Magazine of the Chartered Institute of Journalists Spring 2013 TheJServingournal professional journalism since 1912 A long fight ahead By Charlie Harris President
istory repeats itself, first as “What’s the point tragedy, second as farce”. of joining a union “HIt’s not often that you’ll that is on the side find Karl Marx quoted in The Journal, but of the ultimate occasionally he told the truth. For history is bosses - the repeating itself, and the outcome could be government?” a tragic – for journalists, those who value Some are joining free speech, and for the very democracy the CIoJ, attracted on which our country has for centuries by our principled prided itself. stand against state Having taken over as President of the involvement in Chartered Institute of Journalists a few the ethics of our weeks ago, I find myself involved in a profession. Such campaign with chilling echoes from my involvement by early days as a journalist. When I became the state is totally a local newspaper reporter 40 years ago, I u n n e c e s s a r y . found myself caught up in a bitter battle to The alleged Refuseniks: leading the editorial opposition to state regulation prevent a Labour government controlling malpractices which the press by enforcing a statutory closed led to the Leveson inquiry and the arrest of democracy of beefed-up press regulation. shop on our profession, essentially creating dozens of journalists are criminal offences, In a free society, a press under state control a licensing system. not ethical misdemeanours. is a far greater danger than a press out of As a 19-year-old junior on a small paper The problem is not a failure of the control. As Sir Winston Churchill said: “A in north London the part I played was regulatory system but the failure of the free press is the unsleeping guardian of tiny. I resigned from the NUJ and joined police to enforce the law. But supporters every other right that free men prize; it is the Institute. But there were many like me, of statutorily-backed ethical regulation, the most dangerous foe of tyranny. Where we had allies in the corridors of power – many of them the alleged victims of crimes free institutions are indigenous to the soil and we won. Four decades later, the exact committed by journalists, have hijacked and men have the habit of liberty, the cause of the fight we face may be different, the issue to seek revenge on the whole press will continue to be the Fourth Estate, but the issues are startlingly similar, and press for the sins of a few journalists on a the vigilant guardian of the rights of the many of the foes are familiar. handful of national newspapers. They are ordinary citizen.” using a blunderbuss instead of a sniper’s Kirsty Hughes, chief executive of Index Statutory underpinning rifle. on Censorship, a long established and The NUJ, long ago having given up the What they are proposing will seriously highly respected defender of free speech vain hope of forcing all journalists to join wound totally innocent journalists and a free press, said that involvement its ranks or face being unable to practise and sections of the press, such as local of politicians in the formation of the their trade, is now throwing its weight newspapers which were cleared by proposed Royal Charter undermined the behind moves to introduce an element of Leveson of any wrongdoing. Hacked Off fundamental principle that the press holds ‘statutory underpinning’ to the regulation and its allies in the political parties know politicians to account. “It is a bleak moment of journalistic ethics. It is standing this, but they don’t care. for the UK’s international reputation as a shoulder-to-shoulder with the Labour The ‘light-touch’ – but massively country where press freedom is cherished Party and the Liberal Democrats. expensive – statutory underpinning, as a fundamental principle and right,” she All three are in thrall to a small, self- which at the time of writing seems certain said. She is right. appointed, secretive and unaccountable to be imposed on us, would allow much pressure group, Hacked Off. tougher controls to be imposed by a future Continued on page And in another echo of the early 1970s, government with even NUJ members are leaving in protest. less respect for free One tweeted: “Just quit the NUJ after 39 speech and democracy. See centre pages for more years - appalled at its collaboration with MPs must consider the state control”, with a follow-up message: long-term effects on our articles on regulation Andy Smith Editor’s Comment Editor he British tradition of press freedom the press”. began over 300 years ago when Meanwhile, some journalists have TWilliam of Orange landed at breathed an audible sigh of relief that Brixham in Devon and proclaimed that the terms of the Royal Charter are not as he had come to overthrow tyranny and bad as they feared. The National Union bring civil and religious liberty to England. of Journalists and the Independent The Glorious Revolution of 1688-9 gave newspaper, among others, have welcomed Great Britain a balanced constitution and the new rules as, in effect, the least worst a free parliament, paving the way for the option. It is not surprising. The experience parliamentary democracy that we know of the Leveson inquiry had softened them today. Political freedom was followed by up to the idea of a regulated press. They press freedom when in 1694 William ended believe that British journalism can survive centuries of State censorship by doing the imposition of state regulation. Maybe it away with the system by which all journals can – but the real danger is not the Royal Production Editor: Dominic Cooper and publications had to be licensed by the Charter itself, or the new regulatory body authorities. Ever since then, democracy and that is being set up to police it, but where press freedom have gone hand in hand. this will all lead. So it is ironic that now, in 2013, it is The Royal Charter, the first peacetime In this issue: Parliament that poses the greatest direct regulation of the press in over three threat to the freedom of the press – and this centuries, is just the beginning of a long, Greek journalists targeted p4 apparently in response to demands from long road. Once the principle is established the general public (in reality the agitation that the state should exercise a degree of New MOD media director p5 of pressure-groups) for ‘protection’ from an control over the press, the extent of that over mighty press. Determined to hold the control will grow, inch by inch, year on Press freedom v regulation pp6-7 entire journalistic profession responsible year, until eventually journalistic freedom Crossing the floor p8 for the sins of a few phone-hackers, party has been extinguished in this country leaders from both sides of the House of altogether. Turning back the clock p9 Commons have agreed a new regulatory In the 21st century it is only in totalitarian regime for the British press. regimes, Islamic theocracies and Third Google deal p10 But who would be ‘protected’ by this new World banana republics that the State Obituary - Pat Latham p11 regime? The new regulatory system has not controls the press. We are a long way from been designed to serve the interests of the that, but – make no mistake – with this Presidential Handover p12 British nation but that of a tiny but vocal Royal Charter and the creation of a press minority. As Simon Jenkins wrote recently, regulator we are taking our first steps in “Press regulation is a victory for the rich, that direction. the celebrated and the powerful.” It is these