Magazine of the Chartered Institute of Journalists Autumn 2014 TheJServingournal professional journalism since 1912 Court ruling “goes against spirit of justice”, says CIoJ he Chartered Institute of Journalists will normally release information to the “It is up to editors to decide which pre- (CIoJ) has criticised a decision by media if it’s been given in open court, trial details to publish, and accept the Tcourts in Scotland to withhold unless there are any unfair implications consequences if they get it wrong. It is details from journalists before cases start. for an individual. wrong of Lord Gill to introduce the hint of The Institute claims the ruling goes “Up to now, the unfairness test has only prior restraint. against long-standing principles of open been used when deciding whether to “The decision sets a dangerous precedent justice. release information on cases after they had in a democratic society.” The Scottish Lord Justice General, Brian finished some time ago.” The CIoJ also believes that the decision Gill, announced the decision in a circular Thomas added: “Lord Gill’s ruling goes goes against the spirit of transparency and to journalists last month. against the century-old common law rule accessibility for reporting set out in the In the past, journalists in Scotland of open justice, where justice must be 2012 Court of Appeal ruling involving the have been able to see complaints and seen to be done. It will hinder journalists’ Guardian and Westminster Magistrates Continued on page 3 indictments for note-taking purposes ability to cover court cases thoroughly and Court. before cases begin in court. accurately on behalf of the public. The court decided that journalists But Lord Gill reviewed the arrangements “We also do not believe it is acceptable covering court hearings should be able because of “significant concerns” about for Lord Gill to mention the risks of the to see case material to aid that coverage. revealing sensitive and personal data media breaching the Contempt of Court The ruling, however, does not apply to under the Data Protection Act (DPA) 1998. Act. This will create a chilling effect. Scotland. He said: “The current practice gives journalists an opportunity to attend and report on noteworthy cases. But it is now clear that the information being disclosed Institute sides with newspapers is excessive for this purpose.” The decision means journalists will be unable to report the charges faced by an over “post-Leveson paranoia” accused person, often at indictment level, ewspapers were right to blame post- occasion they largely achieved it courtesy before they reach court. Cases may be NLeveson paranoia for the initial of the police. missed entirely if they call in court with no refusal of the police to confirm that they “Is this really what the public want prior notice. were investigating Rolf Harris. or deserve? Do they want journalists CIoJ General Secretary, Dominic Cooper, fearful of putting allegations in the public Absurd said: “These actions are exactly what domain? Are they now happy that during CIoJ Scottish representative, Campbell we warned and feared would transpire this trial a further 12 alleged victims came Thomas, said: “It’s absurd that journalists in the wake of the Leveson Inquiry. The forward which means more cost to the are being prevented from seeing biggest losers in this instance could be the public purse.” information that is going to be made freely additional victims of a sexual predator. Harris was placed on police bail in available in court anyway. “Hacked Off and their acolytes have November 2012 after being interviewed “It has already been established under championed celebrity protection from the the DPA that in current cases, the clerk media and it would appear that on this Continued on page 3

- Have your say: - Save our Sources: - PPB elections: CIoJ AGM - Institute backs Help run the October 25. See the Press Gazette Institute’s back page for details campaign to protect Professional and emergency journalists sources. Practices Board. See resolution. See page 7. page 16 for details. Andy Smith Editor’s Comment Editor wo things are essential at the through the parish or town clerk. This has grass-roots level if we are to have a prompted the editor of the Northern Echo, Tfully-functioning democracy. One Peter Barron, to tell the website Hold the – which we in the Chartered Institute Front Page: “It is completely outrageous of Journalists know only too well – is a to suggest that people who are elected to strong, independent local press. The other represent local communities cannot speak is strong, independent local government. to a journalist – not even their local paper – Anyone who has gone through traditional without being stifled by red tape. Imagine journalism training will know the trying to get a comment on a local issue importance of these two institutions and and having to wait for a council meeting to equally will know that it is vital to have a approve permission for the relevant people Assistant Editor: Stuart Millson healthy interaction between them, based to say something on behalf of those who on openness and mutual respect and elected them.” Production Editor: Dominic Cooper understanding. He added: “The worry is that I’ve already For some time now there has been a come across councils here in the North-East steady erosion of the independence of which don’t like us talking to councillors local government in the UK, especially and say we should direct our questions In this issue: in England. The strings are increasingly to paid officers. We’ve politely told them pulled by central government – to the to get stuffed. Councils and governments Student Video Competition winners p.3 extent that local councils find themselves want to control the media and write their New film school to open p.4 unable to meet local needs unless they first own headlines. We must never let that comply with national diktats, even if this happen.” EU Snooper’s Charter p.5 means that the needs of local communities He is absolutely right, as my CIoJ Media regulation Finnish-style p.6 are disregarded entirely in what is colleague Amanda Brodie, chairman of our supposedly “the national interest”. At the Professional Practices Board, has pointed Save Our Sources p.7 same time there has been a failure of local out. Amanda called the NALC effort to government itself to assert its independence gag councillors “an outrageous attack on Award for freelance p.8 and to stand up for the rights and interests democracy” and said that the requirement Al Jazeera convictions p.9 of local communities. Councillors and to get written consent from the entire council officials at all levels – counties, council before even giving a simple quote Interview with Lord Inglewood p.10 cities, boroughs and districts, towns and to a reporter will make it impossible for parishes – are subject to growing criticism journalists to do their jobs properly. Any Regulatory body launched p.11 for failing to do their duty by the people organisation which spends public money Book Reviews pp.12-14 they supposedly represent. must be transparent in its dealings, and co- It falls, therefore, to the local press to operation with the press is a vital part of Obituaries pp.14-15 highlight the weaknesses of the present that process. These guidelines amount to a situation in local government. This task gagging order on councillors.” CIoJ AGM 2014 p.16 is not helped by the growing number of Parish and town councils are the bedrock council meetings held “in camera” and of local reporting, and councillors must be The views contained in The Journal are those of the decisions taken by local authority free to approach journalists with concerns the Editor and contributors and do not necessarily chief executives behind closed doors, they may have, without fear of being reflect the views or policy of the Chartered Institute citing “commercial confidentiality” or disciplined for doing so. I would urge of Journalists. All rights reserved. © CIoJ 2014 “political sensitivity”. Now we hear that members of the CIoJ who live in areas the National Association of Local Councils with parish or town councils to write to – which represents the lowest tier of local their local council clerk and ask for an government, the town and parish councils assurance that the council will not be – has issued “guidance” to its 8,500 member following the NALC’s “guidance” on press councils across the country to adopt a new relations, and that, on the contrary, they TheJournal “media policy” which effectively bars will be encouraging a healthy, open and ISSN 1361-7656 councillors from speaking to journalists honest relationship between councillors News or views intended for publication without written consent. and journalists. Local government and should be sent to: The NALC also urges councils to adopt local press need one another. And local rules banning journalists from contacting communities need both! The Chartered Institute of Journalists councillors directly, with all contact made Andy Smith 2 Dock Offices, Surrey Quays Road, London SE16 2XU E-mail: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)20 7252 1187 Fax: +44 (0)20 7232 2302 CIoJ Council Web: www.cioj.co.uk Twitter: @CIoJournalist Your Council members for 2013-15 are: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ pages/Chartered-Institute-of- Andy Smith Journalists/108017897514 The Ex Officio members of Council for Mark Croucher LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/ 2013-15 are: Janice Shillum Bhend groups/Chartered-Institute- Paul Leighton, President Journalists-63500 Keith Lockwood Norman Bartlett, Immediate Past President Karen Birch Amanda Brodie, Chairman, Professional Printed by Cool grey display & print Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 1444 474646 Ken Brookes Practices Board The Journal - Autumn 2014 edition Student Video Competition Phone hacking: Six more – Winners announced journalists cleared

