fp169:Free Press template changed fonts.qxd 30/04/2009 21:42 Page 1 FREE Press No 169 March-April 2009 £1 Journal of the Campaign for Press and Broadcasting Freedom SPINNING OUT OF CONTROL

The Damian McBride smear up an online presence to match the bloggers know only too well that once commanding lead established by right- the information is out on the internet it scandal is a symptom of an wing bloggers on behalf of the is considered to be in the public endemic cross-party culture Conservative Party. domain and will almost certainly be Just as in the USA, where the followed up by mainstream journalists. of media manipulation, Democrats’ campaign team built up an Here we can begin to see the true writes Nicholas Jones overwhelming online lead for Barrack extent of the collusion which can Obama, it is the hunger for power on occur. Bloggers run sensational stories hat got lost amid the furore the part of political activists on the which are sometimes fed to them by over Damian McBride’s right which has helped to put the frustrated journalists who are unable to lurid smears against Conservatives way ahead in the blogos- print or broadcast such items. Once Conservative politicians was phere. published online, they gain greater cre- the appeal by the schools But Labour’s failure to generate polit- dence and are out there, ready and Wsecretary that leaders of all the ical blogs on the left which are any- waiting to be exploited by Opposition main parties should examine the con- thing like as effective as those on the politicians. duct of their own spin doctors and pub- right has only been compounded by This gets to the heart of Ed Balls’ licists. McBride’s ineptitude. appeal that party leaders all have a was rightly blamed When it comes to influencing the responsibility to police the activities of for having lost control of Labour’s polit- news agenda their media apparatchiks. Balls and his ically-driven attack dogs but David (www.order-order.com) – ably assisted wife Yvette Cooper complained bitterly Cameron should also have been in the by www.iaindale.blogspot.com and about being the subject of smears on frame. He too had – and still has – www.conservativehome.blogs.com – the Guido Fawkes website which were some questions to answer. have made all the running. And there taken up by Conservative spokesmen Have the Conservatives found a neat is no doubt that because of their ability and then used by the Tories as the basis way to keep the activities of their brat to deliver exclusive stories, these blogs for unsubstantiated complaints to the pack at arms length from Tory Central have caused Labour immense damage. commissioner for parliamentary stan- Office? Is it the lack of accountability McBride’s forced resignation was the dards. which is part and parcel of Opposition latest in their lengthening list of politi- Comments which had been made which is giving their party activists cal scalps. about them on Guido Fawkes were, Ed freedom to put the boot in via the blo- Political websites have had an Balls said, “homophobic, misogynist, gosphere? increasing influence on the news agen- deeply sexual and just awful… I would And, perhaps more to the point, da because they can publish risky sto- never want my children to see the should more have been done to hold ries which established news outlets things written about us”. the lobby journalists of Westminster to dare not print or broadcast. But the When the shadow chancellor George account? Unattributable briefings have Osborne accepted on behalf of himself become the life support system of mod- The bloggers know and his wife the Prime Minister’s belat- ern political journalism and it is the only too well that once ed apology – it took Brown five days to McBrides of this world who will say “I am sorry about what happened” always be waiting in the wings with the information is out – he accepted that politicians should another potentially poisonous transfu- move on and should agree on how to sion. on the internet it is “clean up politics”. was right in his assess- considered to be in the Cameron – like Brown – will be ment: Labour did have – and still has – judged on action not words. Will the a massive hole to fill in trying to build public domain Continued on page eight

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News NUJ challenges on G20 policing

