Editors reject minorities' calls for new in Code | FoI sinks to new low
And why Editors' Code should protect journalists from commercial pressure
Good morning and welcome to your daily helping of news about the world of news from Press Gazette on Friday, 5 January.
Every three years the editors who write their own Editors’ Code of Practice take in submissions from all and sundry on how the rulebook which underpins the work of IPSO can be improved. And every three years the Code emerges unchanged from the process.
This time Jews, Muslims, Gypsies and those with ADHD are among those to be disappointed by the process. The editors have rejected various submissions asking them to accept group complaints when it comes to matters of discrimination. Presently only individuals can complain under this clause of the Code.
The Editors’ Code is an impressive document, which emerged unscathed from the Leveson process, but it is not perfect. I have a minor beef with it in that it says nothing about the increasingly fuzzy line between commercial content and independent editorial. This is an area that has grown in importance as publishers have embraced e-commerce, but which remains unregulated.
Editors and journalists need a code that protects them from the pressure to compromise editorial integrity to make a fast buck. This would ultimately make the professional journalism sector stronger in the long term.
Today we also investigate the UK’s increasingly dysfunctional Freedom of Information regime. The principle that government information should be released unless the public interest in secrecy outweighs the benefits of disclosure is one that benefits us all. Yet journalists are finding it increasingly hard to get the answers to which their readers are legally entitled.
New from Press Gazette
Freedom of information in UK sinks to new low
Journalists are increasingly frustrated by failures in government compliance with the Freedom of Information Act.
Editors reject extra protection in Code for Jews, Muslims and those with ADHD
Editors' Code of Practice Committee say ban on "generalised remarks" could harm free speech.
New publisher video player bridges gap between social platforms and open web (promoted)
Publisher video player is optimised for immersive mobile viewing.
Podcast 62: How publishers can sell online advertising in an awful market
The Guardian‘s senior vice president of advertising for North America, Luis Romero, spoke to Press Gazette about what he says is the toughest advertising market for news publishers since 2008.
Asked how the newspaper’s US operation going about surviving the downturn, Romero said conversations with advertisers are key – but explained times may well stay difficult for a while longer.
News in brief
The Times has reported that The Telegraph is facing an investigation by the National Crime Agency. The report suggests the company's own directors may have reported financial irregularities ahead of a planned take-over by Abu Dhabi-based RedBird IMI. (The Times)
Jeff Zucker, who is leading RedBird IMI's bid, has told the BBC promises of editorial freedom will be backed by legally binding agreements and an independent editorial trust board. He insisted the bid is "American led" despite its Abu Dhabi funding. (BBC)
Meanwhile The Telegraph reported multiple members of its editorial team have made submissions to Ofcom's review of its potential takeover with concerns about Abu Dhabi ownership and potential interference. The newsbrand is also asking its readers to submit comments. (The Telegraph)
BBC News deputy CEO Jonathan Munro has told staff "patience" will be needed this year with "discretionary spending" kept tight, as so much has already been earmarked for elections, wars, and major sports events. He said: "Let’s not get disheartened." (Deadline)
Keir Starmer has said reports he would try to avoid TV debates with Rishi Sunak ahead of the next election were "nonsense": “I’ve been saying bring it on for a very, very long time. I’m happy to debate any time."
Now-imprisoned Ghislaine Maxwell claimed former Mail on Sunday chief American correspondent Sharon Churcher helped Virginia Giuffre “concoct” sexual assault allegations against Prince Andrew, according to newly unsealed documents. (Yahoo News via PA)
The BBC responded to criticism that Laura Kuenssberg should not have interviewed Michelle Mone and Doug Barrowman amid an NCA investigation into PPE Medpro, saying she "ensured both guests were thoroughly challenged and raised questions likely to be in the minds of our audience"
CNN's chief digital officer Athan Stephanopoulos is leaving because new CEO Mark Thompson "had his own vision of how he wanted digital operations to be organized" and he wanted to "give him the freest hand possible to structure and shape the organization". (Variety)
Guardian US says it raised $2.2m with its fundraising appeal in the final six weeks of 2023, a new record and beating its previous record by more than 25%. Its initial goal had been $1.5m. Reader support makes up around 57% of the Guardian’s US revenue. (The Guardian)
The FT has launched another newsletter that can be paid for by non-subscribers of the overall product, following in the footsteps of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics. The six-week series Sort Your Financial Life Out with Claer Barrett will cost £19 for non-subscribers.
An Al Jazeera journalist has been arrested in Tunisia. Security forces raided his house but police have not disclosed the reasons for the action. (The Guardian)
Hadleigh Nub News in Suffolk breached the Editors' Code with articles about a town clerk/manager, who it wrongly described as "not qualified", and town finances. IPSO said it was misleading to round up the clerk's pay rise of £257.15 a week to "almost £300". (IPSO)
In case you missed it:
At least 8,000 journalism job cuts in UK and North America in 2023
Why ad-funded journalism-for-all faces fight for survival in 2024
Generative AI in the newsroom: Tips and tactics for 2024 from Reuters, Newsquest and BBC
Why New York Times lawsuit seeks destruction of OpenAI and Microsoft LLMs
Seven charts which explain the news industry in 2023 from declining ad spend to the growth of AI
I like the news especially regarding artificial intelligence
Your use of Gypsies, widely considered a derogatory term for Romani people, suggests the code could use an update.