guido Fawkes) that he I was looking for evidence of bribery and While bandying these distinguished engaged in phone hacking and other corruption.” names about, it occurred to me that the unethical practices including obtaining CIoJ is lacking something in the high unauthorised information from the Also, in an article he had written in profile business. It was not always so. police. February 2010, Leigh had admitted using In the early years of the Institute its information from “police files”, including membership included journalists who were Controversy was prompted by Staines’ private emails, in an article about leaks claim that Leigh had used similar widely known public figures. Nowadays, from the University of East Anglia’s techniques to the hackers at the News for reasons of privacy, the better-known climate change unit. of the World. Leigh was quoted as journalists in the CIoJ do not advertise their having defended phone hacking in The police are of course subject to the membership. certain circumstances, saying there was Data Protection Act, which prevents As Robin Morgan, one of our distinguished “certainly a voyeuristic thrill in hearing the disclosure of personal data for Past-Presidents has reminded me, Sir another person’s private messages... [but unauthorized purposes. Emsley Carr, probably the greatest editor of

 The Journal - Summer 2011 edition Turning back the clock It’s not like the good old days...or is it? Welcome to a new regular feature in The Journal looking at events in 1911 as reported by the Institute’s voluminous Minutes book. We find that events a century ago have an uncanny relevance to what is happening today! Lawyers...they never change! e did not have super-injunctions and libel tourism in those days but fears over action for libel and particularly Wcontempt of court were rife in 1911 – just as they are in 2011. The Manchester District was demanding action from the Institute following a spate of contempt actions and a proposed Libel “Machine gun publicity” – Bill going before Parliament. Manchester journalists would not submit quietly to what was resist the flood, editor urges threatened. The trial, in 1910 of Doctor Hawley Harvey Crippen and his arming to this column’s belief that there is nothing new hanging at Pentonville Prison, had produced a contempt case when Wunder the sun, 1911 saw, as now, concerns expressed about a newspaper was fined £200 for erroneously reporting that Crippen what we today call “churnalism” – the uncritical use of PR puffery had confessed but this was not dealt with until that trail was over. masquerading as news. A century ago they tended to be called The Manchester District reasoned that contempt of court procedure “Editorial Notices’” but the purpose was the same – to give an was only fit for emergencies and it should not be extended simply advertiser a free mention. because judges could not deal with some things by other purposes. At the newly-created Circle of Scientific,Technical and Commercial No doubt untried prisoners had rights which should be protected, Journalists’ first dinner, Institute member A C Meyjes, Editor of but so had journalists, said a report of the District meeting. the Chemist and Druggist, laid into what he called “the Publicity The Manchester members particularly objected to the threat to Wangle” with a prescription for probity: “No editor has a right to be “imprison subordinates, and said this would mean in some cases overborne by pressure on the part of the advertisement department... that newspaper proprietors could ask their staff to sail dangerously what is the true worth of paragraphs inserted merely to please an near the wind, at the risk of imprisonment if anything appeared into advertiser?” which a lawyer could read contempt of court, while the proprietors “An Editor’s individuality, and the ultimate prosperity of his paper, themselves would have absolute immunity from imprisonment if are measurable by the strength of resistance to such pressure,” he they went through the formality of registering themselves as limited thundered in his speech reported at length in the Minutes book. liability companies.” The average British manufacturer, imperfectly educated in The threat from the proposed Bill was such that no journalist would advertising, leaves it to some employee “who is ignorant of all that be safe in the future in reporting circumstances which had come to pertains to the press,” he said. his knowledge and which he thought the public should know, said another member. Machine-gun publicity Our North-eastern District was equally perturbed. Institute President John Mitchell told its New Year meeting it was “exceedingly And it was not just advertisers who irked him. Publicity managers hard” that after newspapers had ‘assisted in the capture of a criminal (a.k.a. PROs these days!) who flooded news desks with volumes of who has escaped, a few technical points should have been raised bumf came under his microscope: “Sending out, as one did, 18 press against journals who were taken into the courts and mulcted in notices in a single week is endangering valuable journalistic lives. heavy penalties.’ “I wish to remind these gentlemen of the saying that true Art is “It was regrettable that in certain high quarters a tyrannical that which conceals Art. Their methods are too obvious, too wanting antagonism was growing up against the Press of the country,” the in reserve. To send identical paragraphs to a score of papers, President said. merely typing-in the name of each journal, savours of machine gun Mr Mitchell could have been living in the present when he publicity,” he said. complained that at no time in his 30 years’ connection with the He reckoned: “The rate at which most Editors admit these press...”were lawyers so anxious to take up cases against newspapers, announcement as news stand in inverse ratio to the strength and or when juries were so ready to award heavy damages against influence which they know their journals to possess.” journals.” He went on to urge that more protection be given against Any ears burning?Mr Meyjes laid down four rules: “An Editor ‘frivolous actions and blackmail and it was absolutely essential for should notice genuine novelties as matters of trade interest; criticism journalists that more freedom should be given to the Press. should be independent and temperate but fair; no payment should The Institute began taking legal advice in a controversy that would be accepted for announcements inserted as news; and, the Editor last throughout the year. should reject all notices written by advertisers themselves.”

