Overview

This bill establishes an Independent Press Council (IPC) in the UK to uphold journalistic standards, protect freedom of expression, and provide redress for victims of press misconduct. The Council's independence is emphasized, and its actions will be subject to judicial review.

Description

The bill outlines the structure and functions of the IPC.

Establishment and Governance

The IPC will be a body corporate established by newspaper publishers as a company limited by guarantee. It will be governed by a board consisting of a lay chairman and ten other members: five professional members with newspaper industry experience (including a maximum of one current editor) and five lay members. An independent panel, with a majority independent of the press, will appoint the board members.

Functions

The IPC's key functions are to: promote and protect freedom of expression and the freedom of the press; encourage and maintain high professional standards in journalism; consider complaints of professional misconduct; and provide redress and sanctions for misconduct.

Funding

The IPC will be funded by subscriptions from newspaper publishers, with varying rates for different publishers.

Legal Proceedings

The bill mandates that in legal proceedings concerning press irresponsibility, courts must consider whether the involved newspaper publisher subscribes to the IPC and whether they adhered to its standards. If not subscribed, courts may consider adherence to equivalent standards.

Certification

The Secretary of State will send the Act to the President of the Supreme Court for certification of the IPC's compliance with the Act's requirements before the IPC's functions come into force.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly involve government spending. The IPC will be funded by subscriptions from newspaper publishers.

Groups Affected

• Newspaper publishers: Will be required to subscribe to the IPC and adhere to its standards; could face financial penalties for non-compliance.
• Editors and journalists: Will be subject to the IPC's professional standards and disciplinary procedures.
• Individuals affected by press coverage: Will have access to the IPC's complaint mechanism and redress for professional misconduct.
• Courts: Will be required to consider IPC standards in relevant legal cases.

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