Andy Smith people whose cause has been championed so effectively, and dishonestly, by the so- “Press freedom is the one that called Hacked-Off campaign – who feel so guarantees all the rest. Without it, threatened by a free press, and who have the corrupt, the criminal and the correctly calculated that enough politicians compromised can get clean away could be persuaded to side with them with wrongdoing — and thus in creating an unstoppable momentum for state control. So, here we are, after uninvigilated, the institutions of a The views contained in The Journal are those of the lengthy and monstrous show-trial of free society would turn rotten and the Editor and contributors and do not necessarily journalism at the Leveson Inquiry, with a disintegrate. Yet this crucial freedom reflect the views or policy of the Chartered Institute broad cross-party Parliamentary consensus is about to be thrown away.” of Journalists. All rights reserved. © CIoJ 2013 supporting what Nigel Farage has called, – Melanie Phillips, Daily Mail correctly, “a charter for the suppression of TheJournal CIoJ Council ISSN 1361-7656 Seven members put their names forward to serve on the Council for the term. News or views intended for publication The rules allow for six members to be elected but also have the option for should be sent to: two more to be co-opted. With that in mind the President took the view that there was no need for expense of a ballot. Accordingly, then, the following The Chartered Institute of Journalists 2 Dock Offices, Surrey Quays Road, have been elected to serve on the Council of the Chartered Institute of London SE16 2XU Journalists for a two-year term, 2013-15: E-mail: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)20 7252 1187 Andy Smith Fax: +44 (0)20 7232 2302 Mark Croucher www.cioj.co.uk Janice ShillumBhend Vivienne Du-Bourdieu The Ex Officio members of Council in 2013-15 will be: Keith Lockwood Printed by Cool grey display & print Ltd Charlie Harris, President Karen Birch Tel: +44 (0) 1444 474646 Paul Leighton, Vice-President Ken Brookes Norman Bartlett, Immediate Past President Amanda Brodie, Chairman, Professional Practices Board The Journal - Spring 2013 edition New MOD rules on journalist safety in war zones he Ministry of Defence has given in war and of the freedom of movement of meet some of the concerns of INSI and the official recognition to the issue of journalists in the battle space was key for NSG, which comprises the BBC, ITN, Sky Tjournalist safety in war zones. us. I believe this is the first time a major News, Reuters, APTN and the US networks This follows an initiative led by the military power has inscribed in its bible CNN, NBC, ABC and CBS. The Guardian International News Safety Institute (INSI) of media-military operations important newspaper, a member of INSI’s Advisory and supported by major news organisations procedures to help make war coverage safer Board, also joined the initiative. concerned over the mounting death toll of for journalists. The Green Book safety chapter also news media staff on the modern battlefield. “The MOD is to be congratulated contains caveats for independent war For the first time, the MOD Green Book, – especially on its pledge that journalists correspondents. which sets out working arrangements with will never be targeted by the British armed It says the recognition that reporters are the media, contains a chapter on journalist forces. We would like to see other militaries free to report in the battle area does not safety. follow this lead.” imply any specific obligation by UK forces Critically, the Ministry has recognised the to protect individuals or installations right of correspondents to move freely in Death toll beyond their obligations to civilians as set the battle space in present and future wars. In the conventional opening phase of the out in the Geneva Conventions. “The MOD recognises that correspondents Iraq war, between March and October 2003, It stresses that reporters who gain access are free to look for information in the area the news media suffered proportionately to operational areas on their own initiative of operations and to communicate it back the second biggest death toll, after the Iraqi do so at their own risk. to the public,” states the book, written for army, according to statistics compiled at the And although UK forces will not target the guidance of military personnel and the time by the private Australia-based Global journalists, media representatives need news media. Risk Awareness & Safety Programs. to recognise that war creates extremely “The MOD recognises and understands Twenty dead amounted to one per cent of hazardous environments and mistakes the concerns of correspondents working the news media numbers then in the area, “resulting from misidentification, weapon in operational areas and other hostile compared with 1.4 per cent for the Iraqi systems failure or mal-location” may environments regarding their own safety military, 0.4 per cent for Allied ground result. and protection.” forces and 0.03 per cent for Iraqi civilians. It also pledges that “UK forces on Most of the media dead were ‘unilaterals’ Basic training operations will never deliberately target working independently outside the The MOD urges that journalists should be either individual correspondents or civil coalition’s official procedures for thoroughly trained in preparation for war media facilities.” ‘embedded’ journalists. coverage. “Too often, correspondents’ lives INSI, of which the Chartered Institute of The INSI-MOD talks began with the are placed in danger through their own lack Journalists is a co-founder, began talks two question of why the military should do of understanding or knowledge,” the book years ago with the MOD and submitted a more for journalists than embed them. says. list of suggestions aimed at improving news While embedded news teams are protected Hundreds of correspondents from around media safety in war. by the troops around them, it was clear the the world turned up to cover the Iraq war Previous editions of the MOD’s Green exposure of non-embeds and freelancers without the most basic training on what to Book hitherto have made no specific had to be brought to the military’s attention expect or how best to survive. provision for the safety of journalists. and openly addressed for this and future “Far too often, journalists are the only conflicts. untrained professionals on the battlefield, Recognition The MOD accepted that there will be lacking essential survival skills and proper “We did not get everything we wanted,” independent journalists in the battle space safety equipment,” Rodney Pinder said. said INSI Director Rodney Pinder, “but basic seeking to balance the reporting of the “War reporting will never be safe but we recognition of the issue of journalist safety embedded journalists and then moved to can -- and must -- make it safer.”
TRAINING The date: Tuesday 21st May Brand you...What does your The time: online profile say about you 10.30am-4.30pm The Venue: This training day will be a unique opportunity for members to attend CIoJ Headquarters, 2 Dock a professional development seminar run by Skribe London, a new, Offices, Surrey Quays road, young training collective aiming to help journalists broaden their field London SE16 2XU of operations and use new technology to re-brand their portfolio for a Tel: 020 7252 1187 multi-platform, digital publishing world. The Cost: Contact head office for more details: 020 7252 1187 , Just £50 per CIoJ member [email protected] (light lunch included).