ix more journalists have been Scleared in the ongoing investigation Competition into phone hacking at the News of finalists from the World. Among those cleared in left to right: July were Sun features editor Matt Dan Brown, Nixson (a former colleague of CIoJ James past President, the late Charlie Harris), Euinton, former News of the World showbiz Helen journalist Polly Graham, the Editor of Barker, The Sun’s weekend magazine, Rachel Nadine Forshaw, Richardson, and The Sun on Sunday Ellen features editor Jane Atkinson. Millard and CIoJ General Secretary Dominic Ben Hatton Cooper commented: “This has dragged on for well over a year and blighted tudents Ben Hatton and Ellen these six journalists, preventing them Millard have won first prize from getting on with their jobs and S in the European Student their lives. We congratulate them Video Competition with their for successfully coming through this documentary entitled “Land of horrendous ordeal and we wish them Opportunity”. well in their careers.” The two Winchester University students were joined by the other finalists for the European Parliament competition at a party in Europe Changing attitudes House in London on May 25. Land of Opportunity explored to learning what it is like for immigrants coming disabilities to the UK ahead of the highly Winners: Ellen Millard and Ben Hatton anticipated lifting of restrictions on roadcasters Jon Snow and Sian Bulgarian and Romanians. BLloyd are among those supporting The judging panel of professional interesting regional focus and the video a campaign to change the way journalists and producers commented that was “well set up visually, with an engaging people with learning disabilities are Ben and Ellen had made a “good selection down to earth voiceover”. represented in the media, and to tackle of immigrant workers with well told back Students from across Britain had the the increase in bullying, harassment stories.” They had also “provided a nice opportunity to submit a 3-5 minute video and hate crime. combination of press headlines with the capturing some aspect of the 40 years since The Foundation for People with vox pops” and “had bought the personal the UK joined the Common Market. Learning Disabilities has drawn up stories to life.” The Judges were the Press Association’s guidelines for broadcasters, and has Second prize was awarded to Nadine head of video content, Jim Grice; Professor made a short film in which people Forshaw whose work, Eastleigh, explored Tim Crook, Professor of Broadcast with learning disabilities talk about the impact of politicians and the media on Journalism at City of Birmingham how they feel they are represented and the attitudes of local residents in Eastleigh, University and a senior lecturer in media the simple changes they want to see Hampshire, towards the EU. law at Goldsmiths; Anna Averkiou, media made. Students Helen Barker, Dan Brown trainer and former producer and reporter Channel Four News presenter Jon and James Euinton won third prize with with the BBC, TV-am, CNN and MBC; and, Snow said:” We have come a long Coming to Boston. Judges said this had an Michael Green, a BAFTA award nominee. way as broadcasters in understanding and reporting disability. But the often unseen issues surrounding people Leveson paranoia with learning disabilities are still far from well reported by the media. This Continued from page 1 guide provides our much-needed under caution as part of Operation Yewtree, Although Harris’ name did appear on starting orders.” looking at all sexual abuse reports involving social media the press did not dare report it The charity is also asking the public celebrities in the wake of the Jimmy Savile until The Sun broke the pattern on 19 April to sign a petition calling on Ofcom allegations, but the police protected his 2013. to change the way people with name. Again, when Harris was formally Cooper added: “We do not want the learning disabilities are represented. arrested on 28 March 2013, police did not excellent job newspapers do, scrutinising To support the campaign and sign identify him - leaving journalists unable to the actions of the rich and powerful, blocked the petition, go to the website www. stand up the story. by legal and political power walls.” learningdisabilities.org.uk.

3 The Journal - Autumn 2014 edition Historic studios to inspire New “dating agency” brings new wave of film-makers journalists and landmark of the British film industry A will open its doors to professional and SMEs together aspiring film-makers later this year when the University of Lincoln launches the UK’s By Simon Mountford first university film school to be housed ritain’s five million small and within a fully functional commercial film Bmedium-sized enterprises (SMEs) studio. including one of Britain’s most recognisable are the drivers of our economy but The iconic Twickenham Studios first and respected broadcasters, Angela Rippon only a very few ever get picked opened to the world of film-making in 1913 OBE, the former Vice President of Warner up on journalists’ radar. This is a and since then it has played a pivotal role in Brothers Pictures, Rick Senat, and the double shame because journalists are providing facilities for some of the world’s Controller of Current Affairs and News missing some cracking stories and the most recognisable films; including Shirley Operations at ITV, Ian Squires. businesses themselves are not getting Valentine, Zulu, The Italian Job, and more Led by Brian Hall, Senior Lecturer in Film publicity which could help their recently, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Production at the University of Lincoln, and growth. and World War Z. It is the only facility of its Maria Walker, Chief Operating Officer at Now a new web-based service has kind in London that caters for the needs of Twickenham Studios, the School will offer been set up to rectify the situation. both production and post-production. an intensive 20-week Practical Film Making Called Journolink, the service is the With its remarkable 100-year heritage, the course together with a series of short brainchild of a former senior RBS studio now acts as an outreach base for the courses in specialist skills. The courses will banker, Peter Ibbetson. School of Media at the University of Lincoln, incorporate a series of expert master classes He explains: “During the recession, which in September this year will launch the delivered by industry professionals across we constantly heard cries from Lincoln Film School at Twickenham. This a diverse array of topics, from directing and journalists for good, successful SME will offer industry-leading programmes of editing, to cinematography and set design. case studies, but very few were ever study for film makers, media professionals At Twickenham, students will also benefit reported because, quite simply, smaller and recent graduates. from direct access to work experience and businesses tend not to use PR and so The Lincoln Film School at Twickenham networking opportunities with leading have no effective way of engaging with will be steered by an expert advisory board, lights of the global film industry. the media.” Peter describes Journolink as a kind of dating agency that brings together smaller businesses with those One law for the medical journalists that write about SMEs. The user-friendly service is totally free for journalists and is very low- profession, another for the media cost for businesses, which get what By Amanda Brodie something that’s happened to the media is effectively their own online PR he Daily Telegraph reported recently then. agency. Tthat dozens of doctors accused of serious If the urgent action around the Medical Businesses input their own profile malpractice have escaped disciplinary Act, which Mr Barclay is calling for, does and contact details, telling the system hearings by taking early retirement. happen, will anyone be insisting this be the sector they are in and where they Conservative MP Stephen Barclay says carried out by people totally independent are located. They then write a press he has obtained figures showing that 39 of the medical profession? No? So it’s just release on their own home page, using doctors have removed themselves from the media who are accused of marking their a simple template and Journolink sends the medical register in the past three years, own homework then. it to those journalists with matching instead of facing investigations into their For whilst there is an apparent failure in locations and interests. fitness to practise. the disciplinary system relating to doctors, The benefits to busy journalists are Mr Barclay says that families who had lost who hold our lives in their hands, it is the obvious. Not only do they receive loved ones were suffering further injustice media which has been subjected to a witch- content that is relevant, posted in their because those responsible were not held to hunt of staggering proportions. Journolink inbox, but they can also account. He is quoted as saying: “There is a More than 60 journalists have been arrested search all previously posted releases - systemic failure in the disciplinary process since the phone-hacking saga erupted in as well as all the profiles – by keywords. that applies to doctors.” 2011, many of them dragged from their This enables them to access content Mr Barclay makes some good points – but beds in dawn raids and handcuffed in front and find suitable spokespeople. do I hear a chorus of disapproval about the of their families, like terrorists. Several were Additionally, if they want an answer General Medical Council (GMC) along the left on bail with charges hanging over them to a specific question, they can just send lines of it not being fit for purpose and that for up to two years, only for the charges to the question to Journolink’s business it should be shut down? No? So that would be dropped. The effect on their careers and clients. be just reserved for the now defunct Press families can only be imagined. Several hundred SMEs have already Complaints Commission then. And it will be interesting to see whether signed up to the new service, which And have fellow doctors and medical the medical profession will become the is continuing to grow week by week. academics formed pressure groups to subject of a lengthy and very costly tax- Businesses using the site range from lambast their own profession, and call for payer funded public inquiry into the ethics manufacturers to a top-level stuntman tighter regulation, due to the behaviour of a and practices of doctors. I won’t be holding and developers of ground-breaking few individuals? No? So that would be just my breath. technology.

4 The Journal - Autumn 2014 edition European Court rules on EU “Snooper’s Charter”

By John Szemerey Brussels directive on data collection states to retain data about all people’s has been ruled illegal and invalid telephone calls and internet use, including Emergency law rushed A by the European Court of Justice. all e-mails, in the fight against criminality through Parliament This means any decisions made in the UK and terrorism. The Court has ruled that it or any EU country based on the directive is unacceptable and disproportionate for inisters have been catapulted cannot stand, and Home Secretary Theresa the authorities to retain such data on the Minto action by the European May will have to rethink her plans to put whole population of Europe. However Court’s decision. In July, David the law on the statute book in Britain. it agrees that in specific cases, where it Cameron announced emergency The European Court has ruled that the is suspected that crime or terrorism is legislation to enable the Government Data Retention Directive of 2006, which involved, the authorities may collect such to continue secret surveillance of requires telecommunications companies data, subject to permission being granted mobile phone calls, e-mails and other and public communications networks by a court. forms of electronic communication. to store data about all their customers’ These powers were “essential” to the communications for a minimum of six Fundamental fight against terrorism and organised months and a maximum of two years, is in The European Commission is now crime, the Prime Minister said. conflict with people’s right to privacy. drafting a new law on data protection in The Emergency Data Retention The ruling results from challenges light of the Court’s decision. It says that Bill was agreed in advance by the to the EU law in Ireland and Austria. there has to be a proper balance between leaders of the three main parties in Digital Rights Ireland, a human rights security and fundamental rights. Parliament – which implies that it pressure-group, and The British has been carefully drafted to conform the Government of the government has to the ruling of the European Court. Province of Carinthia, The European Court has reacted negatively If not, the UK courts – executing the Austria, and 11,130 to the ruling. While European ruling – would rule it illegal ruled that the Data Retention individuals have it says it is carefully and invalid. brought legal cases Directive of 2006, which requires considering the Home Secretary Theresa May challenging the validity telecommunications companies and ruling’s implications, introduced the Bill in the House of of the directive. public communications networks to a spokesman has said Commons on July 15. The six-clause As there was store data about all their customers’ that the retention Bill went through all its stages in no established communications for a minimum of of communications the Commons within a day. It was jurisprudence on six months and a maximum of two data is “absolutely expected to go through the House of the validity of the years, is in conflict with people’s fundamental” Lords the following two days so that European law, the right to privacy. in allowing law it could be on the Statute Book by the High Court of Ireland enforcement authorities end of the week. and the Austrian to investigate crime Labour MP Tom Watson criticised Constitutional Court and ensure national the rushed three-day legislative asked the EU’s highest court, the European security. “We cannot be in a position where procedure as “a stitch up”. Members Court of Justice, for guidance. Its ruling service providers are unable to retain this of the public would not have had a states unequivocally that the people’s right data,” said the spokesman. chance to read the Bill, let alone lobby to privacy takes precedence over any law However, the pressure-group Privacy their MPs about it, and the bill would requesting the authorities or their agents International has a different view: “As not have been properly debated in to keep a record of people’s internet data the Court states, it is not, and never Parliament, he said. However, David and telephone calls. The Data Retention was, proportional to spy on the entire Cameron was determined to push the Directive therefore became invalid from population of Europe. The types of legislation through. “It is the first duty the moment it came into effect in 2006. data retained under this hastily enacted of government to protect our national directive are incredibly revealing about security and act quickly when that Mass surveillance our lives, including our daily activities security is compromised”, he said. The ruling not only demolishes and whom we have relationships with. communications data surveillance laws It is right and overdue that this terrible across Europe but sets a precedent for the directive was struck down.” rest of the world. While the ruling does The original cases are a direct result of not apply in the United States, if the mass the work of US whistleblower Edward Don’t forget Snowden, who had alerted by public to surveillance programmes operated by the You will find many of the CIoJ’s US and UK governments is challenged in the fact that the authorities in the US and a US court, the court will have to consider UK collected information on people’s forms, leaflets and guides seriously the decision and arguments of telecommunications without any legal available as downloads on the the European Court. authorisation, and that they frequently members’ area of the Institute’s The directive was agreed by the EU’s shared the information available to website, www.cioj.co.uk. legislative authorities to force member authorities in the other country.