10 The Journal - Summer 2011 edition

Surprise, surprise... papers Nws n brf It was the 1911 equivalent of text-speak – “telegrammese” sensationalise stories to make – and it was bothering our members in the North Eastern District. “The Hon Secretary was instructed to write to the money, says 1911 judge postmaster in Newcastle complaining of the increasing and unreasonable use of contractions in the transcription s Britain prepares to take another look at the state of its libel of Press telegrams which cause delay and sometimes Alaws, and newspaper proprietors campaign for less swingeing uncertainty,” reported the minutes of the April meeting... damages, the same debate was taking place a century ago in an or should that be rptd t Mnts o t Apr mtg! atmosphere almost identical to today. But as perceived victims of libel are, these days, complaining of the high cost of sueing, a century ago journalists were complaining of Making an exhibition of losing out when vindicated against against writ-happy plaintiffs who went bankrupt. The Devon and Cornwall District invited Mr W Blake Odgers KC, ourselves recorder of Plymouth and the leading author on libel, to survey the une 22, 1911, was situation. JCoronation Day The judge could have been talking about today’s red-tops in some of for King George V his remarks about the attitude of juries towards damages. – and the Institute was “Some juries (believed) that what appeared in some newspapers was determined to celebrate inserted there in order to bring money into the pockets of proprietors, it with him, although by and in that respect a newspaper differed from a (libellous) letter, today’s standards the pamphlet or a book, and they said the man whose regular business it celebration was more was to make money by publishing things should pay more damages funereal than fun. than a private citizen.” We had joined with others in the industry Bring in the money to stage a newspapers section at the Coronation Warming to his theme, Mr Odgers continued: “The only consideration Exhibition, being held with some newspapers seems to be ‘What will bring in the money?’ at the White City, “So they produce sensational headlines, and sensational contents Shepherd’s Bush (site of bills, and are sometimes led to disregard the rights and liberties of what is now the BBC TV other people in their desire to make money. Whenever a jury finds Centre). King George V that, they will give swingeing damages.” A glass cabinet, proudly Ears burning, Fleet Street? Sage nodding by regional journalists? filled with documents and the odd The judge recognised the difference. “Speaking down here picture and meant to illustrate the Institute’s full majesty, must (Plymouth)...you are not conducting a mere trade whose only object is have been a daunting prospect for any but the most determined to make money, You belong to a noble profession, and it is the high visitor – certainly the Minute Book’s detailed listing of each privilege and duty of the newspaper Press to take a high tone, to lay item makes for dreary reading. before the public clear, and accurate, and prompt information on all Mindful of its Royal Charter, the Institute could not let the matters of public interest, to judiciously direct the public taste on all King’s Coronation pass without its loyal assurances: matters of criticism, to fearlessly and fairly discuss,and to promote a sound opinion on all matters of local and Imperial government, and, “To the King’s Most Excellent Majesty. May it please above all, to elevate to the highest level the tone of society in all matters your Majesty, – At our first meeting since the Coronation, of personal purity and morality”, (applause) recorded the Minutes. we, the members of the Institute of Journalists, beg to send Institute president John Mitchell, visiting the West Riding District, your Majesty our loyal greetings....Since its foundation, the said the there was a feeling among some members that “the Scottish Institute, has received many tokens of good-will from the system should be adopted in England, which was that a judge had Throne, and we now desire to present to your Majesty our the right to throw out a case if he deemed it to be frivolous without heartfelt allegiance, and to pray that you have a long, happy hearing the action.” and illustrious reign.” Juries, he alleged were tempted to think: “Well, newspapers are able to pay, and we can set heavy damages against them.” It obviously paid off because the King, who had earlier noted Writ-happy plaintiffs without the cash to fund a libel claim but relied that the annual conference was being held in Dundee, had invited on being successful to recover their costs were the bane of the 1911 members to take a special post-conference tour of Balmoral and journalist and newspaper. The Institute had a Defence Fund to help enjoy afternoon tea in the house as his guests. Replying to the members finding themselves hapless victims of such actions. Institute’s loyal address, King George recognised “the debt of One grateful member wrote to Herbert Cornish, the secretary of gratitude due to journalists for the incessant and untiring zeal the Institute: “I am obliged to you for yours of the 28th ult. enclosing with which, collectively and individually, they strive, by day cheque for the sum voted to me by the Institute towards legal charges and night, to discharge their great public duty.” His reply also in fighting legal action...in which we won but were unable to recover said he was “glad” that the members of the Conference would costs from the insolvent plaintiff. visit Balmoral, and he hoped “they will spend a pleasant day “I would thank you to convey to the Council my appreciation of the there.” help they have given me. Of course we are out of pocket in the matter, Would Buckingham Palace say the same today? our expenses, all told, being over £100, but we trust our victory in Note: Until very recent years the first day of the Institute’s court and the exposing of ------in bankruptcy will serve to help in the annual conference resolved to send a telegram of loyal greetings efforts being made to secure an amendment of the law of libel”. to the Monarch, whose grateful reply was read at the closing They don’t write letters like that any more! session.

11 The Journal - Summer 2011 edition Singapore offers much more than expected! By Ursula Geike-Garson f you think Singapore is a clinical, blandly efficient and unadventurous Iplace to spend some time, than you are very mistaken. In fact, it is one of the most enjoyable cities in Southeast Asia! Driving in from Changi airport, your ride takes you along lush tree-shaded expressways and in almost no time you have reached the centre of the city with its amazing contrasts of towering glass and steel skyscrapers, fashion emporiums and huge shopping malls intermingled with attractively renovated old houses, temples and antique shops. Dozens of beautiful city parks invite you to have a stroll. Very few cities can boast of such a diverse and bustling ethnic community as “The Lion City“. Dive into the cultures of China, India and Malaysia, against a backdrop of So much to offer - Singapore ultra-modern Western style. In this city you can treat your pallate to the world‘s most delicious cuisine. In fact, food is the national Marina Bay Sands Hotel and take in the the Singapore River and offers almost obsession and you will discover very quickly fantastic, panoramic views from the top. everything visitors can imagine. why! Be it for lunch or dinner try a few of Then stop by at the charming Fullerton Chinatown: the many hawker centers or food courts Hotel, which was converted from the Chinese temples sprang up, but as the and sample some of the enormous array former Post Office, and have a drink on quarter was not homogenous, Taoist and of Asian dishes, such as Laksa soup, Chili their spacious terrace. Hindu temples, churches and mosques Crab, Indian Curry served on a banana leaf, Architectural sights in this district are now stand side by side, representing the Fish Head Curry, Nasi Padang and Chicken the Old Parliament House, City Hall and multicultural spirit that makes this city so Rendang to mention just a few. Supreme Court, St. Andrew‘s Cathedral, unique. Victoria Theatre and Visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Concert Hall, Empress Place Thian Hock Keng Temple, Sri Mariamman Building, now housing Temple ( Singapore‘s oldest Hindu temple) the Asian Civilisations and Jamae Chulia Mosque. Museum. Little India And, of course, the world Family-run shops with imported goods renowned Raffle‘s Hotel, from India give the quarter its authenticity. which opened in December Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and Sri 1887. Srinivasa Perumal Temple are worthwhile visiting. The Quays Kampong Glam attracted Muslim residents The Boat Quay, Clarke such as Malays, Bugis (from Sulawesi) and Quay, and Robertson Quay Arabs.Visit the Malay Heritage Centre and were all developed into an the Sultan Mosque. entertainment, dining and The Botanic & Orchid Garden, the Zoo, shopping precinct. The Bukit Timah Nature Resort and the This stretches along Butterfly Garden are all worth a visit. Diverse - the ‘Lion City’

Explore on foot, take the underground or just hail a taxi; taxi rides are very reasonably Where to stay priced. Whilst there is an amazing variety of hotels, SWISSOTEL The Stamford is an excellent choice, English is one of the four official languages located right in the heart of the city‘s business, historical, cultural and shopping districts. The and the most commonly used. building is one of the highest ( 71 storeys) in Southeast Asia and therefore the views of the city The local currency is the SGD ( Singapore are spectacular and unforgettable. dollar) The second Swissotel in Singapore is the Merchant Court. It is situated by the historic Singapore river and adjacent to all the hotspots of Clarke Quay, close to Chinatown and within walking Colonial District distance of the financial hub at Raffles Place. Stroll around Esplanade Drive and take The hotels are so diverse, but have one thing in common – Swiss hospitality at its best. Visit the lift to the platform of the newly opened and see for yourself!

