History of Press Regulation

There were many ways of publishing both news and rumours at the start of the 17th century however a german publication published in strassburg 1605 is regarded as the first news periodical. In 1632 news books were banned deemed o be unfair during the 30 year war until it was lifted 6 years later. The first british newspaper in english language was printed in amsterdam by joris veseler in 1620 due to strict printing laws in the uk which relaxed somewhat by 1641.

Media regulation throughout the second world war was very strict due to the country being at war but it was'nt until the aftermath of the second world war that pressure from the national union of journalists thus brought about lots of reform cases wanting change in the news industry such as better privacy measures and following the death of princess diana these were enforced even more so.

Print media in the UK are not subject to any specific statutory controls on their content and activities, other than the general criminal and civil law. and the press complaints commission (PCC) is in charge of maintaining an editorial code of practice this was to stop breach of the law, misled or publication of secret information. Broadcast media are subject to many regulations such as OFCOM.

There are many controversies in the media such as complaints of printed media and the demand for apologies and payments for exclusive interviews as well as the internet bringing more problems with super injunctions and the chance to upload information with no consequences.

Statistics

The PCC recieved 4340 complaints in 2007 an increase of 31% on 2006 and highest number ever received. Two out of three were about accuracy in reporting and one in five related to intrusion into privacy of some sort. The top three complaints involved the Daily Mirror, Heat Magazine and the Daily Mail.