The Journal - Spring 2013 edition
Continued from page 1 Greek journalists targeted Watchdog Phenyo Butale of the South African Freedom of Expression Institute said: by anarchist groups “African governments have shown they are uncomfortable with free press acting he Greek police are looking for the Petros Karsiotis, a crime reporter, and as a watchdog, holding them to account. Tanarchist group responsible for Christos Konstas, a former journalist who is A move to statutory regulation in the detonating makeshift bombs at the homes now a Government spokesman, were also UK would really be a gift for them.” of five journalists in Athens – the latest in a targeted. No injuries were reported. The New York Times warned the move series of actions taken against reporters in would “chill free speech” in the UK. Greece. Scapegoats “The kind of press regulations proposed An anarchist group calling itself Lovers “These attacks are the most visible by British politicians would do more of Lawlessness claimed responsibility for expression of an increasingly dangerous harm than good because an unfettered the latest attacks. It said the journalists had climate for all journalists, who are being press is essential to democracy,” it said. been targeted for supporting the Greek turned into the scapegoats of a crisis they Even the Labour-supporting New government’s austerity programme. are just analyzing,” Reporters Without Statesman weighed in to condemn what The news media are the “main managers of Borders said. was happening, saying it was “regulation the oppressing state designs, manipulating Activism by far-left groups appears to designed to suit politicians”. society accordingly,” the group said in a be on the rise after a series of attacks and Its rival on the right, The Spectator, has, statement posted to the Internet. threats against journalists last year by the along with the Economist and Private Reporters Without Borders condemned neo-Nazi group Golden Dawn. Eye, publicly declared it will refuse to the bombings, in which explosives tied Anarchists have also attacked the offices of join the new regime, its editor Fraser to gas canisters caused minor damage media organisations. “Yesterday they raided Nelson arguing: “Yes, there have been at the homes of the editor of the Athens radio stations; today we have explosions at horrific abuses by the press. But this News Agency, Antonis Skylakos, and two journalists’ homes,” said Simos Kedikoglou, was already illegal: this is why so many broadcasters, Giorgos Oikonomeas and the coalition government’s spokesman. journalists have been arrested and why Antonis Liaros, from private television “There is an open effort to terrorize the so many will go to jail. No new laws stations. media, a vital part of our democracy.” are required. No political oversight is required.” The (slightly) good news is that the proposed regime may not survive long Azerbaijani journalist arrested after its difficult birth.
Glimmers of hope? at peaceful protest in Baku Firstly, the regulatory system it will oncerns are growing about the safety campaigns in pro-government media while create is horrendously complicated of journalists and the freedom of the investigating corruption and power abuse and bureaucratic, and very difficult to Cpress in Azerbaijan. The recent arrest among her country’s elite. understand, so it may collapse under its and detention of radio reporter Khadija own weight. Ismayilova has highlighted the failure of Smear campaign Secondly, at the time of writing it is the Azerbaijani government to respect the The Azerbaijani president has personally looking as if many national newspapers constitutionally guaranteed right to free tried to have her fired. In May 2012, will join The Spectator, New Statesman, speech. Ismayilova became the target of a massive the Economist and Private Eye in Ismayilova, who was last year awarded a smear campaign threatening to defame her refusing to be part of the scheme – and Courage in Journalism Award, was seized and put her life at risk unless she stopped there is talk of rival regimes being by armed police in Azerbaijan’s capital Baku reporting. This included an anonymous established. during a peaceful demonstration against letter with photos from surveillance And thirdly, the scheme will apply police abuse. Ismayilova hosts a talk show cameras planted in Ismayilova’s apartment, only to England and Wales, with the at Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in Baku. depicting her in an intimate situation with possibility of Scotland and Northern She was held for seven hours and charged her boyfriend. It was made clear that she Ireland setting up their own. Whether with violation of Article 298.2 of the Law on should stop her reporting or risk having the these would be better or worse in Freedom of Assembly – participation in a photos made public. themselves, that would leave journalists non-sanctioned gathering. During the many attempts to discredit in the UK facing three separate “My lawyer was denied access to me her, Khadija Ismayilova has refused to stop regulatory regimes, a prospect that will both in the police station and the court,” working and has publicly denounced her please no-one – except lawyers who Ismayilova told the International Women’s accusers. must already think their birthdays and Media Foundation. Her investigations into government Christmas have come at once. She was eventually but was fined 400 corruption are dangerous, she There is a long fight ahead, and AZN (approx. $500). “These fines are acknowledges. But “it doesn’t seem a good Institute members can be assured that a new thing”, Ismayilova explained. “A enough reason to stop doing it,” she said. we will be in the spearhead, defending couple of months ago they changed the law “Silence is what these regimes want. Power their rights and those of all journalists, introducing punishment for participation and the lack of checks and balances ensure and defending democracy in the UK, in non-sanctioned rallies. The government access of corrupt officials to vast resources. and free speech for all its citizens. doesn’t authorize any protest rally in this Silence helps them to continue depriving Back in the early 70s, prospects often country, so all rallies are non-sanctioned.” their people of opportunities. Silence looked very bleak and our cause in vain, This is not the first time Ismayilova has is supported by police truncheons and and we sometimes feared the Institute been the subject of attempts to silence her. assassins’ bullets inside the country and would be killed off. But we won that She has been the victim of regular slander geopolitical interests internationally.” battle and we can win this one.