12 The Journal - Summer 2011 edition Riot police still using terrorism laws to Congratulations Camilla thwart photo-taking here was a sense of satisfaction at TJuly’s meeting of the CIoJ Orphan hotographers covering the recent Fund as on the previous day one of the riots in London have reported that Fund’s beneficiaries, Camilla Greenwell, police have demanded they delete received a BA honours degree in Fine pictures. Arts from Central St Martin’s College of PBoth professionals and members of the Arts, in a ceremony at London’s Royal public have made such claims, with some Festival Hall. asking on Twitter whether police have Camilla has been supported by the powers to make such demands. The simple Fund for the last 14 years, at first with the answer is “No”. standard package of financial help on the This has been a growing problem over the death her father, Tom Greenwell, former past two or three years, with journalists and chief leader writer of the Yorkshire Post, tourists being bullied into deleting pictures and then with total support after her by officers either ignorant of the law, or mother, Vicki, died some nine years ago. choosing to ignore it. That help has included all her school fees Sometimes the anti-terrorism law is cited and educational costs, accommodation as an excuse. and living expenses throughout her time So proud - Camilla at her graduation ceremony In two well-publicised cases, a father at the Leeds Girls High School, at an arts and son from Austria visiting London on foundation course at Leeds College of a bus-spotting holiday were threatened Art and Design and her three year degree the Institute and his loyalty to our with arrest unless they deleted pictures of course at St Martin’s. organisation deserved the care that the a bus garage in NE London, and a BBC staff She won the respect of the Orphan Fund Orphan Fund has been able to give to his photographer suffered similar problems trustees with her unfailingly excellent daughter. while taking stock photos of a sunset over reports and progress and the provision “It has been an object lesson why every St Paul’s Cathedral. of first-class equipment enabled her to young journalist should join the Institute Although it may be difficult to stand up to pursue her interests in photography (in for the protection it gives, particularly police officers when there is a riot going on, which she gained her 2:1 degree) to the when misfortune strikes and children, Institute members are advised to remind a extent that she is now receiving some as happened with Camilla, need to be police officer acting beyond their authority professional commissions. protected and provided with a good of the “all forces guidance letter” issued by Fund trustee Robin Morgan, who education.” Chief Constable Andrew Trotter, chairman has kept in close touch with Camilla Camilla said: “I will be eternally of ACPO’s Communication Advisory throughout her years as a beneficiary, grateful to the Orphan Fund for all the Group, in August 2010. said: “We are all filled with pride at help it has given me. Mr Trotter’s letter was in response to many Camilla’s achievements. I worked with “I would never have achieved what I complaints to forces around the country, by her Dad and knew her Mum and I know have without its help. both individuals and organisations such as they would have been bursting with “I agree with Robin when he says that the Institute and the campaign group “I’m pride at that degree ceremony. Tom the Institute provides invaluable help a Photographer Not a Terrorist”. was instrumental in many of us joining – it certainly did for me.” He declared unequivocally: “There are no powers prohibiting the taking of photographs, film or digital images in a public place. Therefore members of the public and press should not be prevented A wise investment for our Bob from doing so. talwart CIoJ West Yorkshire member “Once an image has been recorded, the SRobert Benson, the former Agricultural police have no power to delete or confiscate Correspondent of the Yorkshire Post, is cottage, in the picturesque Dales’ village it without a court order.” pretty happy that Past-President Gerry of Addingham, was totally unsuited to his And he warned officers: “Unnecessarily Armes forcefully persuaded him to invest new needs and a search had begun for a restricting photography, whether for £50 for life membership of the Newspaper suitable bungalow. the casual tourist or the professional, is Press Fund – now known as The Journalists’ The Charity maintains a sheltered housing unacceptable and undermines public Charity. project, in Dorking, Surrey, and has made a confidence in the police service. Robert – Bob to his many Institute friends – two-bedroom bungalow available for the “We must acknowledge that citizen had a reputation for being “careful” with his couple who hope to move in the autumn. journalism is a feature of modern life and money and President Armes’ ‘persuasion’ Bob, who is making a slow recovery police officers are now photographed and at the Birmingham conference was a work through regular physiotherapy sessions, filmed more than ever.” of art for a man well-practiced in promoting said: “The Journalists’ Charity has provided CIoJ members should always reports such the charity and gaining it members. the ideal solution to my problems and I am incidents to the relevant force as soon as Bob forgot he was a member of the Charity jolly glad that Gerry Armes did persuade possible, quoting Mr Trotter’s letter, and but when he suffered a severe stroke last me to buy life membership all those years also inform Institute head office. April, former colleague and friend Robin ago when I never expected that one day I Go to http://photographernotaterrorist. Morgan remembered the incident and might need the support. org/bust-card/ for a “bust card” that can reminded Bob of its ability to help. Bob “I urge all journalists to become members... be printed out and carried to help resist and his partner, Jenny, contacted the you just never know when its help might unlawful demands by police officers. fund and asked if it could help him. Their come in handy.”