5 The Journal - Autumn 2014 edition Finland “a good example Newspaperman’s new novels of regulation” eteran newspaperman George Wilkie Vis striking new ground. The 72-year- As our media organisations shape up for the final showdown old journalist is about to press the button in the press regulation battle, Finland is trumpeting its enviable on not only one thriller but a trilogy. The books are titled “The Crumbling Fist.” record on press freedom, yet appears to have achieved this Wilkie who was previously Pictures without compromising on ethics. Editor of the Herald and Evening Times in Glasgow, a well-known photographer Amanda Brodie, chairman of the and latterly lectured at the City of Institute’s Professional Practices Board, Glasgow College took to writing fiction went to a seminar in London to find out when he retired two years ago. more... He told the Journal: “Previously I had inland has been given the accolade published as a co-author, factual works of having the world’s freest press. through Mainstream. This time my F(2014 World Press Freedom Index) thrillers will be put directly onto the e- Media professionals from abroad and the book system. I have been at the cutting UK gathered at the Finnish Embassy this edge of technology all my professional summer to find out how the business model life so I am quite excited by the worldwide has worked for them. reach of this medium.” Ambassador Mr H E Pekka Huhtaniemi “The Crumbling Fist” books trace the told delegates: “In Finland, self-regulation life of a boy from a Midlothian mining has not turned into self-censorship.” Risto Uimonen, Chairperson, Mass Media village who eventually becomes the first This was an important theme, picked up Council for Finland Scottish pope - but a pope with a secret, a by the keynote speaker, Risto Uimonen, killing he was involved in when 12 years who chairs the Mass Media Council (MMC) that the regulatory body is not independent old and the past comes back to haunt for Finland, the equivalent of IPSO). He told enough of the press. him. They will be available from Amazon the meeting that their system of regulation Mr Uimonen said: ”You think here that the Kindle later this month and free to read. works because it is established by publishers majority [on the board] must be outsiders, The trilogy will be followed up in and journalists working together: “It is very but when you look at the figures, which has December with a spy novel called important that journalists are represented,” got the better record, Finland or the UK? “Celluloid Mirrors.” he said. “Our system is self-regulation and not “This book is about intelligence agents This is a point which the CIoJ made something that is forced by law. Self- recruited from Scottish newspapers to spy recently when PPB member Campbell regulation must be based on a voluntary on their own colleagues in the 1960s and Thomas met with the new chair of IPSO, Sir approach. 70s. This Glasgow journalist eventually Alan Moses, and one the Institute has been “It is very important for the self-regulatory becomes a full time spy and it follows making for some time. system to be effective, that it is respected by his career up to the present day. It also Mr Uimonen says membership of the all the journalists – so the majority on the has a parallel plot of love and vengeance. MMC is voluntary but 95% of Finnish council must belong to representatives of Like most tales it is based on fact but media groups - including press, radio, TV the media.” fictionalised to shield the identities of and news agencies - sign up to it and abide He adds a word of caution: “It is important those journalists.” by its rules. for the media to keep their front and back Naming and shaming is its main tool in yards clean, otherwise someone else will the box, there is no financial punishment for come and do the cleansing.” NEW APPOINTMENTS a breach of the guidelines, but the MMC’s So can we say Finland has found the Holy ruling must be published in full on the Grail of balancing press freedom against UCAS offending media’s website. Less than 40% effective regulation? achel Johnson is the new Head of complaints are upheld and it receives on Certainly there are good things about Rof Careers at UCAS Media, the average just one complaint a day, compared their regulatory system which we should marketing communications arm of with thousands for the UK. aspire to. But the Finns admit that their UCAS, the university admissions service. If a case is going anywhere near a court press is not nearly so willing to push the The senior role has been created to give then the MMC will have nothing to do with boundaries as ours has always been. It is employers more opportunities to engage it – the law is kept entirely separate from easier to regulate a group which is already with students at different stages, from 16 the regulatory body. It also only deals with quiescent. year olds to graduates. organisations, not with individuals. One thing is for sure, it is to our shame Rachel Johnson said: “UCAS Media is It is financed by media organisations, the that while Finland galloped in first in the perfectly positioned to help companies ministry of justice and journalist unions – free press stakes, the UK trotted home at start conversations with students, at there is no political funding. It has an open a lame 33rd. And it could get a lot worse times when crucial career choices are application process for membership to its if pressure groups like Hacked Off and being made. The strong foundation of the board – anyone can apply but within that various media academics have their way. UCAS brand, our digital offering and face- there are quotas for the media on the basis The last word on the subject, as far as I to-face events give our clients brilliant of eight media to five public, and the chair am concerned, goes to Mr Uimonen: “Any opportunities to get their messages has the casting vote. charter or ethics code must be written across to young people. I look forward Crucially, the media are in the majority, by journalists – otherwise it is not self- to leading the team as we develop our and unlike some taunts from UK pressure regulation, it is regulation from outside the careers proposition for employers over groups, there are no protests in Finland industry.” the coming months.”

6 The Journal - Autumn 2014 edition Why did you join the Institute? Why do people join trades unions, or professional organisations - or combinations of the two like our own Institute or the Royal College of Nursing.?

he explanations people offer used for payment by newspapers and magazines The job of defending the profession became to focus on “solidarity” with others which seem to think that if they spin out non- a little harder when our “colleagues” in the Tin the same business and as a form payment long enough, freelances will lose NUJ capitulated and supported Leveson’s of insurance against facing redundancy, heart and give up asking for their rightful recommendations for press regulation dramatic changes in their job description, fee. underpinned by state legislation. However, or to defend themselves against oppressive Some years ago, when my reputation our recent recruitment of former NUJ managements. as a journalist was defamed by the very members suggests that many of them did not Other members cite the benefits of publication for which I had written a weekly appreciate that union’s failure to defend them ‘networking’, comparing experiences and column for more than four years, the Institute and the profession as a whole. problems with other like-minded people as pursued the guilty party all the way to the Members of Council and our Professional what attracted them to join. law courts in London. Practices Board have lobbied and continue I always told prospective members that we Throughout six long months of stressful to lobby for a more enlightened attitude held better “parties” and public events than claim and counter-claim, our officers gave me from Government to the press, and in the “the other lot” Indeed, alongside the serious all the support I could wish – with a public meantime, we’ve given qualified support work of the Institute we have always sought apology finally conceded by the publishers to the newspaper publishers’ approach to to arrange a decent social calendar, including and read in the High Court! independent regulation as easily “the lesser our famous “Race Days” at Ripon, lively A vital part of the Institute’s activities has of two evils”. It’s not perfect – working social events at Conferences and the dinners been, and, increasingly, will be, arguing the journalists are not properly represented and receptions organised by Freelance or case for journalists and journalism in the on the panel– but it’s better than the state Broadcasting Divisions. public domain. As disgruntled so-called alternative. However in these straitened times, I suspect celebrities and self-interested politicians Whatever your motivation for joining the that more and more of our recruits join us as continue their efforts to undermine the Chartered Institute may have been, I hope a “protection policy” in the face of cut-backs, traditional press freedom which underpins you feel we are justifying your decision and redeployment and worse. our democracy, the need for a strong, will encourage colleagues to join us. And, It’s certainly true that the Institute has influential voice for journalism has never been if there are any other issues you think we a proud record of defending individual greater. Investigative journalists now have to should be addressing, I hope you will contact members who find themselves in difficulty. operate in the toxic and stifling atmosphere us. The General Secretary Dominic Cooper Many have good reason to be grateful to the engendered by the Leveson Inquiry. and I are only an e-mail away and I know that General Secretary and his predecessors at The vast majority of honest, accurate and any of the members of our ruling Council are Head office for the support they’ve received decent journalists have been punished for always ready to discuss your concerns. at Industrial Tribunals, with legal disputes, the “sins” of the very few. “Sins”, which in and in conflict with publishers reluctant to any event, should have been dealt with by the Paul Leighton, President pay up! Too many freelances are kept waiting existing laws of the land. Save our sources