The Journal - Spring 2013 edition Thin red line versus red ink Ministry of Defence appoints new Media & Communications Director
By Norman Bartlett s everyone knows by now, Britain’s “I was recruited [to the MoD] because of my Stephen Jolly: Tackling low morale at the MOD armed forces have been in the front work for these sorts of large organisations Aline of the Government’s efforts to where change was a key requirement.” He internal challenge of low morale. Repeated reduce expenditure. The popular view is will be working with Chris Mace, Director cuts have had their effect and people’s that the country has a navy without ships, of Transformation. This is a relatively morale must be rebuilt. Then, how are an air force without aircraft and an army new post, created as a consequence of the we to deal with social media? Defence is without tanks but a bigger Defence ministry Coalition government’s Strategic Defence & an organisation built on a command and than ever. Security Review 2010. I mention the Army control.” He explains that while it is not In a hugely sensitive area like Defence, is still a large organisation with 80,000 possible or even desirable to limit what the challenges for those in press relations people. There are not that many other personnel put on social media in an open are quite formidable. Step forward CIoJ British organisations with that many staff. society, there is still the matter of security. member Stephen Jolly who has just been He agrees. Add in the smaller numbers in It is a very difficult line to tread and will appointed to one very hot seat, that of the RAF and Navy as well as almost 70,000 require some thought to resolve things. He Director of Media & Communications in the Ministry itself. sees no easy answers. (DMC) at the Ministry of Defence. Stephen Jolly will have a staff of 150 “Then, thirdly, there are the relationships It is a 2-star post – equivalent to major- plus another 450 distributed around the with the media.” I illustrate the challenge general – but he has the experience to branches of the armed forces. “I have met there by reminding him of the headline in handle it. He was Director of External four of them”, he confesses. I suggested the Daily Telegraph: “Desert Rats to lose Affairs and Communications with the this number of staff is sufficient to mana their tanks”. He smiles but maintains that University of Cambridge for eight years. regiment. many surveys have shown that the armed Before that he held a number of posts with “Ah, but the 450 do cover the 32 defence forces enjoy an astonishingly favourable major corporations involved with change - agencies.” When I raise my eyebrows at the image in the eyes of the public. more of that below. His academic record is number of defence agencies he explains that I probe a little on the psywar issue. He to be envied, for following a First in English some were very small, like the Submarine explains how he was interested early on from Christ’s College he went on to take Museum at Portsmouth. in the power of argument (rhetoric) and his Masters in linguistics science at Sussex “A very nice museum indeed,” he notes, describes the spectrum of communication: University. He is a Fellow of Clare College “although a bit run down.” from the overt message of the advertising and of the Judge Business School. But how will he set about his new job? hoarding at one end to more subtle messages His exposure to the military began about and black propaganda at the other. 15 years ago as an instructor at the UK’s Difficult line to tread Stephen Jolly, an interesting man for an Defence Intelligence & Security School, “I have three priorities. Firstly there is the interesting appointment. Chicksands. At about the same time he was Visiting Fellow in Psychological Warfare at the International Centre for Security Analysis, King’s College in London. ‘Psyops’ is the military elision for this activity and Midnight comes of age Jolly’s psyops record has been of interest to those who follow his appointment. idnight Communications, one of the as MDs of top ten London PR firms and for It is a matter that Jolly wanted to downplay MSouth East’s leading PR agencies, this eight years in a row a member of the team when I met him at Brooks’s Club in St year celebrates its 18th birthday – a fantastic has been either a finalist or winner of the James. His experience, he emphasised, was achievement when the average life span of Young Communicator of the Year award. with large organisations. He is particularly a PR company is between five and seven Commenting on the company’s 18 years proud of the transformation that was years. in business, Midnight’s founder and achieved with HSBC. When the company was first launched managing director Caroline Brown said: “The bank was unknown in the UK. back in 1995, it became the first agency to “We have survived the recession (I hope!) Everyone knew about the Midland – it was specialise in the internet. It was funded by and last year won twelve awards for our one of the world’s largest banks. Yet in a few a £2k overdraft and a belief that the internet work – including silver for outstanding PR years the public awareness of HSBC was would grow and flourish. consultancy in the south east. We continue transformed.” He also mentions Nomura Over the years Midnight has employed to deliver quality results on behalf of a that had been simply a large Japanese and trained around two hundred people broad national client base which includes stockbroker and was now an international and been the parent of ten or more spin-off PR and social media, events and awards investment banking brand. agencies. Two of its alumnae hold positions management.”
The Journal - Spring 2013 edition Press freedom versus Institute in talks with DCMS on press regulation he Institute made its views known on we were able to point out some areas of press regulation and the draft Royal concern for our members. Dominic was TCharter in a private meeting at the able to tell them a bit about the Institute Department of Culture, Media and Sport. and I put across our response to Leveson Amanda Brodie, chairman of the and took them through the Royal Charter Amanda Brodie Professional Practices Board, had set up the issues. They seemed genuinely interested in meeting and attended on February 20, along what we had to say, asking our opinion on with General Secretary Dominic Cooper. various aspects of the Charter and on press “Going forward, we made sure to “The draft Charter had only been regulation in general.” underline that we wish to be kept in touch published the week before, so it was very with developments and that we are available topical and we spent over an hour with two Submission to help with consultations or membership members of the Leveson team, outlining She added: “We left them with a copy of any committees that may be formed as the Institute’s stand on the Charter and the of these points, a copy of our submission a result of the present inquiries. I feel that Leveson report,” said Amanda. to Leveson and a copy of the Centenary these sort of face-to-face meetings are very “We had spent some considerable time edition of the Journal – I am not sure which important in getting the CIoJ more widely going through the draft Charter and will have impressed them most! known.” New press regime ‘will inhibit free speech’ he new regulatory regime will inhibit thousands of pounds - to penalise publishers Clegg said: “Let us not forget that the freedom of speech and the freedom who do not sign up to the regulator. And the hacking scandal was caused by some of Tto publish, the Newspaper Society free arbitration service for civil legal claims our biggest newspapers, but it was still a has warned. The ‘red line of principle’ would “inevitably lead to many more legal minority of newspapers, and certainly not that a free press should not be subject claims against publishers and more legal the local and regional press, which must to parliamentary statute had now been costs” not pay the price for a problem they did not crossed, it said. “Small errors that are currently settled create.” The society, which represents more than easily and without cost to either side could 1,100 local newspapers, said that the new become compensation claims,” Mr Jeakings Difficult circumstances regulator’s powers would be greater than said. “Lord Justice Leveson found that the The chairman of the Culture, Media and those of the courts - and more extensive UK’s local media had nothing to do with Sport select committee, John Whittingdale, than any press regulator in the Western the phone hacking scandal which prompted said: “We should recognise the vital World. And the regime will place a the Inquiry. Indeed, he praised regional and importance of local newspapers, and ensure crippling financial burden on the UK’s local local newspapers for their important social that whatever system we introduce does and regional press. and democratic role and recommended that not add to the burden on them at a time Leveson cleared the local press of the the regulatory model proposed should not when they are experiencing very difficult crimes alleged against some national provide an added burden to our sector. economic circumstances.” newspapers, but, as Adrian Jeakings, “[Leveson] called on the Government The Leveson Report said that “local, high- President of the Newspaper Society, has to look urgently at what action it might quality and trusted newspapers are good said, the deal thrashed out by Hacked Off take to help safeguard regional and local for our communities, our identity and our and its allies in the main parties completely newspapers’ ongoing viability as a valued democracy and play an important social ignored Leveson’s recommendations on the and important part of the British press. role” and that their “contribution to local local press. Yet the deal announced by the three main life is truly without parallel.” “The proposals extract an unacceptably political parties completely ignores the CIoJ President Charlie Harris, a former high price for regional and local newspapers, Leveson recommendations on the local local newspaper editor, said: “National including huge financial penalties for press.” papers, with their massive budgets and publishers who chose to be outside the Local newspapers remain fiercely opposed armies of lawyers, could stand up to state system and an arbitration service which to any form of statutory involvement or bullying. would open the floodgates to compensation underpinning in the regulation of the “Our local press would not be in such a claims,” Jeakings said. press. strong position. Its role of holding local “A free press cannot be free if it is authorities, police, NHS, and other public Compensation claims dependent on and accountable to a bodies to account would be under serious The system would be underpinned by regulatory body recognised by the state,” threat and the public’s right to know would statutory penalty clauses, using the threat Mr Jeakings said. suffer. Hacked Off and its supporters, of exemplary damages and costs in libel and In the House of Commons debate on including those in all the main political other cases - which could run to hundreds of March 19, Deputy Prime Minster Nick parties, know this but don’t care.”
