What are the arguments for and against statutory regulation of the newspaper industry? (20 marks)
It is difficult to dispute the idea that statutory regulation is not the best way to regulate the newspaper
industry. Statutory regulation refers to the idea that the government should be involved in the control
of the media, particularly the newspaper industry. This has been a prominent debate in the media
since the Leveson Inquiry, where concerns regarding the privacy of those investigated arose, and
celebrities started to fear for their confidentiality.
Although it can be argued that statutory regulation would help to protect the privacy of the public,
investigative journalism is a crucial element of our society. Investigative journalism allows ordinary
members of the public to gain an insight into the current affairs and events that could possibly affect
their safety. For example, in 2018, there have been a variety of claims regarding shootings and gang-
related crime in London. Without investigative journalism, those responsible would not be held
responsible for their actions. This directly relates to Clay Shirky’s theory regarding Accountability
Journalism. Again, Shirky’s theory relates to the idea that the newspapers play a crucial role in bringing
corruption to light – particularly the corruption related to the elite or those in power. A well-known
example of this would be the1960s scandal surrounding Father John Geoghan, who was a priest,
accused of paedophilia. If statutory regulation was a thing in the 1960s, then his privacy would not
have been invaded – therefore, this priest’s illegal and illicit behaviour would not have been brought to
light.
On the other hand, some may argue that statutory regulation would be beneficial in terms of
controlling what newspapers report etc. By introducing government-based regulation, it would
prevent “morally bankrupt” journalists from invading the privacy of vulnerable individuals for the sake
of generating profits. Actor and comedian Steve Coogan was a victim of the phone-hacking scandal,
and had his privacy invaded when his voicemails were hacked and read. In an interview, he voiced the
opinion that News of the World and other institutions have "gone after" innocent people. Vulnerable
couples such as the parents of the late Millie Dowler were also made victims of the inconsiderate
actions of the journalists at News of the World. After their daughter went missing, journalists hacked
Millie’s phone, which gave the parents hope that their daughter would still be alive as it appeared as
though she was answering her voicemails. Unfortunately, this hope was misplaced and they were led
on an endless chase. This demonstrates that statutory regulation is required in order to protect those
who are in the public-eye constantly, especially when this involves something so sensitive like a
murder investigation. Of course, reports are necessary; however, there must be boundaries to every
investigation.
Having the government regulate newspapers may also be necessary from a business perspective. One
of the things that we must consider when monitoring the growth of institutions, is the extent to which
the press is “free.” If statutory regulation was introduced, perhaps it would prevent issues surrounding
plurality ownership. Currently, Rupert Murdoch owns 42% of the media, through corporations such as
The Sun and the former News of the World. If the government regulated the newspaper industry, then
they would be able to ensure that large companies do not abuse their powerful positions.
It is difficult to dispute the idea that statutory regulation is not the best way to regulate the newspaper
industry. Statutory regulation refers to the idea that the government should be involved in the control
of the media, particularly the newspaper industry. This has been a prominent debate in the media
since the Leveson Inquiry, where concerns regarding the privacy of those investigated arose, and
celebrities started to fear for their confidentiality.
Although it can be argued that statutory regulation would help to protect the privacy of the public,
investigative journalism is a crucial element of our society. Investigative journalism allows ordinary
members of the public to gain an insight into the current affairs and events that could possibly affect
their safety. For example, in 2018, there have been a variety of claims regarding shootings and gang-
related crime in London. Without investigative journalism, those responsible would not be held
responsible for their actions. This directly relates to Clay Shirky’s theory regarding Accountability
Journalism. Again, Shirky’s theory relates to the idea that the newspapers play a crucial role in bringing
corruption to light – particularly the corruption related to the elite or those in power. A well-known
example of this would be the1960s scandal surrounding Father John Geoghan, who was a priest,
accused of paedophilia. If statutory regulation was a thing in the 1960s, then his privacy would not
have been invaded – therefore, this priest’s illegal and illicit behaviour would not have been brought to
light.
On the other hand, some may argue that statutory regulation would be beneficial in terms of
controlling what newspapers report etc. By introducing government-based regulation, it would
prevent “morally bankrupt” journalists from invading the privacy of vulnerable individuals for the sake
of generating profits. Actor and comedian Steve Coogan was a victim of the phone-hacking scandal,
and had his privacy invaded when his voicemails were hacked and read. In an interview, he voiced the
opinion that News of the World and other institutions have "gone after" innocent people. Vulnerable
couples such as the parents of the late Millie Dowler were also made victims of the inconsiderate
actions of the journalists at News of the World. After their daughter went missing, journalists hacked
Millie’s phone, which gave the parents hope that their daughter would still be alive as it appeared as
though she was answering her voicemails. Unfortunately, this hope was misplaced and they were led
on an endless chase. This demonstrates that statutory regulation is required in order to protect those
who are in the public-eye constantly, especially when this involves something so sensitive like a
murder investigation. Of course, reports are necessary; however, there must be boundaries to every
investigation.
Having the government regulate newspapers may also be necessary from a business perspective. One
of the things that we must consider when monitoring the growth of institutions, is the extent to which
the press is “free.” If statutory regulation was introduced, perhaps it would prevent issues surrounding
plurality ownership. Currently, Rupert Murdoch owns 42% of the media, through corporations such as
The Sun and the former News of the World. If the government regulated the newspaper industry, then
they would be able to ensure that large companies do not abuse their powerful positions.