he CIoJ has pledged its support for the (d) for the purpose, in circumstances TPress Gazette’s petition on protection of appearing to the Secretary of State journalists’ sources. to be equivalent to those in which The petition comes in the wake of he would issue a warrant by virtue criticism after police used the Regulation of of paragraph (b), of giving effect to Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) to secure the provisions of any international mutual assistance agreement.” details of calls to and from journalists during the Plebgate affair. However, Despite the above requirements, no RIPA warrants may only be granted in the prosecutions were brought against any “It is shocking that police are allowed to following circumstances: individual. Instead, the only actions secured smash the protection of journalists’ source “(3) Subject to the following provisions was the dismissal of four police officers. rights in this way. It is clearly a gaping of this section, a warrant is necessary on More than 500,000 RIPA authorisations hole in the law. PACE regulations are the grounds falling within this subsection will be given this year. So far the police most appropriate means by which to access if it is necessary— have refused to confirm how many of their journalistic material, where a production (a) in the interests of national requests have involved journalists. order would have to go before a judge. security; “It is vital that all journalists get behind “The police need to immediately justify this campaign,” said Paul Leighton, their actions in regard to Mr Newton Dunn’s (b) for the purpose of preventing or detecting serious crime; CIoJ President, “because the protection information, and then give full details of of sources goes right to the heart of our how many times they have used RIPA to (c) for the purpose of safeguarding work. If we cannot protect those who come circumvent the rules regarding protected the economic well-being of the forward with information we will rapidly journalists’ material. If they can’t, or won’t, United Kingdom; or see a decline in willing informants. there is clearly something to hide.”

7 The Journal - Autumn 2014 edition International Public expect TV award for freelance journalist Louisa Reynolds election debates he International Women’s TMedia Foundation has named Louisa Reynolds as this year’s IWMF he House of Lords Communications consider the balance of gender and ethnic Elizabeth Neuffer Fellow. Committee has heard resounding diversity among the moderators. Reynolds, a British freelance Tevidence that the majority of the journalist based in Guatemala, is public positively expect that the televised Public interest the tenth recipient of the annual debates first held in 2010 will happen again Former Committee Chairman Lord fellowship, which gives a woman before next year’s general election. Inglewood said: “We only have a year to go journalist the opportunity to develop In the midst of speculation about the before the next general election and already expertise while focusing on human permutations of the imminent campaign, there is much discussion underway, both in rights journalism and social justice TV debates are proving to be central to the media and between the broadcasters, issues. the build-up. Who will be on the podium? about whether the debates will happen “I strongly believe that journalism How many debates will there be? Who again in 2015, even given their success in can act as a powerful instrument for will benefit? The committee’s report begins 2010. change by highlighting injustice and with the concern that political jockeying “What has been made very clear to us is also by finding stories that prove that over the answers to these questions risks a that most people would be interested in a transformation is possible,” says return to the historical pattern of failure to the debates happening again, and we hope Reynolds, who contributes regularly reach agreement and failure, as a result, to that this report will help to show that and a wide range of Latin American and ensure the debates reach our screens. The in doing so make it harder for any reluctant international publications. Lords committee argue that this would be party leaders and their strategists to Beginning in September, Reynolds regrettable in light of powerful evidence withdraw from participating in something will spend the seven-month fellowship that the public expects the debates to which the public expects to happen and as a research associate in residence happen again and research showing the which in a number of ways can be seen to at the Massachusetts Institute of ways in which the debates served the public have been in the public interest. Technology’s Center for International interest: helping to energise and engage the “However, there is a great deal of Studies. She will also complete public in the electoral process, with the most speculation around at the moment about internships at The Boston Globe and striking impact on the young and relatively who should be allowed to participate in The New York Times. disengaged. the debates; sometimes pretty ill-informed about the answer to that question. Under Courageous Speculation the current arrangements, a whole series of Ellen Clegg, president of the The committee’s report also sets out the legal and regulatory safeguards and rules Boston Globe Foundation and Globe ways in which speculation over the question are in place to ensure that all political parties spokeswoman, explains: “Each Neuffer of participation in the debates is sometimes are given due weight and coverage by the fellow embodies the core principles misinformed. A proper understanding broadcasters during an election period. And that our beloved colleague, Elizabeth of the legal and regulatory framework this doesn’t just mean the debates, but the Neuffer, held dear: courageous around broadcast content is important in whole patchwork of coverage relating to journalism, boundless curiosity, and answering some of the perennial—though the election, of which the debates are just a a burning desire to shine a light on not necessarily warranted—questions part. injustice. Ten years out, we’re proud to which have been raised about the propriety “Suggestions have been made for the see how the fellows have made their of broadcasters’ judgements over who can establishment of an independent body to mark on the world.” participate. The committee argues that “a oversee the organisation and arrangement of The fellowship is named after proper understanding of this framework debates, but we see no need for that; the rules Elizabeth Neuffer, a Boston Globe also makes it clear why the case made for that already exist make this unnecessary, if reporter and the winner of the 1998 certain proposals, such as the introduction not a rather insubstantial idea. IWMF Courage in Journalism Award, of an independent debates commission on “But we do think that the broadcasters who was killed while on assignment the US model, is in fact insubstantial.” could collectively do more to inform voters in Iraq in 2003. Neuffer’s life mission Finally, the committee proposes a number and encourage the public to be interested in was to promote international of evolutionary reforms to the production of the issues and the process. We already know understanding of human rights and the debates under the continuing editorial that 87% of 18-24 year olds – traditionally social justice. stewardship of the broadcasters. Should the demographic most likely to experience Founded in 1990 by a group of they take place again in 2015 and beyond, voter apathy – said that the debates led to prominent women journalists in the broadcasters should collectively make them discussing the election and relevant the United States, the International more of the opportunity to inform voters issues with their peers. Women’s Media Foundation is and to encourage the public to be interested “This is exactly what we need to capitalise based in Washington DC and is in the electoral process; they should adopt a on and why, although we emphatically do dedicated to strengthening the role clearer, better communicated set of processes not want to interfere in any way with the of women journalists worldwide. The and principles during their organisation; editorial independence of the broadcasters, Foundation celebrates the courage they should establish an online portal or we believe our report is timely in order to of women journalists who overcome hub for the debates to ensure their easy provide food for thought in considering threats and oppression to speak out on discoverability alongside other election how to build on the success that last times’ global issues. For further information, resources; and they should make sure they debates undoubtedly achieved.” visit the website www.iwmf.org.