he National Union of Journalists is Police apologised for the incident ists should have freedom to leave planning a legal challenge against where officers used section 14 of the events as well to get into them.” Tthe police over the G20 protests act, which is intended primarily to dis- Last year, a UK parliamentary com- after its members complained about perse potentially disruptive or violent mittee asked the police not to obstruct alleged assaults and the use of cordons gatherings. journalists doing their work during and “kettling”. In other G20 incidents, several pho- protests. In its report the parliamentary Roy Mincoff, the NUJ’s senior legal tographers have said that police committee said: “It is unacceptable that officer, is spearheading the NUJ’s pushed them and hit them with batons. individual journalists are left with no preparation of G20-related cases and Meanwhile on 22 April a Liberal option but to take court action against will be contacting the Independent Democrat MP released video footage of officers who unlawfully interfere with Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) a journalist detained within the police their work. and the Home Office minister, Vernon cordon at one of the G20 protests in “Journalists have the right to carry Coaker. in early April. Tom Brake, a out their lawful business and report the NUJ members attending the G20 party spokesman on home affairs, was way in which demonstrations are han- protests in the City of London on 1 and filming with colleagues inside the so- dled by the police without state inter- 2 April complained to the union about called kettle in the Bank district. The ference, unless such interference is alleged assaults by officers, the use of video has now been submitted to the necessary and proportionate, and jour- cordons and police refusing to release IPCC. nalists need to be confident that they journalists from areas in which demon- Tim Gopsill, editor of the NUJ maga- can carry out their role. strators were contained for several zine the Journalist, attended the G20 “The public in turn have the right to hours, known as “kettling”. demonstration as an observer. impart and receive information: the The NUJ is also contemplating legal He said: “Trapping people in a cage media are the eyes and ears of the pub- action against the police after officers for hours on end was an outrage, lic, helping to ensure that the police used section 14 of the Public Order Act whether they were press or not. For are accountable to the people they to order photographers to clear the area journalists it meant they couldn’t get serve. Effective training of front line in one incident on 2 April, which was out to work on their reports, which was police officers on the role of journalists caught on video. an assault on press freedom – journal- in protests is vital.”

journalist should "at all times strive to eliminate distortion, This piece by NUJ activist Peter Lazenby news suppression and censorship". Here, the truth is emerging appeared on ’s Comment is Free despite many journalists' initial acceptance of official statements. website in response to comments by But journalistic standards are falling because there is widespread retrenchment. Jobs are being axed despite healthy columnist Roger Graef on the role of citizen profits. Those journalists left in the regional media are often journalism in exposing the truth behind the tied to keyboards and telephones, regurgitating news releases, just as many sections of the media regurgitated the fiction that death of news vendor Ian Tomlinson Tomlinson was a G20 demonstrator, and repeated as fact a police statement that medics were prevented from giving oger Graef is right to celebrate the empowerment of treatment because they were targeted by "missiles". There is communities through citizen techno-scrutiny of police at the continuing contraction in national newspapers, and many RG20 protests, where citizen media delivered much-needed evening papers previously producing several editions, packed transparency. This has added significance in the light of reports with spirited and changing news, are now largely written the that professional journalists were prevented from doing their previous day. jobs on 1 April. Despite the suspicion some professional This is happening following the extraction from regional journalists feel for amateur colleagues, established and citizen newspapers of billions of pounds in profits to shareholders and media clearly worked together at G20. The old tale of Sheffield directors. My own employer, Johnston Press, is a case in point. journalists who made a point selling under-priced turnips, Last year's profit was £120m, down from 30 per cent but still cabbages and potatoes outside the shop of a greengrocer more than 20 per cent of turnover. As management dispensed infamous for supplying free sports reports to their employer is handsome profits, it also borrowed for an over-ambitious consigned to pre-digital history. There are greater threats. expansion programme. With advertising revenue plummeting, A further issue highlighted by Tomlinson's death is that much its debts are 10 times its share value. Journalists are being told of the initial coverage was appalling, evidenced by the readiness to pay with their jobs. of many sections of the establishment media to present Nothing obstructs the professional media's capacity to keep "official" versions. With all its benefits, citizen-media is not a the public informed more than cuts in jobs and standards. panacea. It cannot replace the vigilance and tenacity of good Journalism is being seriously undermined, yet employers are investigative reporting, as shown by the Guardian's use of seeking a relaxation of monopoly rules to enable further photographs and footage of Tomlinson. This was investigated mergers and reduce competition. The NUJ campaign Stand up and verified by journalists whose revelations changed the angle for Journalism is highlighting the devastation of the profession of coverage by other newspapers and broadcasters. caused by the continuing demand for bloated profits. The These reporters persisted despite criticism from the campaign needs the support of all who value the freedom of the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) that they press and who seek to maintain quality journalism. were "upsetting" Tomlinson's family and the IPCC statement that there was "nothing in the story". The family later expressed Peter Lazenby is joint father of the NUJ chapel at Yorkshire Post gratitude for the coverage. Under the NUJ code of practice, a Newspapers