13 The Journal - Summer 2011 edition A new nation is born amid strife

By Stuart Notholt seek to align its coverage so closely with the On July 9, 2011, Juba, a dusty, nondescript perspectives of the Khartoum regime might town in southern Sudan became the capital itself be worthy of independent scrutiny. of the world’s newest nation – the Republic Actually, it is in the north that the main of South Sudan – as Africa’s largest country, news stories of the future may be found. Sudan, split in two. CIoJ Past President Stuart Al-Bashir has made no secret of his desire Notholt was there as an official guest of the to impose a dogmatic Arab/Islamist agenda South Sudanese government, representing the across the whole of northern Sudan. This NGO, Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust. places Sudan’s many ethnic minorities, especially those who are black Africans, in he new South Sudan was born amid joy an invidious position. Many of these peoples Tand exuberance as the people celebrated are Muslim, but Sudan’s recent history their hard-won liberty after decades of war demonstrates that even being nominal co- and violence at the hands of north Sudan. religionists of the extremists in Khartoum Even before the church bells rang out at will not spare them the full viciousness of midnight in this overwhelmingly Christian the regime’s racial, cultural and religious nation, the streets were overflowing with sectarianism. people dancing and honking car horns - President al-Bashir’s address to the and everyone seemed to own a brand new independence day rally in Juba set a South Sudanese flag. dismal tone in this regard. While half- Much of independence day itself was Celebrating - a new nation is born heartedly acknowledging South Sudanese taken up with commemorations at the independence, his principal theme was national stadium, where the representatives arrives. Media coverage ranged from very that Khartoum, having completed a of the international community queued up positive reportage by the Kenyans and a distasteful task, now believes its duties to to congratulate the new nation. Ban Ki- balanced feature from Al Jazeera, through the international community are at an end. moon confirmed South Sudan’s admission to the sour knocking copy of Khartoum Indeed, the balance of his speech consisted to the United Nations at the earliest and its allies. Sadly, the BBC coverage fell of listing the areas in which Sudan has opportunity, and South Sudan duly became firmly into the latter category. The BBC contributed to the peace process and other the UN’s 193rd state a few days later. For correspondent on the spot filed a report examples of self-congratulation. Some the UK, William Hague announced the at least two thirds of which was negative, of his observations defy the reality on immediate establishment of a full embassy highlighting the difficulties the new nation the ground. His claim that the contested in Juba, the first major government to will face. Incredibly, Sudanese-born Zeinab Abyei region between north and south do so, while Susan Rice, speaking for Badawi, reporting from Khartoum, thought would benefit “through the reduction of the United States, received a particularly it newsworthy to run a feature about various the number of forces in the region and the warm reception when she reminded the southern collaborators with the Khartoum heavy deployment of military and observers crowd that “your freedom was not a gift dictatorship who have lost their jobs now as was the case in the past” would, for you were given; it was a prize you won.” that that the South no longer has need of example, carry more weight if it were it not The Chinese promised that they would their dubious expertise. Ms Badawi’s star his troops that had illegally occupied the work closely with South Sudan on areas exhibit was the female quisling governor of region in June 2011. of mutual interest – primarily meaning oil one of the southern regions, an individual The fact is, Sudan has not discharged exploitation. Given China’s past partiality whose “personal friendship” with Sudanese its obligations under the now ended towards Khartoum this is potentially a President Omar al-Bashir has now been Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). highly significant development, signalling summarily rewarded with a P45. A case Khartoum’s invasion of Abyei presents that Beijing, pragmatic as ever, is willing to of he (or she) who sups with the devil the international community with a fait engage with South Sudan as a key African needing a long spoon? Her “friend” is, after accompli, while the mainly black African partner. all wanted on war crimes charges by the Blue Nile and South Kordofan regions Apart from the joyous South Sudanese International Criminal Court. have not had the consultations they were themselves, the most enthusiastic Journalists’ actions have consequences, promised under the peace settlements. The participants in the independence process otherwise there would be little point being bombing of civilian targets by the Sudanese were probably the Kenyans. Clearly, Kenya in the news business. The British are already Air Force and attempted ethnic cleansing sees the emergence of a new African nation regarded by many South Sudanese as overly by ground forces provide all the answer on its western border as an extremely sympathetic to Khartoum and the grudging needed to the question of Khartoum’s positive event. Kenya, together with coverage of the independence celebrations commitment to further dialogue in these Mauritius, has indicated its support for by the main British newsgathering regions, as does the “election”, in South fast-tracking South Sudanese membership organization will hardly dispel this Kordofan, of a governor, Ahmed Haroun, of the Commonwealth – giving South impression. who has past form – having been arraigned Sudan access to the world’s second largest This is not to say that journalists should be by the International Criminal Court for his international body, and one to which many blind to South Sudan’s problems. Thanks to activities in Darfur. of its neighbours are already members as years of northern oppression, South Sudan Sadly, all these areas will provide are key international players such as the has among the world’s highest child and ample scope for further investigation by UK, Canada, South Africa, and India. maternal mortality rates Nor should it be courageous journalists – provided they are The international media were also present, suggested that journalists should not be willing to venture beyond the comfort zone. despite Juba being neither very easy to get free to investigate any subject they feel is South Sudan finds itself born in interesting to nor particularly comfortable once one of relevance. Indeed, why the BBC should times.