8 The Journal - Autumn 2014 edition Al Jazeera convictions: “A dark day for media freedom” he conviction on June 23 of three confirm whether Al Jazeera journalists had incapable of conducting an impartial and Al Jazeera journalists accused of doctored images or carried unauthorised fair trial when it comes to those perceived T“falsifying news” and supporting equipment. to support the former president. Instead of the banned Muslim Brotherhood has “The verdict provides further evidence that locking up journalists and others perceived been described as “a dark day for media Egyptian authorities will stop at nothing in to pose a threat, the authorities should freedom” by the human-rights charity the ruthless campaign to crush anyone who focus their efforts on conducting credible Amnesty International. challenges the official narrative, regardless investigations into abuses by the security The three journalists – Australian Peter of how questionable the evidence against forces,” said Philip Luther. Greste, Canadian-Egyptian Mohamed them is,” said Philip Luther. Twenty people were tried in the case, 11 Fahmy and Egyptian Baher Mohamed, all It’s not just journalists who are at risk. in absentia. Those in court included five considered by Amnesty to be prisoners Thousands have been locked up over the Egyptian students arrested on 31 December of conscience – were sentenced to seven past year as part of a sweeping crackdown 2013 in Cairo and Nasr City. Nine of the years in jail. Baher Mohamed received a on dissent, with mass death sentences defendants are Al Jazeera staff, according to further three years on a separate charge of handed down to supporters of former the network. Dutch journalist Rena Netjes possessing a bullet shell. They have been President Mohamed Morsi. does not work for Al Jazeera and left Egypt detained since December 29 last year. “The Egyptian judiciary has proved time after she discovered she would face trial. “This is a devastating verdict for the men and time again that it is either unwilling or The remainder are Egyptians. and their families, and a dark day for media freedom in Egypt, when journalists are being locked up and branded as criminals or terrorists simply for doing their job”, said Aiding broadcasters in Philip Luther, Director of the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International. “The only reason these three men are in jail typhoon-hit Philippines is because the Egyptian authorities don’t like what they have to say. They are prisoners nternational media covering the Media operations were based in one of the of conscience and must be immediately and Idevastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan hardest-hit cities, Tacloban, a conurbation unconditionally released. In Egypt today in the Philippines have turned to UK-based of 220,000 people which was laid waste by anyone who dares to challenge the state’s security consultants Pilgrims Group for the typhoon, its basic infrastructure and narrative is considered a legitimate target.” advice and logistical assistance. communications systems entirely out of Out of six others on trial alongside the Al It is taking months for coastal communities action. Jazeera journalists, two were acquitted and in the central Philippines to re-establish Chinese TV had a team of up to ten four were sentenced to seven years. themselves in the wake of the typhoon, people who needed to be fed, sheltered and The court also sentenced a number of and a number of charities and aid agencies protected as they went about their work. other journalists to 10-year sentences in are still working tirelessly to help local “We set up a logistics base in Manila, absentia, including British journalists Sue communities in the area - but life is slowly providing vehicles, drivers, medical Turton and Dominic Kane and the Dutch returning to normal in these strife-torn supplies, fresh water and food,” says journalist Rena Netjes. islands. But ‘normality’ must have seemed Dan Still. “Acting on advice from our a long way off when teams from Pilgrims local consultant, we found the Chinese “A complete sham” Groups arrived on the scene to support broadcasters a safe house, provided them A trial observer from Amnesty media organisations in the region in the with close protection and provided advice International recorded several irregularities immediate aftermath of the typhoon. on risk and a measured necessary response. and examples of complete ineptitude during The tropical cyclone, known in the The main risk was civil unrest. The the proceedings. In 12 court sessions, the Philippines as Yolanda, killed an estimated population were clearly in a tragic situation, prosecution failed to produce a single shred 6,200 people and hit the country’s regions going without food and shelter. of solid evidence linking the journalists to a of Samar and Leyte especially hard. Chinese “There was also the risk of aid convoys terrorism organization or proving they had television called Pilgrims within 48 hours of being attacked. These dangers diminished “falsified” news footage. the typhoon making landfall. The disaster over the weeks we were there. They covered “The trial was a complete sham. was of particular interest to Chinese viewers the situation longer than most broadcasters Consigning these men to years in prison because the Philippines is home to one of as China was playing a major role in the after such a farcical spectacle is a travesty of the largest Chinese communities in South relief effort.” justice,” said Philip Luther. East Asia and the two countries have close As international relief arrived, the Prosecutors obstructed the defendants’ links. situation on the ground steadily improved right to review and challenge the evidence “Within two hours of receiving the call we and the teams from Pilgrims were able to presented against them. The prosecution had consultants flying from the UK and New move their logistics base to Tacloban itself. also appeared unprepared and disorganised, Zealand,” says Dan Still, Senior Operations After 21 days, the situation was deemed safe often presenting irrelevant evidence. Officer. “Chinese TV were relying on us to enough for broadcasters to operate without Key witnesses for the prosecution also support them logistically and medically, so the assistance of Pilgrims Group. appeared to contradict their own written our team needed experience in setting up a For more information on the Surrey-based testimony. Technical experts admitted on logistics base and administering medicines company’s work for media organisations, cross-examination that they were unable to in remote areas.” go to www.pilgrimsgroup.com.

9 The Journal - Autumn 2014 edition Interview with Lord Inglewood Lord Inglewood is former Chairman of the House of Lords Select Committee on Communications. In this role he has dealt with many media-related issues. Amanda Brodie, chairman of the Institute’s Professional Practices Board, interviewed him at the House of Lords recently and asked him about his work and his views on press regulation.

Tell me about your work on the back slightly from the fray and try to take a Communications committee – what would wider steer on a topic. The Commons tends you do in a typical week? to focus on narrower topics and can be very “When Parliament is sitting, the committee frenetic. This difference is reflected in the meets on Tuesday afternoons. As chairman kind of work we do.” you have to help prepare the papers at the beginning of the process and work with the Is the purpose of the Upper House mainly clerks on the timetable and agenda for the as a debating chamber, or do you see it as next meeting. After that there is a wash- having a real effect on legislation? up session and general admin work. I also “The Government has to reply to our speak at conferences and give interviews.” reports and then we have a debate on it here. If we are still angry with their point What do you see as the main purpose of of view, we can produce a follow-up report. the Communications Committee and what If we say things that are incompatible with is your role within it? their policy, they will say they don’t like it, Lord Inglewood “The committee’s purpose is to focus on but if you watch what happens in the next media and creative industries. Our remit couple of years, you often see a shift in their involves informing those involved in this direction.” work and be seen to work. If it is complete sector – what is going on in Parliament self-regulation according to rules set by has a big impact on the You have been chairman the media, then the outside world will be way these industries of this committee since anxious about it.” conduct themselves. It 2011 – what would you is important when you The PCC did not work as well as consider your greatest Last October you put out a press release are considering things it should have done so we must achievement in that stating that the debate around the Royal that are or may be going replace it. But it is of over-riding time? Charter “bypassed Parliament and is wrong, that there is a importance that the State does not “I think that would be undemocratic”. You called for a full debate dialogue. regulate the Press...we should put saving the committee, in the Commons but you did not get it. Did “My role as chairman the onus on the media and then because it was in danger the Government ever respond to you and if is firstly to be a servant leave the judiciary to decide if of being shut down. so what were their reasons for refusal? of the committee. One’s they have adhered to it. People felt there wasn’t “They said because there had been a own political prejudices anything of sufficient discussion on the principle of a charter, that should be put on one side, value in it. But I shifted was sufficient, but I didn’t think it was. We although they obviously the emphasis away raised the point privately too, but at the affect your opinions. I have never had any from traditional media to new media end of the day they can steam-roller things. problems with any of the conclusions the and technology and the communication Timing is important in politics.” committee has reached. When we write challenges they bring.” a report it is the report not of individuals Do you think the Royal Charter is dead but of the committee as a whole. There is a What are your views generally on press in the water now that most of the industry surprising degree of general concensus and regulation and do you agree with statutory refuses to sign up to it? not a huge disagreement between political regulation of the Press? “In the long-term I would like to see a perspectives. “What we have seen is a series of criminal seamless system worked out. There is a lot “Having a less confrontational approach acts and some journalistic activity which of discussion about the differences between is a good thing, but there is a risk with has gone beyond the rules of responsible the two systems [of regulation] but they are concensus politics that you are so busy journalism, which you can’t just pretend not that far apart and I am sure you can find finding the common ground that you lose hasn’t occurred. You have to find a way of ways of bringing them together.” your intellectual edge – but I don’t see any encouraging good behaviour and providing evidence of that happening here.” for appropriate redress where this has not Do you think it was right that former happened. The PCC did not work as well as Culture Secretary Maria Miller drew up Can the Communications Committee offer it should have done so we must replace it. the Royal Charter with pressure groups a different perspective than its counterpart But it is of over-riding importance that the like Hacked Off present, but without in the House of Commons, the Culture State does not regulate the Press. any members of the press industry being Media and Sport Committee? “Instead of recognition bodies we should represented? “We differ from the House of Commons put the onus on the media and then leave “I think she should have drawn up in that we are not so aggressive or the judiciary to decide if they have adhered the charter herself and then received adversarial, but that doesn’t mean there to it. We can avoid a charter by going down representations from all sides, and not are not disagreements. We do tend to stand the judiciary route but it must be fair and drawn it up in cahoots with anyone.

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Pressure groups do tend to over-state their You told a debate in the House in 2012: “It case – people should be sceptical of the all boils down to a lack of confidence and The role of the claims that lobbyists and others make.” trust... no amount of changing the regulatory architecture will help by itself, unless that Communications Do you think the IPSO (Independent trust and confidence is restored.” But how Press Standards Organisation) plans for do we restore trust and confidence in the Committee regulation are adequate to allay public industry without undermining the freedom The House of Lords Select Committee concerns over the behaviour of the press? of the press? on Communications was set up in 2007 to “We will have to wait and see. For it to “As the quote says, ‘by their deeds we shall look at a broad range of communications succeed, it is very important that everybody know them.’ It is the way people behave and broadcasting public policy issues buys into it and that it is seen to work. If this that restores confidence. Good behaviour and to highlight areas of concern to happens, we may find that the requirement up front should be embedded in the wider Parliament and the public. for an alternative system of regulation falls regulatory system. But we do want to avoid Its first chairman was Lord Fowler, away.” statutory regulation. The Government can’t and many of its initial members served impinge on the press’ ability to be free and on a one-off committee set up in 2005 Do you think the Leveson inquiry was fearless in what it does.” to look at the BBC Charter Review, necessary? out of which the Select Committee “The inquiry was necessary – there were The local press were exonerated by on Communications was born. The a lot of things that we didn’t know about Lord Justice Leveson. Do you think they committee is constituted on a cross-party that had a bearing on the topic. But whether have been unfairly caught up in the press basis and investigates public policy areas the precise terms of reference were the right regulation feeding-frenzy? Should they be related to the media, communications ones, is open to question. treated differently from and the creative industries. For example, the question the national papers and if The committee decides itself which of media plurality was not “As the quote says, ‘by their so how? subjects to investigate and takes both dealt with. deeds we shall know them.’ “In general the local written evidence and oral evidence in “The interesting thing It is the way people behave press stands up to scrutiny public from individuals, academics, about it [the inquiry] was that restores confidence. Good – the problems have not businesses, think-tanks and government the relationship between behaviour up front should been in that sector. They ministers in order to gather material politicians and media be embedded in the wider don’t deserve to get before then producing a report. The moguls and the influence caught up in additional Government have to respond to a report regulatory system. But we on journalism as a whole. regulation in general, but by the committee within two months of its “The criminal act do want to avoid statutory it is inevitable because publication. A debate in the Chamber of devolves from a flawed regulation. The Government they look the same to the House of Lords often then follows. ethic. If you have standards can’t impinge on the press’s people outside. In recent years, the committee has in journalism, the first one ability to be free and fearless in “The basic rules are the produced reports on the governance is you don’t break the law what it does.” same but the responses of the BBC, the future of investigative of the land except where may be different. This is journalism and media convergence and there is public interest the kind of area where you plurality. – the courts can decide this but it is also a need some discretion. It is like sentencing matter of conscience.” people for crimes; you can’t have mandatory Lord Inglewood, the former Chairman rules, you have to have flexibility within the of the Committee, is a Conservative who How do you feel that the phone-hacking system. It has to be reasonable [for the local joined the Lords in 1989. He is chairman saga, and all that has followed on from it press] or they won’t sign up to it.” and non-executive director of media in the last three years, has changed the UK group CN (Cumbrian Newspapers), an press industry? Our local press is in crisis – how can we independent local media business based “I think it has put them on their metal and protect this valuable community asset for in Carlisle. has raised a lot of issues. People found the the future? Should there be subsidies or tax Based in Cumbria, he is a non-practising Milly Dowler situation very distasteful and breaks? barrister and chartered surveyor and it will put people on their guard against the “I am not in favour of direct Government his focus points include the European press for a long time. You need a system subsidies – I don’t like the siren voice of Union, agriculture, energy and the which fairly deals with these things when public money.” environment. they happen.”