The Journal - Spring 2013 edition state control Let’s not give up on press
freedom so easily Dia Chakravarty Deputy Director, The Freedom Association By Dia Chakravarty Email: [email protected] now. Picture this: a few years ahead, another noted that credibility in this sense was itself Twitter: @DiaChakravarty press scandal breaks, the tide of public problematic, as it would derive ultimately he Hacked Off campaign would opinion shifts, a quango, rather like Ofcom, from the government-linked Royal Charter. have us believe that the only way finds that the regulatory body has failed to It is worth remembering that it is the Tto prevent a repeat of the atrocities hold the press accountable. Is it difficult to audacity of the British press which inflicted on the Dowlers and the McCanns imagine further encroachment of legislation provides our democracy with some much is the introduction of statutory regulation of against press freedom? What would stop needed scrutiny, holding the government the press. Let’s explore this assertion. a future government taking further steps and Parliament to account. With statutory The deplorable acts committed by some down the path of censorship? The EU has regulation or the Royal Charter in place, journalists that have shocked the nation, already waded into the debate. In January, would the Telegraph have felt just as free leading to the Leveson Inquiry, were all an EU panel praised the Leveson Report to investigate and break the expenses illegal acts which could and should have and proposed the establishment of national scandal? Chris Huhne may well still have been dealt with through existing criminal media councils to enforce press standards. been representing Eastleigh in the House and privacy laws. If existing laws are being It stated, rather chillingly, that these state of Commons. I was sad to see the Hacked broken, shouldn’t the focus be on ensuring regulators “should follow a set of European- Off campaign painting the entire press that individuals responsible are brought to wide standards and be monitored by the industry with the same brush. In response justice within the current legal framework? Commission to ensure that they comply to the Letwin Plan, Prof Brian Cathcart said If that can’t be ensured then what would be with European values.” that Conservative ministers negotiating the point of introducing of new statutory the Leveson recommendations with the regulations, other than limiting press Financial protection industry was “akin to giving a convicted freedom for the sake of it? The state must not The Freedom Association recently held a man a veto on his sentence.” The Hacked be allowed to use the actions of a minority panel debate examining the Letwin Plan, Off campaign are of course entitled to raise to justify the introduction of government the Conservatives’ proposal in response objection with the Conservatives’ handling control of the press through the back door. to the Leveson Report, where Harry Cole, of this issue, but their unfortunate choice of An independent press is a crucial element the political blogger, expressed concerns words in condemning the entire industry for of a functioning democracy, playing a key that there was only “a cigarette paper’s the sins of a few betrays a broader hostility role in holding the government to account. difference” between the kind of press towards the press which is worrying. Thomas Jefferson said in 1786, “Our liberty regulation proposed by the Leveson The press doesn’t always get it right. As depends on the freedom of the press, and Report and by the Letwin Plan. The latter in other industries, some of its members that cannot be limited without being lost.” expounds the use of a Royal Charter rather at times behave unacceptably. Some even Any form of regulation, underpinned by than statutory regulation to put in place a commit crimes. But an independent press statute or otherwise derived from the state, ‘Recognition Body’, the apparently optional is a vital element of our democracy which would run the risk of seriously undermining membership of which would provide performs the very important role of holding that independence and therefore the ability members of the press with significant up our government and other powerful of the press to carry out this function financial protection in case of litigation. Mr groups to scrutiny. freely and effectively. Any form of such Cole felt that refraining from signing up to It is something we have cultivated over regulation, however limited, would open the Recognition Body is not a real option centuries. Let’s not give it up so easily up the possibility of further state regulation as membership could be seen as a seal of citing the deplorable actions of a minority in the future, leaving the press vulnerable credibility (for all mainstream press, at group within the industry, before fully to greater loss of freedom and therefore least), with those choosing not to sign up exploring alternative ways of addressing its threatening a fundamental principle of our being deemed as somehow less credible. He shortcomings. democracy.