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News Burnham agrees to keep product placement ban By Jonathan Hardy have long put forward, right to be sceptical. Paying Government would permit Burnham acknowledged for prominence would PP, and the Liberal n March, culture secretary “very serious concerns about undermine, however Democrats too support announced blurring the boundaries gradually, all the existing liberalisation. Ithe Government would between advertising and safeguards, and abandon While Michael Grade’s call maintain rules that prevent editorial”. the principle that for a judicial review of the product placement (PP) in EU Commissioner Viviane advertising and Government will probably programmes made for Reding mounted a late programmes should be kept remain angry sabre-rattling, British television. lobbying effort urging the separate. we face a renewed challenge The EU Audiovisual Government to liberalise PP, We are asked to believe to underpin arguments with Directive allows countries to as Berlusconi’s government both that PP is desperately further research and to permit PP in certain genres, in Italy is set to do. The aim, needed to save struggling present a strong coalition so the CPBF, and others, she stated, is to allow commercial broadcasters, stretching across civil responded last autumn to a broadcasters and producers and that these selfsame society, consumer and consultation on to access new revenue players will not compromise creative interests alike. implementing the Directive. sources so as “to improve the commissioning, programme BECTU’s endorsement of Despite relentless lobbying level-playing field with US making or editorial integrity product placement is deeply by ITV, and other advertising competitors”. to serve commercial goals. In regrettable and we must and media industry groups, But Reding and UK themselves, promotional work with unions such as the the Government has decided proponents also press the arrangements between Writers’ Guild to build the that “no conclusive evidence contradictory claim that advertisers and media are level of appreciation of the has been put forward that safeguards will ensure that notoriously difficult to corrosive damage of PP so the economic benefit of rampant US-style police. That is why the twin powerfully articulated by introducing product commercial integration will safeguards of undue the Writers Guild of America. placement is sufficient to not occur. As ITV, PACT and prominence rules together So this is an important outweigh the detrimental others present it, we would with prohibiting paid victory, but one that reveals impact it would have on the have product “placement” placement must remain. how vital it is, as Burnham quality and standards of but not promotion, with no The Government’s put it, to “continue to British television and interference by advertisers decision holds until a review preserve editorial integrity viewers’ trust in it”. in editorial decisions. The in 2011/2012, however an as technology advances”. Endorsing arguments we Government is absolutely incoming Conservative

In giving its judgment on a complaint An initial response was rejected by about an article that originally appeared the complainants and they wrote again Commission in the Croydon Advertiser the PCC drawing the PCC’s specific attention to effectively removed this level of protec- the wording of its advice to editors: tion. “An asylum seeker can only become scuppers The case involved an Algerian asy- an illegal immigrant if he or she lum seeker, who we shall refer to as Mr remains in the UK after having failed to MT. He was interviewed by an respond to a removal notice.” S Advertiser reporter in November 2007 The final response, received last protection and the resulting story claimed in both November, stated there was no breach the standfirst and in the text that he of the PCC’s Code of Conduct. It was an “illegal immigrant.” explained it away like this: for asylum The article went out of its way to “The Commission was satisfied that denigrate Mr MT. The introduction the article would not have misled read- said: “He is living entirely at your ers as to [Mr MT’s] status. While he had expense and he shouldn’t even be in not failed to respond to a removal seekers the country.” notice, [Mr MT] was still not in the Phrases such as “he moaned” and country with overt legal sanction as an By Phil Cooper “he griped” litter the piece. It also asylum seeker, and the authorities were includes a statement from an unnamed apparently in the process of organising he latest example of how the Press Border and Immigration Agency official his deportation.” Complaints Commission (PCC) is claiming Mr MT could expect to be So, the current wording of the Code Tfailing to protect the rights of the deported. is meaningless and can be circumvent- individual in the face of bad or inaccu- But the fact of the matter was that, ed by editors if a person is “apparently” rate reporting makes very bad news although he had been refused asylum, going to be processed for deportation, indeed for refugees and asylum seekers. he had not been issued with a removal according to the views of an unnamed This group of people have a tough notice. He was also still in receipt of official. But the unnamed official got it enough time as it is and are frequently food vouchers and accommodation pro- wrong. Only a few weeks after the arti- the brunt of red top headlines designed vided by the local authority, which cle had appeared Mr MT was granted to whip up resentment and hostility would not have been provided if he was indefinite leave to remain in the UK. towards them. in the country illegally. No thanks to the Croydon Advertiser At present the PCC’s guide to editors These points were made to the PCC or the PCC. states: “An asylum seeker can only on Mr MT’s behalf by the Croydon become an illegal immigrant if he or she Refugee Forum assisted by the media Phil Cooper is the media officer of the remains in the UK after having failed to officer from the Hammersmith the Hammersmith and Fulham Refugee respond to a removal notice.” Fulham Refugee Forum. Forum