“The Guardian, in common with the Regulatory body launched majority of what used to be called daily national broadsheet papers in the UK, is PSO - the industry organised regulatory publishers who have signed up. not signing up to IPSO at this stage; nor Ibody for the newspaper and magazine However, not everyone has signed up. are several magazines or major new media industry - was launched on September 8. Despite IPSO being the only regulator in players. This paper will wait to see whether Governed by a 12-person board, under town, the Guardian, Observer, Independent Sir Alan succeeds in reforming some of the the chairmanship of Sir Alan Moses, it and Financial Times have not signed up. governance issues that still cause anxiety. includes six independent members, and Revealing the move in a leader column, In the meantime, we will reinforce our own five publishing industry representatives. The Guardian said it acknowledged there system of complaints and mediation.” Publishers, via the Regulatory Funding have been some improvements made under The Leveson report page 1758 was also Committee, have a say over the choice IPSO. But said: “…the way IPSO came into clear: “By far the best solution to press industry representatives on the two bodies. being has not been satisfactory. The attempt standards would be a body, established and It has the power to levy fines of up to graft a medieval-style royal charter on to organised by the industry, which would to £1m on its members and can launch press regulation was a constitutional train provide genuinely independent regulation. investigations into serious wrongdoing by crash. of its members.”

11 The Journal - Autumn 2014 edition BOOKSHELF

Information Security believe they need heavyweight data strange local myths, lonely countryside and protection. a chilling tale. Devoted to the making and for Journalists For example, their guidance on encrypted history of a cult British-produced horror BY SILKIE CARLO AND ARJEN folders would be of application to most film, his book, The Wicker Man, takes us to KAMPHUIS, citizens. It makes sense for everyone to back to 1973, to the era of Hammer and a Published by the Centre for Investigative have an encrypted folder or drive in which lurid period for cinemagoers – but to a film Journalism (http://www.tcij.org/ to keep confidential data and records. Large which set a different course for the horror resources/handbooks/infosec) organisations already invest in encypted genre. Starring Edward Woodward and email technology and, again, there may be Christopher Lee, and using the magnificent, hether the occasions when it is useful for the individual remote setting of the Dumfries and Galloway Wemergency to encrypt a particularly sensitive piece of coast, this troubled picture told the story of information correspondence. Where they urge the use a Scottish island, ruled by the single-minded surveillance laws of untraceable web browsing techniques, a Lord Summerisle (played by Lee), which had rushed through second ‘air gapped’ laptop (i.e., one which reverted to “the old religion”. Summerisle Parliament are never, ever, goes on-line), and a secure open is a pagan community, which doesn’t much a “snooper’s source operating system the case is more like strangers, especially when May Day is charter” or, to ambivalent – not least because these are approaching or when the beer is flowing quote the Prime surely the self-same techniques that would at The Green Man inn, and the landlord’s Minister, a vital be used by paedophiles or terrorists. Might, daughter (Britt Ekland) is used to lure the tool to “keep the country safe” depends perversely, possession of such systems not naive, Bible-believing policeman (Edward not just on an assessment of terrorist and in themselves draw undesirable attention Woodward) to a martyr’s death. criminal threats, but how cynical one is to the user? And at the end of the day, the For those who have yet to see the film, I about the honesty and intentions of the State can always resort to what Carlo and will not spoil it by revealing too much of government. Similarly, whether you see Kamphuis coyly call “extreme lengths” the plot. But suffice it to say, in the words Julian Assange or Edward Snowdon as if they want to get hold of somebody’s of Allan Brown, that it is all about “rural heroes, traitors, or simply self-publicising passwords. oddities and agricultural necromancers”; fantasists will derive largely from how So, how worried should we be about and what happens, or could happen, if credible you regard their allegations. someone gaining unauthorised access to society decided to opt for a different set For most people the issue will boil down our valuable data? About government of values. Directed by Robin Hardy, with to whether they trust and believe the snooping, the answer is, candidly, we screenplay by Anthony Shaffer, The Wicker ‘whistleblowers’ more than the government simply don’t know. Concerning data Man divided critics at the time, and set new spokesmen who claim that surveillance is breaches in general, however, a distinctly standards in how to chill an audience. Yet carried out within a strictly regulated legal alarming picture emerges. According to this is no blood and vampire scenario: the framework. figures published by the Department for horror comes from the fact that ordinary The authors of Information Security for Business, Innovation & Skills last year, life, and everyday compass-points, ideas Journalists are in no doubt as to where in 2012 63% of small businesses suffered and beliefs have been altered for a strange they sit on this continuum. Their booklet a data attack by an unauthorised user. religious cause. is dedicated to the ‘whistleblowers’, and However, more than half (57%) were inside Film enthusiasts will love this book: the the claims made by Edward Snowdon in jobs – i.e., staff-related security breaches author takes us to the locations, and tells particular are accepted uncritically. To Carlo – rather than hacking by the state or outside the reader all about the techniques of film- and Kamphuis, governments are active cybercriminals. Admittedly, the majority making and continuity. We discover, for participants in the suppression of journalists of these stemmed from accidental loss of example, that even though it was shot in as they perform their key function, which, data (the laptop left on the Tube syndrome) the Autumn (a chilly time of it for the actors in quoting William Randolph Hearst, they – but 10% of staff breaches were identified and actresses), props and scene specialists see as “writing down what powerful people as being deliberate and malicious. In other magically made the film appear as if and institutions do not want written”. They words – and ironically Snowdon rather everything was happening in the spring. note that the Mexican army spent $350 proves this point - the biggest risk to your Imitation blossom trees helped! Also, Allan million on surveillance tools between 2011- organisation’s data doesn’t come from Brown explains how different villages, 12, and that nine Mexican journalists were criminals or governments: the ‘motivated and their angles and aspects, were almost killed in work-related incidents during the intruder’ is just as likely to be on the spliced together, to create a sense of one same period. The inference is obvious. payroll. place: the main town and ancestral castle of That said, the main external threats to Stuart A Notholt Summerisle. the vast majority of UK computer users We learn, too, of the artistic rivalries and still comes from regular cybercrime or the personal difficulties between the film’s physical theft of equipment (and thus the creators; the lack of understanding by the data stored on it). Even if British government people who financed it (and this was a scrutiny is as intrusive and all-pervasive as depressing time for Britain’s crumbling Carlo and Kamphuis believe, the chances of The Wicker cinemas and film prestige), and of the the average citizen being of serious interest Man real feelings of those who starred. For to the security forces remain pretty low. Christopher Lee, this was his favourite Even the average journalist (if there is such ALLAN BROWN role: a rural magus, from the Dark Ages, a thing!) would probably not be a person of Polygon, £12.99 presiding over his followers, all of whom interest unless and until their investigations paperback, 260pp, are prepared to do his bidding, to placate stumble across something juicy. So we need ISBN 978-1-84697- the spirits who have temporarily forsaken to consider which parts of the advice in 144-0. the island. For one of the leading ladies, Information Security for Journalists are ournalist Allan Diane Cilento (she played the island’s applicable to the citizen at large (including JBrown, clearly schoolmistress) there was a moment when many journalists) and which are more has a fascination she was accidentally knocked over during relevant to investigative journalists who for the esoteric; for the filming by her excitable pagan pupils