14 The Journal - Summer 2011 edition freelance news Where do we go from here? Newspeak By Janice Shillum Bhend ournalism: the profession of conducting moving obituary or thought-provoking journalism Jor writing for public journals; writing of condemnation of a political system or fleeting interest or hasty character. informing our readers on the more frothy ometime with the fall of Communism So the Chambers Twentieth Century aspects of society. Whatever our specialty, Sin the early nineties, an evil Dictionary dismisses our profession — and we must be honest, accurate, fair, balanced, malevolence seeped out across Europe: profession it is and one of which to be just and true to our own sense of what is Orwell’s predictions of “Newspeak” proud. right while keeping the best interests of crept under the door of the high I wrote this a couple of years ago: management, advertisers and our target standards in journalism as newspapers “It’s more than time journalists became audience always in the forefront of our pursued relentless circulation wars. respected members of society again — we minds. It slipped in with the wind amongst deserve more and are worth far more than We are thorough researchers, never relying broadcasters trying to fill the voids being famously loathed just marginally less on the Internet for information but forming under the crushing pressure of 24 hours than estate agents.” our own unique database of contacts that news reporting. With the current explosion of almost can reliably update us on the business we Oh, so quietly it became fashionable unbelievable revelations of hacking, phone are reporting. We are ‘people people’, able to speak illiterate, even to gaining tapping and bribery at the NOW and no to charm a truthful account of a tragic knighthoods or becoming President. doubt more and possibly worse yet to come story from the most desperate of souls, Illiteracies have become so common regarding this and other newspapers our however difficult the circumstances and that you have think hard just to see what reputation has never sunk so low. as true professionals who understand that is wrong with ‘tested positive’ - heard What can be done to restore it? the show must go on, no matter what, we’ll almost every night on the news. A verb Should there be more regulation? never miss a deadline because we’ll always being qualified by an adjective was the A version of the General Medical Council, have Plan B as back up, not to mention plan hallmark of the American Hillbilly. perhaps, where journalists are ‘registered’ C, D... Mercifully, American journalists’ use and could be struck off for not following Journalists need many talents some of of grammar is invariably at the highest a code of practice laid down by industry which cannot be taught but are already standard. professionals? ingrained: integrity, an ability to work Indeed, the adverb should be considered effectively under severe pressure, self- an endangered species. ‘Doing good’ Warning reliance, determination and persistence, instead of ‘well’, or even ‘fine’. ‘Well discipline, curiosity plus a never empty well good’ instead of ‘very good’ seems to A journalism industry version of Ofsted of creativity where we can find inspiring have been promoted by EastEnders. that could swoop on unsuspecting news and innovative ways of making old ideas Worse, ‘The Play What I Wrote’ has desks at any time, without warning? new again. become Standard English in some Should training be mandatory, as it is for We are not afraid of hard work, long quarters instead of the joke it was most professionals — teaching, the law, hours and low pay realising that a job originally. My German friends inform medicine etc? as fascinating, absorbing and important me that English is a very precise What should replace the PCC, if indeed as journalism is its own reward. Oh and language with quite logical, if difficult, the PCC should be replaced? being a good writer helps too though (and rules of grammar. How far can regulation go before that vital this may be contentious) it is not exactly So one must wonder why UK journalists freedom of the British Press is irrevocably essential so long as communication is clear, and those paid to use writing skills seem threatened? simple, impossible to misinterpret and to go out of their way to wreck them so Journalists hold a responsible place in written on a level that is suitable for the needlessly. society: they can make or break ‘celebrities’ intended audience. When your Boss says, “Well done” and politicians, bring about social change Instant experts on whatever we are writing (adverb/ verb) or “Good work” through campaigning, expose wrongdoing about today and with an instinctive and (adjective/ noun) you feel pleased and and injustice. But when they themselves intellectual understanding of how much appreciated. Were they to say, “Good cross over to the other side of the law the or how little our readers will want to hear done” (adjective/ verb) it would leave world turns upside down. Whether through about that subject, we have empathy with you confused, irritated and their pressure from publishers or determination and respect for those readers, listeners or authority would evaporate. to get the story, whatever the cost, bribery viewers who must never be condescended As does ours every time we write or and corruption are always indefensible and to or mislead. speak so poorly. inexcusable. Above all we must have passion for our A journalist is a multi-talented, many subject, for our publication or programme, faceted, well-honed news-seeking missile for our audience — if you don’t yearn to aimed at making the public aware of crime, make the world a better place you should Don’t forget anti social behaviour by the great and the never have become a journalist. good and impending threats to humanity Society needs a healthy press; our You will find many of the CIoJ’s just as effectively as acquainting readers profession is worth fighting for and our forms, leaflets and guides with the latest looks in fashion. But he or reputation worth saving. Together, perhaps available as downloads on the she must also have built-in, self-imposed we at the CIoJ can make that happen? moral limitations. Please send any suggestions as to how members’ area of the Institute’s Of necessity we are chameleons, capable this can be achieved to the Freelance www.cioj.co.ukwebsite, www.cioj.org/members. of being all things to all people, writing a Newsletter.

15 The Journal - Summer 2011 edition obituaries A fond farewell to our former Director ill Tadd was a larger-than-life character Mr Kemp said: “Bill was a thoughtless man and he went out in a similar way at St in many ways, he expected life and others to BMarylebone Crematorium at Finchley. revolve around him. And the absurd thing After tributes, music and poems from family is we all accepted that. In a way we found it and friends, John Kemp, a colleague of Bill’s rather endearing. And the good things about from the days when they both worked and him certainly made up for the irritations. played on the Daily Telegraph, delivered the “Bill Tadd had many passions in his life. eulogy. There was music, opera, Arsenal football He said: “Where on earth do I begin to club, military history. And he pursued his sum up the life of this extraordinary man passions with vigour. It was not enough Bill Tadd? to just read military history. He then had “Do I start with the high flying journalist, to visit the battlefields. He very nearly the man who landed one of the top jobs in persuaded me to join him in buying a horse. Fleet Street? Or with the greyhound owning, We thought about it for a long time and horse loving, solo loving, bowls loving, ended up buying a greyhound or three. He party loving host for whom enjoyment was had a knack for leading his friends astray. compulsory? Or with the inconsiderate, “You would not call Bill a sporty chap. chain smoking, chauvinist pig who seemed Once or twice he joined me and Ray in a to think the world and everyone in it was game of golf. I still treasure the memory of there for his benefit? “ him swinging his club (or bat as he insisted He then went on to recap on Bill’s life story. on calling it) missing his ball and falling flat The life-long interest in horse racing was a on his back. major part. He went on to describe how Bill “Of course you can’t talk for long about made it to the big time on the news desk at Bill Tadd: larger than life Bill Tadd without also mentioning that he the Daily Telegraph when claimed the News was a bit of a smoker. Well, a lot of a smoker. Editor’s chair in 1972. In fact smoking rather defined his life. It was “Most journalists are happy to describe the first thing he did in the morning and the themselves as hacks. Bill was too but he was “We’ve always wanted to visit that hotel,” last thing he did at night. always more than that it seemed to me. He they said. “We’ll come with you” had an intellect which seemed to surmount “And so began a saga and a friendship Smoker the tag. which has lasted nearly 40 years. “I reckon he smoked at least 40 fags a day The holiday turned out to be a riot. I from his teenage years to his death. That Arguments blush with embarrassment to think of means he must have smoked something “I loved arguments with him and had the quantities of sangria we sank that approaching a million fags. Put them end to plenty of them. But hated them too because fortnight, at the late hours we kept in the end and they would stretch from Cambridge while I might become passionate and noisy beach side nightclub run by Jimmy Rena of to Barnet. If there was an Olympic class for it in pursuit of my point of view, he hardly the Nightclub De France, of the midnight Bill would have earned gold. ever raised his voice. He just marshalled his skinny dipping in the Mediterranean which “He was also a scruffy smoker. You thoughts and relied on cold logic. He was a followed a particularly late session. But it knew exactly where Bill had been. You just hard man to beat. has to be said we were all rather led on by followed the trail of fag ash. “I have to confess I did not seek Bill out as Pat who certainly stripped off first. “Throughout his life he loved intellectual a friend. He was my boss, for goodness sake. pursuits including cross words, sudokus He was the man who exercised power over Party lover and other puzzles. the newsroom. He enjoyed a reputation. I Out of the office it turned out Bill was “When I visited him at home in later years wasn’t sure I was in the same league. indeed a party lover. And we had lots of them it was usually to find him hunched over the “But in Bill’s company one day I mentioned over the years. Dinner parties, the so-called table in his conservatory a cup of tea beside that I was thinking of taking my family Palafrugel weekends where we revived our him, a fag in one hand, a pencil in the other on holiday to Spain. He said he knew a holiday friendship (and its hangovers) over and with a puzzle of some kind in front of lovely unspoilt little village called Callela and over and over again.” him. It kept his mind sharp even as his body de Palafrugell on the Costa Brava which he John went on briefly to describe how Bill failed. was sure I would love. Stupidly I booked was a dedicated member of the Institute “Bill Tadd was one of those people you it. What he did not tell me was that he was of Journalists. He was Father of the IoJ’s really can describe as a character. He was planning to be in the same village at the same Chapel at the Telegraph but in the end it was not someone you could ignore. time. And when I arrived at my hotel I was his undoing. He thought he could continue “He was a rainbow man among the grey. horrified to find a note at reception inviting when he became News Editor; management “It was a privilege to have known him, to me to join him and Hilary in his hotel later thought otherwise. Bill thought otherwise, work with him as a colleague, to share his that evening. It seemed my holiday was stuck to his guns and after a long dispute cigarette smoke, his passions, his port, his ruined already. was sacked. parties, his family and his friendship. “ “Even worse luck while I was drowning The subsequent judicial battle saw a The congregation left the building to the my sorrows in the bar I bumped into a vindication of sorts for Bill but no return sound of a recording of Bill and his cousin rather pushy salesman by the name of Ray to the Telegraph. Bill became freelance Stan accompanying each other on guitars to Cousins and his wife Patricia who were also and became much more involved with the “Are you from Dixie?” in our hotel and I told them of my dilemma. Institute. It was a memorable send off.