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Local newspaper crisis

Johnston Press, one of the top four owners of local newspapers, is to sell the offices of the Wakefield Express building in the centre of Wakefield. It is the latest in a series of bad news stories Local news is about the fate of the local press across the country, but the move has prompt- ed a vigorous campaign by journalists on the paper to keep the historic paper close to the community it serves. Management are seeking the cheap- est alternative premises, and are likely to move the paper to an out-of-town under threat location due to high city centre rents. The National Union of Journalists’ chapel believes that moving the award- winning paper from the city centre The big local newspaper groups are ruthlessly would be disastrous. There are fears the move could start the centralisation of cutting costs by axing jobs and titles – and other Johnston Press-owned titles in the Wakefield district at an out-of-town now they are lobbying hard for a relaxation of “news factory”. John Robinson established the ownership rules. Granville Williams reports Express in 1852 as a liberal newspaper. More mergers are not the answer

By Barry White sympathetic to a relaxation supporting this demand for councils and courts? Will of the rules that could allow guarantees.” journalists be able to escape inisters are quietly consolidation between the His views were echoed by from their desks to meet drawing up legislation publishers Trinity Mirror media commentator Roy people on the streets? Will Mthat would tear up and Johnston Press or the Greenslade. Writing in his all this merging and merger regimes for radio groups Bauer, owner Guardian blog he said that swapping really be of television, regional of Magic and Kiss, and UTV, mergers were not genuine public service, as newspapers and local radio the owner of . necessarily the answer to the Government has been as part of the biggest shake- “Without new laws, the underlying problems told?’” up in media regulation since ministers have concluded afflicting media companies. Meanwhile Andy the beginning of the decade, that it will not be possible to “It may offer short-term Burnham, culture secretary reports Dan Sabbagh in the introduce changes called for relief to various companies, has called a local media Times on 16 April. by Digital Britain. However, though I also have my summit on 28 April at “A short bill – the Digital the problem for Labour is doubts about that, but it Portcullis House, Economy Bill”, wrote that any Bill will have to be certainly will not solve the Westminster. Participants Sabbagh, “is being prepared scrambled through before a fundamental problems of are invited “to discuss ideas to implement the general election, expected newspaper publishing in the to help local media make the conclusions of the Digital in May or June next year. regions. transition to the digital Britain review, which will “That means that the Bill “The main source of age… Within the policy determine the future of is likely to be short – about revenue, advertising, will context of the Digital Britain Channel 4 and is expected to 30 or 40 clauses – and will probably start to recover Report, this summit will give provide help for struggling concentrate on next year, but not to the the Government, relevant newspapers and implementing the levels previously enjoyed. representative bodies from broadcasters. recommendations of the Declining newsprint sales newspapers, radio and “Although it is a Digital Britain review that will not be reversed. Funds television, as well as other convention that ministers require changes in the law, for further, and ongoing, interested stakeholders, the do not publicly discuss the rather than a root-and- online investment must be opportunity to share bills that comprise the branch look at found (and will therefore thoughts on the way Queen’s Speech in the communications law.” scare away would-be forward and help set the autumn, Andy Burnham, the The proposals were investors). direction for the future.” culture secretary, has been attacked by Jeremy Dear, “Merge away, Sly. Swap If Sabbagh’s story in the privately telling media general secretary of the NUJ titles. Create geographical Times is true, and Burnham companies that new who said: “If the monopolies. Acquire has been privately telling legislation is likely. Government is considering broadcasting platforms. media companies that new “The expectation of a bill changing the rules to bail Rationalise printing plants. legislation is likely, the gives regional newspaper out the media companies Achieve greater economies exercise is just cynical PR groups and radio companies they must insist on of scale. Dance to the City’s and spin. If, however, hope that they will benefit enforceable guarantees tune once more. Burnham is sincere and from an easing of about journalism and jobs. “But where will it leave wants genuine discussion, regulations, with the Well over 100 MPs have journalism? Will there be the proof will be in the final Government increasingly signed an Early Day Motion enough reporters to cover outcome.