Code of conduct It has been argued that the statutory underpinning of the press regulator proposed by Lord Leveson does not directly restrict freedom of press, it merely provides an incentive to follow a certain code of conduct. But it seems quite clear to me that this act of statutory underpinning carries a promise and a threat that if the regulatory body does not meet the required standards (in the opinion of, for example, Ofcom ) then more legislation could follow. This future The Freedom Association’s recent meeting on Freedom of the Press which was attended by members threat acts as hindrance on press freedom of the Chartered Institute of Journalists. The Journal - Spring 2013 edition Crossing the floor – from reporter to councillor
By Simon Mountford were all staunch Catholics and belonged tatistics were flying thick and fast: to the Australian Labour Party, while the 1.5 million eggs a day, 52 employees, lone Protestant, Alderman Gilroy, was Ssecond largest agricultural operation from the Liberal Party (i.e. Australia’s in Scotland etc. All reporters know the conservatives). sort of verbal factfile they can expect on company visits. Only this wasn’t a press You’ve nae chance! facility trip; I was taking part in my first Scottish Borders Council is nothing like Simon Mountford site visit as a newly-elected councillor that, of course. For a start, it’s a Labour-free not actually flavour of the month. But, and member of Scottish Borders Council’s zone and, although the Conservatives are come May 3 last year, I managed to attract Planning Committee. the largest single group with 10 members enough votes to secure third place in the It so happened that the visit was being (out of 34), the administration comprises ward and, thereby, a seat. filmed by the BBC for its new series of The a coalition of independents, Scottish Since then, it’s been a fairly steep Planners. This was duly viewed by, among nationalists and LibDems. But how did I learning curve. I’ve attended workshops others, the esteemed Editor of The Journal, end up in local politics? Back in 2011, I was not just on planning, but also pensions, who promptly invited me to write about invited by the Tories to stand for the Kelso equality legislation, welfare reform, waste my experiences. Hence this article. ward in the 2012 elections. So I thought I’d management and standards in public life. It is nearly 45 years since, as the sole give it ago. But the bit I really enjoy is getting things reporter on a Sydney suburban free weekly, My chances of being elected were summed done, whether it be potholes filled, the I had to attend monthly meetings of the up by the local coalman: “you’re nae part homeless rehoused, or obtaining grant local council. My abiding memory of these of the business community, you’re nae funding for good causes. was the impression that Northern Ireland’s part of the farming community, you’ve nae Best of all, my training as a journalist orange/green politics had been transplanted chance.” comes in very handy indeed when it comes 13,000 miles south; Aldermen Fitzgerald, He was probably too polite to add that I to asking questions and winkling out O’Sullivan, McMahon, Shanahan et al was nae Scots either and the Tories were information. IWMF New music editor for names new CEO Quarterly Review he board of the International he Quarterly Review, the journal performers and contemporary composers TWomen’s Media Foundation Tfounded in 1809 by George Canning will also be covered. Stuart says that he (IWMF) has appointed Elisa Lees and Robert Southey, and relaunched in would be very pleased to hear from any Muñoz as the Foundation’s Executive 2007 by the novelist and journalist Derek fellow CIoJ members who might have an Director. Turner, has just appointed Stuart Millson as interest in music, or who might be interested Lees Muñoz brings over 20 years its Music Editor. in sharing their views on recent concerts or of experience in human rights Stuart, a longtimemember of the Chartered recordings. and media development leading Institute of Journalists and a former A major article by Stuart on the music organizations that promote the member of the CIoJ Council, has already written for the Queen’s coronation is due rule of law, press freedom and the written extensively for the magazine on to appear in the summer edition of This engagement, training and leadership the subject of classical composers and England magazine. of women in the news media around artists. Recently, the Board of the Quarterly the world. Review announced that the journal would “I am honored by the Board’s faith move from a printed to a purely on-line in my ability to lead the IWMF,” said publication, and Stuart’s first articles as Lees Muñoz, “In the coming year, we Music Editor have now appeared: pieces Did you know? aim to expand our programmes for on the Romanian George Enescu, the Welsh Your annual subscription to the women entrepreneurs in digital news 20th-century composer, Arwel Hughes, Chartered Institute of Journalists media and to continue to support and a celebration of the Benjamin Britten is tax-deductible? This applies to courageous women journalists centenary. Other features are planned on working under extraordinary difficult the English Music Festival, the symphonies any Institute member who is a UK conditions around the globe.” of Anton Bruckner, and on the 17th-century taxpayer, whether you are a staff composers Thomas Tomkins and William journalist or a freelance. For more information about Lawes. Also, you may pay your subscription the IWMF, go to: Military music, our brass-band tradition, online or by internet banking. Check www.iwmf.org. amateur music-making, regional orchestras, our website for more details. famous conductors, new-generation
The Journal - Spring 2013 edition Turning back the clock Men of principle! By Robin Morgan ust as we are today with the Leveson in bad faith with the deliberate intention should be payable in respect of not more Jaftermath, the journalism profession was of misleading or of causing attack on an than 12 months’ incapacity in all. in the throes of controversy in what was innocent person.” All this was, of course, in the days when called the Marconi Scandal, which had the Words as true today as they were 100 a typewriter was considered to be ‘new editor of The Journal re-stating the ethical years ago! technology’ and the tools of the trade of a position of bona fide journalists. journalist were just a pen and some paper. The Scandal broke when the ‘distributist These days writers’ cramp is dignified by publication’ New Witness (founded the term ‘repetitive strain injury’ – RSI – and by Hilaire Belloc and edited by Cecil is considered to be an industrial injury. Chesterton, brother of G K) alleged that high-ranking members of the Liberal government had engaged insider trading of Mr W H Hutchinson, chief editor on shares in a Marconi company subsidiary. the Grimsby News has won the prize George Springfield, editor of The Journal, offered by the Newspaper Owner was keen to defend the good name of and World for the best reply to journalism. the problem of the procedure to be “There has been much discussion in connection with the later proceedings of adopted in dealing with the murder the Marconi Committee as to what might of a prominent man in the district be called the ethics of journalism and occurring two hours before a weekly editorship. paper went to Press. “All good journalists have long recognised April, 1913 two principles: first, that it is a point of honour not to publish serious statements or definite charges based on mere rumour, hen alighting from his bicycle at The unless they have satisfied themselves WElms, Ackworth Road, Pontefract, by investigation that such rumours are the residence of Mr. A W Archer, with the well founded; secondly, having once intention of fulfilling a tennis engagement given publicity to information supplied Writers’ cramp there, Mr. Oswald Holmes, journalist and in confidence, they must at any personal member of this year’s Reception Committee risk refuse to disclose the name of their he Departmental Committee on for the York Conference, somehow got his informant without the latter’s consent. TCompensation for Industrial Diseases feet mixed up and came a nasty cropper “A journalist would, however, in my in a report respecting writers’ cramp, in the road. He was assisted in a fainting opinion be freed from this obligation if he points out that it may prove complete condition to the summer-house, where found that the information was given to him and permanent, and when, as is often the restoratives were administered, and Dr. case, the sufferer is young, the indefinite Blomfield was telephoned for. He found Two Scottish journalists, members continuance of compensation might involve the left thumb had been dislocated at the a serious burden on the compensator. The wrist, while other injuries included a nasty of the House of Commons Press report continues :- bruise on the right instep and extensive Gallery – Mr. A F Geddie, of the We doubt whether this would be justified. abrasions on the left thigh. A “tug-of-war” Scotsman, and Mr. W B Calder, of The writers’ cramp disables only for writing, between Mr Archer – who in other respects the Aberdeen Free Press – were not for other occupation, so that, in some was kindness itself – and Dr. Blomfield, cases, rest may lead to recovery, we feel that resulted in the thumb being pulled back in passengers on board the Glasgow where inability to write continues after a its place, and after it had been set in splints, steamer Scotsdyke which took fire at long period of rest, the sufferer should seek the patient was conveyed home in Dr. sea this month. Both journalists, as other employment. Blomfield’s car and put to bed. The wrist well as the captain and all the crew, They, therefore, recommend that the will have to remain bandaged for fully a were rescued by the Dreadnought words “writers’ cramp” should be added month, but otherwise, except for stiffness to the first column of the schedule, and from the bruises, Mr Holmes is recovering battleship Iron Duke. that compensation for a single disablement nicely.