16 The Journal - Summer 2011 edition obituaries Death of a Sean Hoare – a tribute By Charlie Harris he death of Sean Hoare, legend who is being dubbed Tthe “News of the World nstitute member Gilbert Johnson, a whistleblower”, is not only Ilegend in the North of England and a tragedy for his family and The Sun’s man in Yorkshire for many friends, but for journalism. years, died on July 29 at the age of 81. Sean was a natural reporter, a Gilbert started his career on the South man with an unerring nose for a Yorkshire Times before going to work, in story who loved sniffing one out, 1955, on the Hull Daily Mail. Within two and a journalistic character of the years he was working for the nationals, old school, despite his relative covering the Yorkshire area for the Daily youth. Herald, then the Daily Sketch and the I first met Sean in the late 1980s Daily Express . He then joined the Sun in when he was a trainee reporter Sean Hoare, left, with vice-president Charlie Harris, seated right, pre-Murdoch days and also did work for with the Watford Observer in in the early days on the Watford Free Observer in 1989. Also in the the News of the World. Hertfordshire, just north of picture are WFO editor Alan Bird and reporter Odette Schuster He was a character and few Northern London, and I was district editor journalists could fail to come up with of the Observer’s sister paper, the an anecdote about Gilbert – though few Borehamwood Times. transferring to the Sun, a paper big enough would be publishable! In April 1989 we both transferred to the to hold and make full use of his huge In an obit in Press Gazette, his daughter, Watford Free Observer, I as deputy editor character and talents. Susan, said: “On returning from National and Sean as a reporter, and for about I lost touch with him, hearing news of Service with the Royal Army Ordnance four years I sat opposite him, my view his exploits only from mutual friends and Corps in Kenya it was expected he would obscured by a constant fug of smoke and a colleagues. resume his studies for the priesthood. the pile of cigarette ends overspilling from After a while he dropped out of sight But he told the priest he had decided a giant ashtray that sat between us on the completely until one day in Dublin in mortal sin was much better, so he became newsdesk. September 2010 I settled down in a bar with a newspaperman!” Sean was instantly likeable, a welcome a pint of Guinness and the only English His career on The Sun was interrupted splash of colour in a local newspaper world newspaper I could find in the nearby when he decided to quit the nationals’ in which young journalists were even then newsagent’s – the Guardian. rat-race and return to local journalism – beginning to lose a lot of the eccentricity There, tucked away at the bottom of an as news editor of the Doncaster Evening that made newsrooms such agreeable inside page, was a piece about the interview Post. He joined on a Monday, quickly places in which to work. Always smartly with the New York Times in which he had found that he and the editor did not see dressed, with Brylcreemed hair that gave claimed that Andy Coulson, under whose eye-to-eye and by the Friday was bitterly him an appearance of having arrived from editorship at the News of the World Sean regretting his change of career. Gilbert a slightly earlier age, he never wore socks. had worked as showbiz correspondent until went off to the pub to drown his sorrows, In terms of traditional office rules he was being sacked, had commissioned unethical popped into a bookmaker’s shop to place not the most reliable of men. He was not and illegal practices. an ‘impossible’ bet – saw it come up a good timekeeper and would regularly I texted another former Free Observer and, flushed with winnings, returned vanish from the building for long periods, colleague in London to tell her to get hold to the office to tell the unpopular editor rarely telling me or our editor where he was of the Guardian and later spoke to a few what he could do with the job....and was going. “I’m just going for a mooch around people on the phone about Sean’s amazing back working for The Sun the following town,” he would declare, as he left in a claims. week! cloud of smoke. We never knew quite when None of us could have guessed what When a major story broke in the we’d see him again. those claims would lead to - the closure North, once the cry went up “Here’s But in one way he was 100 per cent reliable: of the Sunday paper he had once worked Gilbert” the story took on a new, usually he’d always come back with a notebook full for, the arrests of a series of very senior hilarious, dimension as his personality of good, often offbeat, stories. His natural journalists, the resignation of the UK’s most and popularity became dominant. charm made it easy for him to make and senior policeman and one of his colleagues, Among the many ‘majors’ he covered maintain contacts from all walks of life. emergency debates in Parliament, and were the John Poulson scandal, the Cod Back in the office, he’d get a mug of coffee, both the Murdoch media empire and the Wars and mining disasters. He was at the light up another cigarette, and knock out British Government being rocked to their heart of the newspaper coverage into the his copy at great speed - before heading off foundations. crimes of Peter Sutcliffe, and was one of to find more stories, News of Sean’s death came amid an the first to coin the “Yorkshire Ripper” We all knew that local newspapers would amazing few days for Britain and is being identity. not hold Sean for long. He was always reported as part of an international scandal. He is survived by his wife Shirley, their meant for bigger things and he never made But it is also a personal tragedy for Sean’s son Chris, daughters Kate, Susan and a secret of the fact that despite loving the family and friends and for all of us who Vicki and grandchildren Amy, Hayley, work he was doing his heart was set on shared part of our lives with him, however Matthew and Max. joinging a national tabloid, which was his briefly. Robin Morgan natural habitat. The lives of those to whom he was closest, He eventually achieved that ambition, and English journalism, will be a lot duller.