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Local newspaper crisis

In 1952 his great-grandsons commis- groups close down titles they should Guardian the idea of small, locally-run sioned a film, Wakefield Express, relinquish ownership of the title and independent trusts. directed by filmmaker, Lindsay the opportunity be given to new con- All of these proposals should be part Anderson, to commemorate the paper’s sortia to revive the title. of an open debate suggested by Andy centenary. By 1952 the company had The CPBF has had a long-standing Burnham’s remark that we need “new grown to five newspapers all reporting policy that a Media Enterprise Board models to sustain local news in the the communities they were based in. could operate at national, regional and future”. Anderson’s evocative film shows a local level to intervene to support the At the heart of this should be the reporter visiting the courts and council, launch of newspapers, magazines or focus on sustaining high-quality jour- bumping into people on the streets, vis- online media projects designed to fill nalism, something which seems to be iting the vicar and the local working gaps in the market and to promote rather lower down in the priorities of men’s club. The film reminds us of the diversity. Polly Toynbee suggests in the regional newspapers owners. vital but threatened role of the local rag. It is also a far cry from the reality for many journalists on local papers today where the lack of staff going out CPBF to hold major conference and finding stories leads to newsrooms where no-one ever leaves the office. To By Granville Williams Reform movement in the United States. fill a paper there is an over-reliance on It will be an ambitious event, with a press releases (predominantly from the The CPBF has been conducting a major wide range of speakers in plenary and local council, which often go in to the project, Media Ownership in the Age of breakout sessions. The objective of the paper completely unchallenged), on Convergence, and the culmination of conference is also ambitious. We want contributed copy and on safe commu- the project will be a conference, Media to present the kind of policies which nity stories. For All: The Challenge of Convergence, we think will need to be campaigned The fate of the Wakefield Express on 31 October 2009. for to protect and develop high quality group fits into a bigger picture. In It will draw together a range of and accessible media. Full details of January the seven biggest local and speakers to address key issues on the programme will be available by the regional newspaper groups (Trinity media ownership and regulation. The end of May but we want you to put the Mirror, Johnston Press, Newsquest, conference takes a global perspective date in your diaries now and make it a Northcliffe Media, Guardian Media because many of the threats and priority to attend. Group, Archant and DC Thomson) set challenges the media face are not We are also planning an event for up the Local Media Alliance (LMA) specific to the UK. Friday evening, October 30, at the with the explicit aim of changing the That’s why we’re pleased to same venue. This will be much more of law on local media ownership. announce one of the keynote speakers a rally with film, music and speakers. The LMA has been extremely active, is John Nichols, Washington Full details to follow, but put that date lobbying Lord Carter’s Digital Review correspondent for the Nation and in your diary too. A website will be set and submitting evidence to the Office founder, with Robert McChesney and up to process bookings and offer of Fair Trading (OFT) Local Media Josh Silver, of the Free Press Media attractive early-booking discounts. Review. As newspaper groups cut journalists’ jobs, close local news offices and titles it is madness to change media ownership rules so that they can wreak even more damage on a greater scale. The CPBF in its response to the OFT review argues strongly against any CPBF AGM 2009 relaxation of the ownership rules: “The focus on acquisitions, and delivering annual profits far in excess of other businesses was at the price of This year’s AGM will be held on Saturday 4 July neglecting the journalistic core of the business. The result has been declining from 10.00am at: circulation which has exacerbated the current crisis facing the industry due to the fall in advertising and the rise of NUJ Headquarters the internet.” The CPBF response also argues there 308/312 Gray’s Inn Road should be support for new entrants: “This could be in a variety of ways. If London WC1X 8DP (Nearest station/ underground King’s Cross) As newspaper groups cut journalists’ jobs, close local news offices and titles it is madness to Reports, election of National Council, future change media ownership activities and discussion on the future of local rules so that they can media post-Carter wreak even more damage on a greater scale

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News and reviews A cheap confidence trick