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– something which did not seem to dim her clear relishing of her role. Allan Brown has recorded the history of Mulcaire speaks about The Wicker Man. He explains its classic status, and re-appraises Anthony Shaffer and Robin Hardy’s masterpiece – valuable parts of which ended up on a cutting-room the hacking scandal floor, never to be recovered. He writes in a witty style, and I am personally delighted here is one mystery figure at the heart he gained exclusive access to Mulcaire by his dismissal of a recent Hollywood Tof the phone-hacking scandal – Glenn and his family – who are deriving no remake, or travesty, of the film: Summerisle Mulcaire, the private investigator hired financial benefit from the book – over an becomes, in American hands, a community by the News of the World to investigate extended period of time, and interviewed of feminist separatists – “a gathering of the and back up its front-page stories. senior politicians, policemen, lawyers Virago Press”, he observes, sardonically! Mulcaire’s arrest in 2006 for intercepting and journalists who were involved in the The film buff will want technical details, royal household phone messages barely ongoing scandal. dates, anecdotes, gossip from the set, and registered at the time. Yet his work has Glenn Mulcaire said: “After almost a studio politics. The general reader will continued to generate headlines and decade of silence, I have agreed to speak be interested in the inspiration for it all embarrassment for the establishment – to writer James Hanning.” Martin Rynja, – how the film continued a very British with Prime Minister David Cameron on of publishing company Gibson Square, preoccupation with the occult, with the back foot after his former aide Andy added: “Glenn Mulcaire delivered many mystery, sleuthing and the supernatural. Coulson was sentenced. Mulcaire is the thousands of accurate news facts to the Allan Brown gives both sets of reader insider who – according Judge Saunders journalists at the News of the World. It plenty to enjoy. And now, in the words of – said ‘stop’ to the journalists at the News took James Hanning several years to Christopher Lee’s Lord Summerisle: “It is of the World and whose testimony is persuade him to cooperate exclusively time to keep your appointment with The essential in grasping how far the rot has with his meticulously researched book. Wicker Man.” spread. There is no other account that is as James Hanning, deputy editor of the complete a picture of the biggest media Stuart Millson Independent on Sunday, has investigated scandal of the 21st century.” the story from the beginning, questioning The News Machine: Hacking: The key players including reporters and Untold Story by James Hanning is former editor turned spinmaster Andy published by Gibson Square and Protest Vote Coulson. In researching his book about available in paperback at £12.99, and also BY TIM NEWARK the hacking scandal, The News Machine, as an e-book. Published by Gibson Square, 2014. Paperback £14.99. ISBN 9781783340057 Greens, for whom, we learn, Nigel Farage the author also blogs for the Taxpayers’ rom the earliest pages once voted. The early days of UKIP, along Alliance. The Alliance features alongside Fof this book anybody with its Eurosceptic rival, the Referendum other stalwarts of Euroscepticism such as resenting and distrusting Party, led by Sir Jimmy Goldsmith, are the Freedom Association, the Bruges Group the nation’s ruling elites well covered. From these tiny acorns, we and the Campaign for an Independent would find themselves now have the highly successful “People’s Britain, which have all contributed to the warming to the author. Army” of many thousands of people, led political backlash in their different ways. I Not a member of any by Farage. heartily recommend this book. political party, Tim In Newark’s book we are treated to Mick McGough Newark is very much numerous stories and titbits from the years in tune with Britain’s of UKIP’s growth, including the vanity growing army of protest and ultimate disaster of ex-Labour MP voters, and readers will turned TV presenter turned UKIP MEP Scotland’s Global delight in how he personally campaigned Robert Kilroy Silk, who, failing to win a Empire: A Chronicle of against Islington Council over parking leadership coup, went off to form his own issues. This is not another of those turgid short-lived anti-EU party, Veritas, which Great Scots political books that we buy but fail to read was immediately labelled Vanitas! Kilroy JOCK GALLAGHER to the end, as this one is written in such envisaged UKIP as the populist movement an engaging style that I am sure you will they are today, gaining votes from all the Whittles Publishing, paperback 450pp, devour it eagerly from start to finish. old parties, but his political career ended, £20, ISBN 978-1-84995-102-9 The author had planned for this book to as so many do, in abject failure. For a TV t the height of be solely about Nigel Farage and the UK professional like Kilroy it is ironic that Aour country’s Independence Party but the publishers timing turned out to be his weak point. power in the 19th suggested a wider remit, drawing in a You will be amused but also angry reading Century, Prime diverse array of protest movements and the chapter “Oops, we let in a million”, Minister Benjamin parties - apparently fearing that a book describing New Labour’s mistakes and Disraeli, spoke of his about UKIP would not be popular enough perversity on immigration; at least Jack desire to “uphold - though that was before the party’s Straw admitted to this. The book also the Empire of triumphant performance in the European tells us why and when Labour became a England”. However, and local council elections in May. fanatically pro-EU party. Another chapter, the journalist, As the sub-title makes clear, “politicians aptly headed “Toxic Tories” relates the author and former have lost the plot”. This book looks at many catalogue of political errors made by the television producer, of those who have upset the governing Conservative Party over recent decades. Jock Gallagher, has elites over recent decades, including the An accomplished journalist and historian, recently celebrated

13 The Journal - Autumn 2014 edition Chapman Pincher (1914-2014) New ormer Daily Express journalist book Their Trade is Treachery (published campaign FChapman Pincher has died at the in 1981) that the head of MI5 was a Soviet grand age of 100. spy. A keen shooting and fly-fisherman, the Pincher was a prolific author - his books against well-spoken Harry soon started to annoy included Too Secret Too Long (1984), those in power with his first splash, an The Secret Offensive (1985), Traitors: The account of the top-secret development of Labyrinths of Treason (1987), A Web of copyright the atomic bomb, which sparked a furious Deception (1987), The Truth about Dirty transatlantic row. Tricks (1991) and Treachery (2011). Prime Minister Harold Macmillan was He was heavily involved in the infringement decidedly unhappy about Pincher’s Spycatcher affair, as the former MI5 ability to gain insider information on counter-intelligence officer Peter Wright new organisation has been defence matters. He wrote in a personal had been one of Pincher’s key sources A formed with the aim of reducing minute to his minister of defence: “I do for Their Trade is Treachery. However, online copyright infringement. not understand how the Express alone when Wright tried to publish much the Creative Content UK, which is backed of all the newspapers has got the exact same information in Spycatcher, it was by industry and Government, seeks to decision that we reached at the cabinet banned in the UK and Wright had to go create wider appreciation of the value last Thursday on space. Can nothing to Australia to get it published. and benefits of copyright protection. be done to suppress or get rid of Mr Pincher was not a man to be seen It also plans to monitor unlawful file Chapman Pincher? I am getting very drinking with the Fleet Street hordes, but sharing and offer advice on where to concerned about how well informed he he remained a compelling writer who find legitimate sources of content. always seems to be on defence matters.” brought to light many closely guarded Business Secretary Vince Cable said Even when he retired from journalism secrets. He must have known his time was the Government would provide £3.5 the leaks kept coming, leading to a series up when earlier this year he published his million towards Creative Content UK’s of best-selling books on the infiltration of own memoirs, Dangerous to Know. educational awareness campaign. Britain’s intelligence services by Moscow Announcing the funding, Cable said: which culminated in the allegation in his Liz Justice “We are working with industry to ensure that intellectual property the publication of his new book which Chicago Herald and the Chicago Times. rights are understood and respected. shows how the worldwide hegemony of However, when the Civil War broke out, Education is at the heart of this drive Disraeli’s island-nation owes more than a Cameron proved himself a man of action, so people understand that piracy isn’t little to the rousing skirl of the pipes and taking up arms for the Union cause, and a victimless crime - but actually causes the blood of Caledonia. raising the 65th Illinois Infantry – the business to fail, harms the industry Scotland’s Global Empire, without being “Scotch Regiment”. and costs jobs.” in any way overly partisan or narrowly Other sons of the auld country established The initiative has cross-party support. preferential, still manages to turn the tables their credentials in American journalism Shadow Culture Secretary Harriet on those of us who tend to see the Empire and publishing, such as Bertie Forbes, born Harman said: “I strongly welcome as an English creation, listing the myriad originally in New Deer, Abderdeenshire, the partnership between the creative and magnificent contributions made by the and serving for a time on the staff of the sector and ISPs to work together on author’s countrymen to world civilisation. Dundee Courier. the Creative Content UK initiative. Perhaps pleasingly for those Englishmen, Today, thanks to Bertie’s interest in the I hope this initiative will encourage browbeaten into believing that they alone machinery of financial affairs and the cult greater uptake of digital services and were warmongers or imperialists, Jock of the businessman, the world’s money- more responsible use of the Internet to Gallagher’s tome is a chronicle of Scottish men now turn to the pages of a well-known safeguard jobs in the UK and reinforce (as much as English) battles, blood and publication… Forbes Magazine. The equally our position as leaders in world class hardy heroism. Victorian derring-do at the authoritative Business Week was, again, creativity.” Dargai Heights, the Crimea or the Sudan the work of a Scot – Malcolm Muir from Creative Content UK’s founding was just as likely to come from the sons of Kelso, who then careered on to the pages partners include the Motion Picture Dundee or Dunfermline as it was from the of Newsweek, which he edited for nearly a Association, the British Recorded cockney or county regiments celebrated by quarter of a century. Music Industry, and the four main Kipling. Whatever the particular interest of the internet service providers: BT, Sky But it is not just the military muscle of reader (and he or she does not have to share Broadband, TalkTalk and Virgin old Scotland which is celebrated in this the author’s nationality to enjoy this book), Media, with the prospect of other ISPs engrossing book: we discover that the one can find all manner of extraordinary joining at a later stage. It also has the pen is actually mightier than the sword tales of achievement. From science, backing and support of a broad range – particularly when Scots are wielding the invention, administration and politics, of organisations including the BBC. implement! Take, for example, the case of to business, journalism, sport and the art The campaign aims to inform and Daniel Cameron, a journalist from Berwick- of war, Jock Gallagher truly shows us the encourage consumers - ranging from upon-Tweed. He was just 23 years old power and influence of Scotland’s global the next generation of digital users to when he emigrated to the United States, empire. ‘silver-surfers’ - about the huge range of his aim being to take on the Chicago press. A sturdy, informative, meaty volume for entertainment content that is available Blowing into the windy city, young Daniel your bookshelves; and eye-catching not least from legal and licensed sources, soon gained the attention of the agricultural for its excellent typeface, paper quality, and giving them greater confidence when inventor, Cyrus Hall McCormack, and the (for the true Scot) inspiring cover: a map of buying and using content online and pair formed a partnership which resulted the world bristling with Scottish flags! providing additional guidance about in the launch of two great newspapers, the Stuart Millson internet safety.

