How is the magazine industry regulated?

Levison Inquiry

The Inquiry will examine culture, practises and ethics within the media in order to establish whether or not the British press has too little restraint. There are 4 modules of inquiry consisting of:-

Module 1: The relationship between the press and the public and looks at phone-hacking and other potentially illegal behaviour.

Module 2: The relationships between the press and police and the extent to which that has operated in the public interest.

Module 3: The relationship between press and politicians.

Module 4: Recommendations for a more effective policy and regulation that supports the integrity and freedom of the press while encouraging the highest ethical standards.

Currently the only regulation in place in terms of magazines and newspapers is self regulation. The Levison Inquiry calls this into question with Lord Justice Leveson saying on the 14th November 2011, “The press provides an essential check on all aspects of public life. That is why any failure within the media affects all of us. At the heart of this Inquiry, therefore, may be one simple question: who guards the guardians?” but this could backfire in the face of free-speech and could impede upon accurate reporting.

 When creating my magazine I must take into account these factors that I will have to be self-regulating my content; with the Levison Inquiry further and solid regulation could in be in place in order to have strict guidelines on what content is included.

 National Union of Journalists

"Ensure that information dissemination is honestly conveyed, accurate and fair"

and for all stories to be obtained throguh honest and straightforward means. The Phone Hacking scandal explicitly breached these rules while also the PCC failed to protect the interests of those involved, highlighting the need for less voluntary measures of regulation and solid guidelines to be placed.

In purpose of creating my magazine strict editorial guidelines would be in place to ensure the upmost respect for the magazine but also to protect the interests of the reader.

In purpose of creating my magazine strict editorial guidelines would be in place to ensure the upmost respect for the magazine but also to protect the interests of the reader. This shows that my magazine will be subject to rules and restrictions; so I will refrain from using profanity and nudity in my product so not to arouse complaints about the content and give my magazine a tainted name.


Sources used:
http://www.pcc.org.uk/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Press_Complaints_Commission
http://www.asa.org.uk/
http://www.ppa.co.uk/