17 The Journal - Summer 2011 edition bookshelf

Peace Journalism. War is quite disturbing - indifference, bias, herd more recently as the BBC’s World Affairs behaviour and plain misinformation all Editor, Simpson has won three BAFTAs and Conflict Resolution surface in the section devoted to an analysis and, in both his reports and his books, has EDITED BY RICHARD LANCE KEEBLE, of mainstream journalism. revealed much that we would otherwise not JOHN TULLOCH AND FLORIAN Peace journalism is seen as giving know about the Afghanistan and Kosovo ZOLLMANN the media a role in promoting conflict conflicts. (Peter Lang, New York 2010) resolution rather than war and violence. Young journalists will find Unreliable To the extent that editors and reporters Sources a reliable point from which to begin any of us will remember Scoop, Evelyn are able to make choices about what to an historical journey on the precedents that MW a u g h ’ s report and how to report it, there is clearly have led to present disputes. As they do so, disrespectful romp an opening for them to involve society at they will gain an overview on the subject through the excesses large in considering whether conflict can both of journalists and of journalism. The of journalism in a be resolved in a non-violent way. At a time book will certainly go far to dislodge conflict situation. when our still very large expenditure on conditioning and assumptions passed For instance Corker the armed forces is facing cut-back, this is on by those who are stuck in their ways. of Universal News a book that is recommended reading for all Simpson quotes extensively and generously and his unstinted those concerned with the media coverage of from newspaper and broadcasting reports admiration of war, whether in the front-line reporting of throughout the book. the ace American conflict or in analysis and comment. There appear to be weak points around journalist, Wenlock Roger Bush the world that spark calamity and woe in a Jakes: “Why, once cyclical way for humankind. Simpson notes Jakes went out to that Britain was more often mentioned “not cover a revolution The Greater Bad as a participant, but as a concerned and in one of the Balkan capitals. He overslept in ALAN CORK anxious onlooker” in the days leading up to his carriage, woke up at the wrong station, Amazon Kindle, £5.74 the outbreak of World War I. It was much didn’t know any different, got out, went www.thegreaterbad.com the same at the outset of World War II, of straight to an hotel, and cabled off a 1000- course. word story about barricades in the streets, hen copywriter Martin Lock loses Just as importantly, he reveals what flaming churches, machine-guns answering Whis job following an acquisition was really going on by dint of comparing the rattle of his typewriter as he wrote, a by the murky merger corporate, QPL, an journalist reports across a broad front. dead child, like a broken doll, spreadeagled unexpected and terrifying train of events This way, he throws new light on many of in the deserted roadway…. “ Such was his ensues. Why has his closest friend been the crucial battles and crisis points of the reputation that the story was splashed in killed? Who is Mr. Stone – who are the Life last hundred years. Amongst other things, national newspapers. Other media rushed Stealers, and what is the meaning of the Simpson tackles the problems journalists to catch up in such numbers that they codeword, Athena? And more, importantly, face when they wish to report accurately precipitated a crisis in an otherwise peaceful how can our hero keep alive in a world that and honestly, but are under pressure to toe country that brought about “an honest-to- has suddenly turned upside-down, a world the party line. God revolution, just as Jakes had said”. in which he is now a hunted animal? Institute For instance, Simpson cites the decline Yes, but Scoop was written in the 1930s. member, Alan Cork, has hit the world of of The Times as 1908. From this point, it Surely Lord Copper and his “That is The thriller-writing at full speed in his keypad- was “owned by Alfred Harmsworth, now Beast policy for the war” is a thing of the tingling new e-novel – a sort of journalists’ ennobled as Lord Northcliffe: the man past? Read this book and you won’t feel North by Northwest, or perhaps a modern who had single-handedly invented yellow quite so sure. version of The Thirty-Nine Steps. journalism in Britain, and had made the I have to admit that though, nearly sixty Twists and turns through the streets Daily Mail and the Daily Mirror the loudest years ago, I was a conscientious objector to of London lead Martin Lock to the dark and most aggressive newspapers in Fleet National Service with the armed forces, I had heart of a cult formed in Victorian times Street.” not come across ’peace journalism’. I was – a movement that seeks, not the greater He speaks of journalists being hamstrung quite unaware of the body of work collected good, but its exact opposite. The murder- as much in World War II as they had been together in this book. And so I still would conspiracy genre has found a new exponent in previous conflicts. “The rule that there be, had I not attended a one-day conference in the form of CIoJ member, Alan Cork, an should be no specific reporting of the V-2s in Oxford and met one of its editors, who author who makes you jittery just at the was even more unpopular with the press come from the Department of Journalism at thought of the new management team that than the V-1 ban had been. According to Rear Lincoln University. is about to take over your company... Admiral Thomson, it was even unpopular In covering wars, large or small, journalists Stuart Millson with the censors themselves. Often the are subject to a number of constraints, even stories were so heavily edited that editors if they are not actually ’embedded’ with the felt there was no point in printing them.” forces of one or other of the parties to the Unreliable Sources He continues: “The worst thing about conflict. In such circumstances it is far from JOHN SIMPSON censorship is that if newspapers and radio easy to avoid promoting the version of events cease to tell (people) what they know is true, favoured by the military or government published by MacMillan, 2010 people lose their belief in anything they are interests. To go too independent may result ISBN 978-1-4050-5005-0 £9.99 HB told officially, and rumours, no matter how in denial of access or even expulsion from In his most recent book, John Simpson wild, take over.” the country or countries concerned. Hardly describes some of the crucial wrong turns we He is objective when discussing Margaret surprising then that some of the contributions have made over the last century. Usefully, Thatcher’s role in office, and shows that she to this book amount a critique of present- he also shows how we reported them at was very capable. Nonetheless, Simpson day media performance. Some of the detail the time. As a foreign correspondent, and also notes that she “had no real idea of the