14 The Journal - Autumn 2014 edition

OBITUARIES John Slim James ne of the Institute’s best-loved Past- Presidents has died, aged 83, just Alexander Oeight months after being diagnosed with cancer. Former Birmingham Post columnist and Gordon feature-writer John Slim was President of the Institute of Journalists from 1997 to warm tribute has been paid to 1978, having been an active member of the A broadcaster James Alexander Post and Mail chapter for some years. Gordon who has died, by the journalists John began his career on the Kidderminster organisation of which he was an active Shuttle in 1951, and after working in member for 30 years. Redditch for the B’ham Gazette & Evening A statement from the Chartered Despatch he joined the Post and Mail Institute of Journalists said he would be office in the town in 1963, before moving greatly missed by his many colleagues to the Post’s Head office in the centre of and friends – but especially by all those Birmingham. who worked with him at Radio 2 and For the next three and a half years he Alongside his feature-writing, John also in the Institute. wrote the 1,000 word “Mercian” column built up a reputation as a theatre critic. President of the Institute, Paul daily, which gained a dedicated and loyal He had reviewed professional theatre Leighton who read news alongside readership. It featured encounters with from 1968, but in 1984 when the previous “JAG” for many years at Radio 2, said some extraordinary “ordinary” folk, as well reviewer stepped down, he was asked to he would always be remembered as a as high-profile figures like the late Enoch stand in for a week to cover amateur stage “loyal friend, a true gentleman and a Powell. His wife Elsa recalls “John was the while future coverage was arranged. He thoroughly professional broadcaster”. first newspaper reporter to interview Enoch was still “standing in” in 1991 when he Said Leighton: “He was always a Powell after his “Rivers of blood” speech retired – only to continue reviewing from consummate professional on air but off- in 1968, and once shared a taxi-ride with home. He also became the editor of the duty he had a wicked sense of humour Muhammad Ali on his way to an appearance national magazine of the National Operatic and was a marvellous raconteur. James on Michael Parkinson’s television show”. and Dramatic Association, which he edited was famous - possibly notorious - for I first met John in summer 1969 when I until he retired …again…in 2009. Elsa his story of his chilling night-time started work at the Birmingham Post as a believes that John must have reviewed encounter with ‘the Langham Ghost’.” callow trainee reporter. In common with around 4,000 amateur theatre productions (The Langham was the hotel opposite many of the staff, I confess I was in awe of from 1986 onwards. Broadcasting House where newsmen his command of the written word and of John also published several books and announcers had bedrooms so that his punctuation, although it would have containing some of his 7,000 limericks, some they could cover ‘split shifts’. been hard to find a more approachable and famously – if mildly - risqué, wrote poetry After an early career in the music good-humoured man. online, and helped promote local Amateur business, James started work as a Writing this, I suddenly recalled that I Theatre with a website called “Behind the newsreader/announcer at the BBC in had corresponded with him when I was arras”, which he launched with former Post the seventies – and began reading the still at school. John had been educated at St and Mail colleague Roger Clarke. classified football results in 1973. His Philip’s RC Grammar School in Edgbaston, Last year, after being diagnosed with unique cadences meant that listeners and during my time at the same school, I cancer, John started producing a blog knew the outcome of a match after edited the school magazine. Discovering in which he wrote “I’ve had a good run , hearing only the first score. he was an Old Boy of SPGS, I wrote asking a lot of jolly, happy decades in which I James joined the Institute of if he would produce something for us. A have deployed my insistence on failing Journalists in the early eighties and humorous article appeared in my post box to understand any given situation in the soon became Vice-Chairman of the almost by return, in which he described his knowledge that if everything is not quite Institute’s Broadcasting Division sporting activity at school – and in particular hunky-dory it will eventually go away. Life and an active participant in Institute his swimming ‘prowess’; “straight down… goes on until eventually it doesn’t”. meetings and events. He was also like a stone!” he reported! John left an indelible impression on all in much demand as an after-dinner After leaving St Phil’s, he went to those who met him as a truly kind and speaker and compere. Underwood Secretarial College to learn decent man with a passion for the English Although he formally retired from shorthand and typing in preparation for his language and an engaging sense of humour. the BBC in 1992, he went on reading planned journalistic career after National He always said he was immensely lucky to the soccer results for Radio5 Live until Service. At the College he encountered be able to do a job that was his hobby he had an operation for cancer on his a fellow student, then appearing in He is survived by wife Elsa, four children larynx in 2013. pantomime at the Alexandra Theatre, (Sir) and nine grandchildren. James leaves a wife Julia, son David Norman Wisdom. Apparently, Norman (The Institute was represented at his and two grandchildren Molly and wanted to learn to use the typewriter in funeral by the General Secretary Dominic Martha. his dressing room so that he could respond Cooper and me. Among the mourners was Leighton said: “James was a one-off. to letters from his fans. In between typing radio and television presenter Don Maclean, No other broadcaster will ever be quite sessions they went out to a local café to who is President of the St Philip’s Old Boys as instantly recognisable – or as much buy each other coffees. Elsa told me “John Association.) loved. Our thoughts go out to Julia and says Norman still owed him four-pence Paul Leighton his family.” halfpenny!”

15 The Journal - Autumn 2014 edition CIoJ AGM 2014 London, Saturday 25 October

Come and have your say at our AGM

The Institute’s AGM will be held on October 25 at the Civil Service Club in Whitehall. Venue

This is the members’ chance to meet the President and Council of the Institute, The Civil Service Club, to hear about the activities and achievements of the Council’s sub-committees, Great Scotland Yard, the Professional Practices Board and the various CIoJ charity committees, and Whitehall, London, SW1. to help shape the policies and programme of the CIoJ and the IoJ (TU) for the year ahead. A 2-minute walk from Charing Cross station. There will also be a dinner after the meeting, which all members are welcome to attend. The cost will be £25. Rooms are available at the club at very competitive rates Emergency motion for CIoJ members and their guests attending the AGM. As you will know, we sadly lost our President, Charlie Harris, earlier in the year. As a result of his death our Vice-President, Paul Leighton, stepped up to the role of President a year earlier than was expected. This has caused a difficulty with forthcoming elections for Council and Vice-President.

Although elections for both would, under normal circumstances, take place at the end of this year (2014), the Vice-President would have to take up office in one-year’s time, necessitating an election for a new VP at the end of next year (2015), too. This would then mean the elections would be out of sync and, therefore, financially inefficient.

One way to resolve this issue, and the one adopted by Council, is for the current Council to remain in office for a further year (until the end of 2015) and then conduct elections for VP and Council at the same time. We would still PENSION VACANCY potentially need an election for VP at the end of this year, but it would mean that from 2016 onwards the VP and Council elections would happen at the The Institute’s Pension Fund same time. is seeking applications from To do this, however, the proposal would have to be put before the members at members. the AGM, and the members would have to formally adopt the proposal. The The Pension Fund delivers final wording of the motion will be available in the next couple of weeks but if a small monthly stipend on you have any observations or queries about what is being proposed you may contact the General Secretary on 020 7252 1187 or [email protected]. a lifetime basis to a small number of members who We very much hope you will be able to come along next month and we look are experiencing long-term forward to seeing as many of you there as possible. financial difficulties. Please register your attendance by contacting Diane at memberservices@ Any member who is interested cioj.co.uk or call 020 7252 1187. should either download an We look forward to seeing you on October 25! application form from the Institute’s website or contact the General Secretary for more details. Deadline for Stand for election to the PPB applications is October 23. Would you like to stand for election to the Professional Practices Board? The PPB is the part of the Institute that deals with our trade union activities. It E-mail address campaigns on matters that affect the day-to-day lives of working journalists and Make sure we have your e-mail address. undertakes legal battles on behalf of members. If you are not receiving regular messages from us via e-mail it is likely we do not Contact Amanda Brodie - [email protected] - for more details. Deadline: have your up-to-date details. Don’t miss October 17. out. Update your details today - 020 7252 1187 or [email protected]

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