Isn a Code written by editors likely to bias the system of self-regulation in their favour?
No. Self-regulation is a voluntary regime that relies for its success on universal compliance within the press industry. The system would fall apart if editors were to disown or disavow it or constantly try to circumvent it. Having a Code written by the editors is a strength, not a weakness, as it would be untenable for them to challenge a system they themselves had created. Perhaps the best evidence of this is that no editor has ever defaulted on the voluntary obligation to publish an adverse adjudication. That record is probably unrivalled in any other press self-regulatory system. Finally, while the Code is written by editors, it is ratified by the independent PCC, which has a majority of lay members.
Related Questions
- If the Code is written by the industry and self-regulation, including the running of the PCC, is funded by the industry, how can the PCC be impartial?
- If the Code of Practice is written by editors and self regulation is funded by newspapers and magazines, how does the PCC remain independent?
- How is the air quality code system defined?