Help promote the Institute Members are urged to: Members are being asked to help promote the Institute through * Register as followers of the Facebook page by social media. “liking” it. Over the last four years, the Institute has had great success in * Re-post items that promote the Institute, its views and activities on their own timelines. getting itself and its values known, and recruiting members, through Facebook and Twitter. * Follow either or both of the Twitter feeds. But more could be achieved if every member who used these did * Re-tweet messages that promote the Institute, his or her bit. Listed on the right are a few ways you can help. its views and activities on their own feeds.
The Journal - Spring 2013 edition European Publishers Council issues statement on the Google deal in France
embers of the European Publishers does not provide the online press with the The EPC stressed the importance firstly MCouncil have criticised the deal financial certainty or mechanisms for legal of respect for intellectual property rights between Google and French publishers redress which it needs to build sustainable and secondly, a speedy result from DG which aims to settle the dispute over business models and ensure its continued Competition to restore competition to copyright, remuneration and article investment in high-quality content.” search and search advertising. snippets. Whilst French publishers have agreed Google is under investigation for Underlining the need for a ‘copyright- to work with Google by accepting a deal manipulating its search services to direct aware’ internet, EPC’s Executive Director whereby Google creates a 60 million euro users to its own services, reducing the Angela Mills Wade said: “The type of deal innovation fund to help them leverage visibility of competing websites, and arranged between Google and a group Google’s tools and ad programmes, deploying other unfair practices which of French publishers does not address in other member states publishers are harm competition. The outcome of the the continuing problem of unauthorised seeking longer term solutions founded in EU’s anti-trust cases is expected shortly. reuse and monetisation of content, and so law. Book Review New awards My Life in Music scheme for By OwainArwel Hughes University of Wales Press, 188pp, ISBN 9780-7083-2530-8 building industry rchestral conductor OwainArwel sympathy for popular music-making - as OHughes CBE has been at the forefront his recording, 10,000 Voices at the Arms nternational Building Press (IBP) has of British musical life for many years, Park (with Shirley Bassey!) demonstrates. Ilaunched a new award scheme for and is known for his long association The book also concentrates on the influence communicators in the construction and with the Royal Philharmonic and BBC of family, of strong Welsh roots in North property industries. Welsh National orchestras. The son of Wales, and on a desire to make a practical The Communication and PR the composer Arwel Hughes, Owain has contribution to society, through charity Awardsare intended to showcase and been a particular champion of the music work. give recognition to in-house public of Wales, and has recorded several of There are also curious incidents in the relations departments and to PR his father’s compositions, including the story, such as the day when a recording consultancies working in architecture, oratorio St David, and a collection of rare session with the Royal Scottish National construction and design, together with orchestral works – the latter on the Swedish Orchestra was interrupted by frantic news residential and commercial property. BIS label. But the maestro has also gained of the beginning of World War Three! It These are the first Communication an international reputation, performing just so happened that Owain and the RSNO and PR awards dedicated to the built with the major orchestras of Scandinavia, were making a CD on the day of the 9/11 environment, and have been established and with the Cape Philharmonic in South attacks on the United States, causing one in response to increasing recognition by Africa, where a ground breaking recording shocked member of the orchestra (who had journalists and clients of the important of Alfred Schnittke’s Nagasaki Mass was just heard what must have been a garbled role that public relations plays in the made. version of the news) to proclaim that the industry. My Life in Music, published in his 70th world was about to end. Fortunately, calm Judges representing the media and birthday year, is a lively account of Owain’s prevailed, and the CD was made - part of a industry, include: Peter Bill, columnist career, from the days of being a student of magnificent cycle of Russian music. on the Evening Standard & Estates conducting (picking up whatever work was My Life in Musicalso shows the precarious Gazette; Amanda Baillieu, Editor of available in provincial halls and studios) side of the music profession and some of the Building Design magazine; Alan Smith, to a fully-fledged reputation for orchestral unpleasantness that can prevail, such as the Corporate Communications Director at mastery. In his early days, OAH (as he consternation (from one senior BBC figure) Kier Group; Vanessa Brady, President is often known in the profession!) came directed against Owain’s founding of the of the Society of British Interior Design; under the influence of the great Sir Adrian Welsh Proms series in 1986. Fortunately, and Sheri Besford of the Building Design Boult, one of the finest-ever interpreters audiences and ensembles knew a good Partnership. There are eight award of British music; and the author draws an thing when they saw it, and the fledgling categories: In house Communications amusing contrast between the “tall upper- proms at St. David’s Hall in Cardiff went on Team; PR Consultancy Team; Best class Englishman” (Boult) and the short to become a major event in British musical Business Communications Campaign; Welshman who was trying to gain some sort life, attracting several of the leading BBC Best Public Affairs Campaign; Best use of foothold in music! However, Boult was ensembles, and musicians from abroad. of online/digital media; Campaign of clear that this young musician from Wales Engaging and entertaining, informative the Year; Young Communicator of the had a definite quality, and so the long climb and instructive, this is one music Year; and Communicator of the Year. to recognition began in earnest. autobiography that any reader can enjoy. However, this autobiography is far from With a foreword by HRH The Prince of being a dry book about the esoteric rites of Wales, the book is well-illustrated and music and musicians, for Owain’s interests handsomely produced by the University of For details and an online and sympathies are broad: Rachmaninov Wales Press. entry form, go to: and rugby, friendships with leading Stuart Millson ibp.org.uk/Awards politicians and entertainers, and a huge