“buy-in” of the newspaper industry. conspicuously omits to mention that the Julian Petley assesses However, it’s perfectly possible to adjudication took up only about a third of envisage a quite different scenario in page 28, and occupied approximately 6 the Press Complaints which, desperate to compete with online per cent of the column inches of the origi- content which falls outside the remit of nal article. Commission’s latest the PCC, newspapers constantly push at Quite lacking from the Review, howev- the envelope of the PCC Code, and the er, is any account of its adjudication in annual review PCC, which is after all paid for by those the case of a front-page story run by the he Press Complaints Commission’s newspapers, simply lets them get away Star on 29 September 2008. This was Review of 2008 reveals that last with it. The suspicion that this is exactly headed “Peaches: Spend the Night With year it received 4698 complaints, a what will in fact happen is greatly Me For £5k” and stated that glamour girl record high and an 8 per cent increased by the Special Report’s con- Peaches Geldof is bagging thousands of increase over the previous year. tention that “as the public interest in see- pounds a night from people desperate for TInevitably the Review claims “we are ing pictures of people in the news her company. The article, which clearly confident that this is not a sign of dramat- increases, so does the level of justifica- implies that Peaches was selling sexual ically falling standards in the industry, tion for publishing them without consent services, was published by the paper in but of increased awareness and accessi- …. The public has a right to see images of the knowledge that it was untrue. bility of the PCC”, but as the PCC under- people who are in the news, whether After Peaches had complained to the takes no research to back up such a they have a fleeting brush with fame or PCC the paper agreed to print a retrac- claim, others are of course fully entitled deliberately seek publicity”. tion, but refused to do so on the front- to take the opposite view. But this is purest tabloid-speak – just page because “the subject matter of the Over half the complaints were either because some may want to see images of apology and of the complaint is not pro- not taken forward by the complainant(s) people in the news it doesn’t remotely portionate with a front page apology. The or fell outside the Code’s remit. In all, the mean they have a right to do so, unless it headline on page one was a taster for the PCC issued 1420 rulings. In 721 cases it is genuinely in the public interest (and article as a whole, which appeared on found no breach of the Code, in 102 cases not in the PCC’s flawed, feeble and trun- page 5”. A very small apology, about 30 it felt sufficient remedial action had been cated definition of it). cm2, thus appeared on page 2. Piling taken by the publication concerned, and But even if it tried to rein in the news- pusillanimity upon sophistry, the PCC in 552 cases the matter was resolved to papers, one very much doubts they meekly endorsed the Star’s refusal on the the satisfaction of the complainant. would take any notice. Take, for example, grounds that “while the front page may Twenty four complaints were adjudicated their record on corrections negotiated by have been open to a certain interpreta- and upheld, and 21 were adjudicated and the PCC. The Review’s “Report on tion, it did not contain any specific not upheld. 71.4 per cent of complaints Prominence” proudly boasts that 85 per claims about the “services” offered by the concerned accuracy, 8.8 per cent privacy, cent of corrections and apologies appear complainant”. 6.9 per cent intrusion into grief or shock, on the same page as, or further forward Of course, no sane person would and 3.4 per cent harassment. than, the original article, or in a correc- expect the PCC to do anything which The Review covers 2008 but was of tions column. The Review makes much of might cut off the lifeblood of its paymas- course written in 2009, not at all a good an adjudication which the News of the ters, but one really does wonder how year for the PCC with increasing numbers World had to publish in the wake of a many more judgements like this it is of those traduced by the press simply by- front-page story headed “Burrell: I Had going to take before politicians wake up passing its services and going straight to Sex with Diana”, about which Burrell to the fact that the PCC is a confidence the courts, high-profile witnesses queu- had not been consulted. The story also trick which long ago ceased to inspire the ing up to slag it off before the department ran on pages 4-7. However, the Review slightest confidence. of culture, media and sport select com- mittee enquiry into press standards, pri- vacy and libel, and the publication of the first part of an extremely critical report on its activities by the Media Standards Trust. Given that much of the criticism of the PCC is directed at its inability or unwill- ingness to stop newspapers prying into private lives in matters which are not remotely of public interest, it is perhaps unsurprising that the Review contains a “Special Report” on privacy. This points out that “anyone can now publish information online”, unhindered, except in the case of UK newspaper and magazine sites which now fall within the remit of the PCC, by the requirements of the PCC Code. In such circumstances, it argues, it would be meaningless to intro- duce privacy legislation, and to apply it only to newspapers would be anti-com- petitive. Self-regulation should thus con- tinue as its effectiveness is ensured by the

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Review Shafted launch Inspirational solidarity a great success