18 The Journal - Summer 2011 edition bookshelf true nature of the Murdoch effect... all she Rachel Johnson is a highly-entertaining political situation in the Middle East with knew of the newspapers came from the brief writer, and her account of how she gained which we are still having to contend. press reviews Bernard Ingham prepared for this most distinguished of editorial The story concerns a student, James her. By allowing this to happen, she tacitly appointments will amuse countless readers, Harding, who falls in love with Shahnaz, encouraged the “culture of soft porn, hard especially those who enjoy the cut-and- the beautiful daughter of a well-to-do, politics and celebrity gossip”. thrust of London journalistic life – a world westernised Iranian family. Their romantic Then we roll forward a few chapters of celebrities, sardonic asides at parties, and entanglement begins during student days to Blair, who “did the kissing” when the occasional i-Nap. Yet it is a pity that the in England, but it is a romance that ends “Murdoch presented his cheek to be kissed. author approached The Lady as something (at least, in part) when Shahnaz dutifully There are some surprising revelations of a moderniser, expressing her frustration returns to Iran, and marries Raman Zaberani about Alistair Campbell, whom Simpson at how hopelessly old-fashioned it all was – a ruthless young officer who is destined describes as a “complex figure, personally – “doilies, flag-waving patriotism, jam still to become head of the Shah’s deadly secret honest, remarkably bold, and surprisingly for tea”. But why is this bad? Why change a police, Savak. The years go by, and Harding thoughtful.” winning formula? finds himself living and working in Iran In the next sentence, he adds that Campbell There are moments in the story when the – part of the large British and American “was a thoroughgoing bully, like several readers begin to stir at all this change, such community of expats and contract workers of his predecessors in the job of prime as the time when a “spew” of angry letters in the Middle East. But as the gin and tonics minister’s spokesman, yet anyone who arrives – the discontented correspondents are poured at the British and American stood up to him found it was worth doing; complaining about the decision by the clubs, tremors are beginning to be felt the flow of invective always seemed to fade now forward-looking magazine to place an across the country: the edifice of the Shah’s away.” It is likely this remark is based on advertisement which featured a pregnant Iran is crumbling, as dissidents and Islamic personal experience. nun. The ad’s slogan, something about an fundamentalists begin to draw the country Vivienne duBourdieu immaculate conception, did not go down back centuries in time. well in Wiltshire! You see, not everyone Caught up in the tidal wave of protest appreciates London sophistry. and civil strife that suddenly engulfs this The Diary of a Lady I certainly enjoyed reading about life on ethnically-complex nation, James meets, the magazine, and about all the famous once again, the love of his life – Shahnaz, BY RACHEL JOHNSON. people who visit or come into contact with who must – because of her marriage to Penguin Paperback 460pp £8.99 The Lady. I also enjoyed Miss Johnson’s Raman, the Shah’s most loyal servant ISBN 978-1905490677 descriptions of meetings and luncheons – desperately find a way out of the fast- must confess I was – particularly when you know that you will collapsing country. And so James begins Istumped by this latest never be able to eat in Marco Pierre White’s the most dangerous journey he has ever offering from Penguin. restaurant unless someone like Rachel undertaken, an exhausting escape to the How is it really possible Johnson takes you! And after this review, I Turkish border with Shahnaz and her two to review a book about don’t think that that will ever happen. bewildered young sons. people who live in Stuart Millson As a plot for a novel, the subject-matter is Notting Hill, who visit as compelling as anything one could read other people who live in by Le Carre or Forsyth – yet what injects the Holland Park, who write chapters with such lifeblood and realism is for the FT, or know Dave the fact that the author experienced the very or Boris, and then go on to edit The Lady (the My Persian Girl terror which crackles and explodes across oldest women’s weekly in the world) when the pages: the menace of the large protest JONATHAN RUSH you live miles away from such an ambience? march which is fired upon by terrified In order to acquire at least a slight measure Raider Publishing International soldiers; the thud and crackle of gunfire of understanding and empathy, I decided to Paperback, 192pp £9.99. across the once-peaceful city; the strange visit Notting Hill, join the cafe society for a ISBN 1-935383-24-8 sight of Iranian women, who once wore late morning observation, and at least (over western clothes and visited western shops, strangely-named coffees with froth) rub onathan Rush, a member of the Chartered now dressed in the black robes of ancient shoulders, or elbows, with people whose JInstitute of Journalists and a British-based Islam – their hysterical shouting for Allah names might be Ivo, Clemmie, Marco, writer and PR specialist, spent many of his and Khomeini, a testament to the horrifying Stefano or Rosie etc. Quite a world away formative years in Germany, Cyprus and psychological change which has swept the from Wetherspoons in Maidstone, where Australia, and the early part of his career minds of an entire people. the house mag is Ad Scene or The Big Issue, in Iran. Sensitive to local cultures, cultural My Persian Girl is the story of ordinary lives and people are called “Oi Mate”. nuances, religious and political movements caught up in extraordinary circumstances. I felt like Tony Hancock in that wonderful as befits a well-seasoned traveller, Jonathan Its descriptions of the country, the dialogue film The Rebel, sitting in a forlorn state, Rush has arrived on the literary scene with of the characters (including that of the Shah, unable to comprehend that the world has an exciting, absorbing, well-sustained and dignified but defeated, as he meets his moved on from a cup of tea, or an ordinary tense novel about Iran in its last days under faltering inner circle), the febrile atmosphere cup of coffee with no froth. Cappucino? I the Shah. of a country on the brink of momentous laughed to myself: it sounded like the name Autobiographical and authentic, My change, and – interestingly – some of the of a species of monkey. However, I do feel Persian Girl can be viewed as a contemporary, longueurs of expat life, are brilliantly caught some affection, and even a tenuous sense or even living historical novel, as its story by Jonathan Rush, an author whose work of connection to The Lady: their old Editor inhabits a world which most readers will deserves the highest praise, and a man who Arlene Usden printed an article of mine way remember from anxious late-1970s’ BBC simply must put pen to paper again, to give back in 1994, all about English music. Jolly news bulletins – the upheaval in Tehran, the us another superb and enjoyable novel! good for her. siege of the Iranian embassy (1980) – and a Stuart Millson

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