10 The Journal - Spring 2013 edition Joanna Lumley Patricia Latham Obituary backs St Bride’s By Charlie Harris ribute was paid to CIoJ stalwart Church appeal Patricia Latham at her funeral oanna Lumley has launched a yesterday (January 8). Jcampaign to save the steeple of the TPat died, after a long illness, on December journalists’ church, St Brides, Fleet 20. She was 91. Street. The Institute was represented at the St Bride’s is Miss Lumley’s favourite service in Telford, Shropshire, by Vice- British building, and so to help the President Charlie Harris and General church’s ‘Inspire’ appeal for the Secretary Dominic Cooper. preservation of the church spire, she has A fashion journalist and PR officer, Pat launched an ingenious new campaign. was described in the eulogy, given on She is asking all married couples behalf of her family by Colin Bailey, as celebrating their wedding anniversary well respected, a “very impressive and to donate towards the repair and capable professional lady” whose vitality, restoration of the steeple that is the energy and irrepressible sense of humour model for all tiered wedding cakes. had helped her “make her way in a man’s In launching the campaign, Miss world”. Pat during her time as woman’s editor of the Lumley commented: “How thrilling to She was vibrant and “bubbling with Birmingham Post and Mail think that every tiered wedding cake energy” , a livewire, always stylish - an the world over was inspired by the excellent ambassador for her employers, with some of the 96 people who had steeple of St Bride’s church, Wren’s who had included the world-famous West systematically been taken hostage in fragile masterpiece which stands like a End store Liberty’s. Lebanon between 1982 and 1992. The freed spiral shell in the heart of London. How Constance Patricia Latham was born in British hostages had said they would not perfect it would be if every marriage Handsworth, Birmingham in 1921, and had speak to journalists, but Pat’s personality remembered this link by offering a small a younger brother, John. and gentle persistence won them round. donation to save the spire in its time of She trained as a secretary and during the Pat became engaged to a widowed retired great need.” War worked at the HQ of the British Red Royal Navy commander, but he died the St Bride’s was designed by Sir Cross in Berkshire, afterwards moving day before their wedding. Pat was present Christopher Wren and is one of the very into hospital administration in the county. when he was buried at sea. finest examples of his work. It has stood She moved back to the Midlands to work Away from work, Pat was active in local for more than 300 years, and survived at Walsall General Hospital before being affairs and campaigned for a bypass to take the London Blitz. appointed secretary to the editor of the heavy lorries away from the narrow road However, it is in serious need of Birmingham Post and Mail, who eventually on which her home, Forge Cottage, stood. restoration. In all, the parish needs offered her the job of women’s editor. One one occasion, a workman had to leap to raise £2.5 million for this vital She is pictured during her time in that onto the roof of the cottage seconds before programme of restoration. job. a lorry hit the ladder on which he had been For more information on St Bride’s and In 1947 she married Harry Turner, who standing. Pat “moved Heaven and Earth”, the Inspire Appeal, go to: www.stbrides. was known as Tim. and the bypass was built. com/inspire She became a freelance, commuting She also kept koi carp, every one of which between her home in the Midlands and she named. London, where she contributed to, among Pat developed dementia about 10 years others, the BBC and the Times. She also ago and died in a hospice, bringing an end worked for leading fashion houses in Paris, to what Mr Bailey described as a “vibrant Tindle bucks Milan and Zurich. and energetic life”. She was appointed PR officer for Liberty’s, and was sent by the store to the recession Australia as their ambassador. Her arrival indle Group, which owns local was considered such a major event that The Tnewspapers throughout the Age in Melbourne carried a major feature country, has turned in a group profiling her, describing her as “petite and operating profit of £1.78m before blonde”. tax – despite a 5% fall in revenue to She was a long-standing and active £36m. member of the CIoJ, serving at chairman of its London region as well as long periods on Group founder and Chairman Sir Ray Tindle, a longstanding its council. She was particularly enthusiastic member of the Chartered Institute in her support for the Institute’s charities, of Journalists, turned the 147-year- especially the Oakhill and TP O’Connor old South London Press around last Funds. year after launching eight new paid She was also an active member of the for hyper local newspapers now London Press Club. showing a 64.5% rise in circulation. In 1979 her husband, Tim, was diagnosed And more good news is on the way with a terminal illness and Pat put her as there are plans for more Tindle career on hold to nurse him Group titles. After Tim’s death she resumed work, notably winning an exclusive interview
11 CIoJ Vice-Presidential Election 2013
Paul Leighton has been elected Vice- President of the Chartered Institute of Journalists for 2013-15. Paul, Chairman of the Institute’s Broadcasting Division, won by a small margin in a closely-fought contest against Amanda Brodie, Chairman of the Professional Practices Board. He will serve alongside the CIoJ’s new President Charlie Harris and will then take over from Charlie as President in 2015. Both Paul and Charlie have previously held the top job in the Institute but, as Charlie says, “that was hundreds of years ago, in a previous life”. In fact Paul was President (and Charlie was his Vice-President) in 1988 and Charlie went on to become President in 1991. At that time the Presidency was a one- year term.
Handover The Presidential Handover was held on 20 February at the Press Association in London. Former Cabinet office civil servant turned independent candidate for Mayor of London Siobhan Benita (pictured above left) was guest speaker. Siobhan stood in the last London mayoral election and polled 83,914 first-preference votes, finishing fourth, just 7,860 votes behind the Liberal Democrat candidate. Her impressive performance in the election was praised by former Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus O’Donnell who pointed out that Siobhan had gained many tens of thousands of votes despite having no party machine to support her campaign, very little funding or media coverage, and no election broadcast.
PHOTOS: All photographs courtesy of Camilla Greenwell - camillagreenwellphotography.com . Clockwise from top right: New President, Charlie Harris; Bruce Dalton (left) with Mark Croucher (right); Orphan Fund Chairman Mike Moriarty (left) with General Secretary Dominic Cooper (right); Norman Bartlett (left), Charlie Harris (second left), Sangita Shah (second right) and Stefan Paetow; Siobhan Benita (left) with our own James Bond; Steph Brown (left), Marcus Goringe (centre) and Charlie Harris (right); Charlie Harris congratulates Paul Leighton; Siobhan Benita.