SHAFTED – THE editorial tone, after Robert Maxwell By Granville Williams MEDIA, THE acquired the paper in July 1984. The MINERS’ STRIKE broadcast media was equally biased The Shafted book launch in Leeds on 12 AND THE against the struggle, and coverage of March was very successful and packed out. AFTERMATH the central issues of the dispute, (the Since then we have sold the book at the Granville Williams ballot, violence, the return to work Barnsley event, organised by the Yorkshire (ed) movement, the personality of Arthur NUM, commemorating the deaths of two Campaign for Scargill) was framed in terms that miners, David Jones and Joe Green, in the Press and favoured the National Coal Board and 1984-85 strike; showings of Ken Loach’s Broadcasting the Government. Which Side Are You On? and other films with Freedom But an ethos of self-organisation mining themes at the Showroom in £9.99 developed to counteract the Sheffield; and a book launch at the Welsh increasingly vicious posture of the Assembly in Cardiff. On March 8 we also By Julio Etchart mainstream media. A collective effort sold the books at Maggie’s End, a play based by a group of alternative newspapers on the death of Margaret Thatcher at the he 1984-1985 miners’ strike was a and publishers from up and down the Shaw Theatre, London. defining moment in British country tried to tell the story from the You can buy copies of the book at: Tindustrial relations. Shafted, edited miners’ point of view. They included www.cpbf.org.uk/shafted by Yorkshire freelance Granville the Other Voice, the Brighton Voice, There are a number of other events Williams and published by the Durham Street Press and the Islington coming up around the book. It if you would Campaign for Press and Broadcasting Gutter Press among many others. like to organise a meeting and invite Freedom has been published to Publishers Leeds Postcards and Pluto someone to speak about the book contact commemorate the 25th anniversary of Press launched special edition the CPBF national office. the start of the strike. It bravely cartoons and cards that raised more explores the ways in which the media than £50,000 for the strike fund. MONDAY 11 MAY covered the strike and looks into the It was the Other Voice that set the LIVERPOOL devastating impact of the pit closure record straight on many issues, Writing On the Wall Festival programme on mining communities. showing John Harris’s picture of a Shafted: The Media and the Miner’s It analyses the pressures on mounted policeman clubbing Strike and Militant Liverpool journalists who reported the strike, photographer Lesley Boulton at On the 25th anniversary of the miners’ stike with accounts from prominent Orgreave and bringing attention to the of 1984 the CPBF, in association with WoW, reporters, among them Pete Lazenby BBC reversal of videotape to show presents a night of discussion on the role of of the Yorkshire Evening Post, Nick police cavalry charging in response to the media during the dispute, and of Jones of the BBC, and Paul Routledge miners throwing stones rather than Liverpool’s battle with the Tories during that of the Times. But the book also looks at what really happened – the direct year. the important contribution from the opposite. Speakers: Brian Reade, Daily Mirror alternative media and the coverage of Shafted reminds us that, in this post- columnist, broadcaster and writer; Nick the long conflict by freelance G20 world we live in, with the ghost of Jones, industrial correspondent during the photographers and filmmakers. mass unemployment taking its daily 1984-85 miners’ strike for BBC radio; It was the official line at the time toll, we can draw inspiration from the Peter Lazenby, industrial reporter for the that, by defeating the NUM, Thatcher resilience and strong solidarity ethic of Yorkshire Evening Post at the time of the crushed the trade union movement. the trade union movement of a strike; Granville Williams, editor of Shafted; Fortunately, this incisive title reminds generation ago, so that we can all face Paul Astbury, one of the 47 Liverpool us of many instances of strong together this uncertain times in hope Labour councillors surcharged and solidarity and cohesion in our and with dignity. removed from office following their organisations, a prime example being campaign against Government cuts. the refusal by all the Sun‘s chapels to www.julioetchart.com 7pm, The Casa, 29 Hope Street, Liverpool L1 run a front cover showing a cropped 9BQ Entrance £4/£2 picture of Arthur Scargill to appear as though he was giving a Hitler salute to THURSDAY 14 MAY illustrate the editor’s headline: “Mine SHEFFIELD Fuhrer”. The historic 15 May 1984 Morning Star Public Meeting edition instead ran a blank front page The Media, the Miners’ Strike and the stating that the tabloid “decided Lessons for Today reluctantly, to print the paper without Speakers: Granville Williams, Peter Lazenby it”. An early victory against the future 7pm, The Harlequin Pub, Nursery Street, Murdoch empire! Sheffield. S3 8GG (free parking in Aizlewood However, according to Williams: “The Mill after 6pm) cumulative impact of the propaganda assault on the miners by the SATURDAY 4 JULY overwhelming majority of the national SOUTH YORKSHIRE newspapers was to present to their South Yorkshire Festival, Wortley Hall readers, over several months, a near Sheffield distorted view of the strike.” Volunteers needed to help with a book stall Even the Mirror, originally noon-6pm and a public meeting on the PHOTO: ANY BOAG PHOTO: sympathetic to the miners, changed its Shafted editor Granville Williams Media and The Miners’ Strike to be held in the hall on the same day.

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From page one unattributable briefings by special tence: he did more than anyone else to Conservatives give an assurance that advisers. feed the despicable journalistic witch they will refrain in future from seeking Cameron has established a “democra- hunt to out Andrew Gilligan’s source to exploit unsubstantiated claims about cy task force” but no fresh commit- which ended in the tragic death of the personal and family life of politi- ments have been made. Given the fact weapons inspector Dr David Kelly and cians when it appears on political web- that he was a political adviser himself, the destabilising of the BBC. sites and when there is no other verifi- the Conservatives’ media-savvy leader If action had ever been taken on cation? is only too well aware how effective existing code of conduct – let alone on Can Cameron explain why the spin doctors can be in attacking, and the new stipulation forbidding the Conservatives have apparently aban- defending, either Government or “preparation or dissemination of inap- doned the party’s long-standing prom- Opposition. propriate information or personal ise to purge the burgeoning ranks of At the age of 25, Cameron cut his attacks” – then Campbell & Co would special advisers and change the law to political teeth preparing campaign have lost their jobs within weeks of force them to obey the civil service briefings for in the 1992 Blair taking office in 1997. code of conduct? general election. He was one of the In March, at a seminar organised by Perhaps Cameron should be remind- leading lights in a Tory brat pack that the Hansard Society, Draper acknowl- ed on the repeated undertakings given was mockingly dubbed “Patten’s pup- edged that Labour had a “massive gap” by his immediate predecessors – pies” because of their predilection for to fill because the Conservatives’ blog- Michael Howard, Iain Duncan Smith stunts endorsed by the then party chair- gers were dictating the online agenda. and William Hague – that an incoming man Chris Patten which were aimed at Political blogs acted as a catalyst for Tory administration would halve the destabilising Neil Kinnock. news about politicians and he thought current cadre of unelected advisers (74 The Conservatives won the 1992 Labour was missing a trick. He insisted at the latest count), curtail their powers election against expectations and it was he was not “some lunatic” setting out to and cut the taxpayers’ bill for spin. the Tories’ success in humiliating create a name for himself but a Labour Sir Gus O’Donnell, the cabinet secre- Kinnock which drove on Alastair activist who was in the “mainstream of tary, acted swiftly to implement the Campbell once he was appointed Tony the party” and whose site had already prime minister’s request that the code Blair’s press secretary in 1994. attracted comments from cabinet minis- of conduct should be strengthened. All In the long build-up to the 1997 elec- ters like and union special advisers would be required to tion Campbell and his acolytes ran a leaders such as Derek Simpson of Unite. sign an undertaking that they under- brutally efficient campaign which often Unless Labour established a com- stood the new guidance: if they were outsmarted even the most cunning foot- manding online presence, Draper feared caught “disseminating inappropriate in-the-door journalists. Once Blair was the party could lose out. He predicted material” they would automatically be elected, the Labour spin machine began that in the 30 days of the next general sacked. to slowly, but surely, fall apart. election campaign, there was every like- Previous cabinet secretaries have What more contemptuous compli- lihood that for “three or four days at issued similarly-worded warnings in ment could McBride have deserved least” the news would be dominated by the past but to no avail. Sir Gus than Campbell’s taunt that, on reading stories which started in the blogos- acknowledged his limitations when the offending Downing Street emails, he phere. His prediction could hardly have appearing before a select committee and had been “struck not just by their been more prescient: the McBride- when he all but admitted that he was unpleasantness, but also their incompe- Draper tale of shameful intrigue domi- powerless to stop the advance leaking tence”.Campbell can after all rest on his nated the news for four days, spanning of Government announcements through own laurels when it comes to compe- the entire Easter holiday. Free Press is edited by Julie-ann Davies on behalf of the National Council

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