James Simons-
A vast majority of the British public want the press to remain self-regulated, a survey has revealed.
A small percentage of people think Britain’s press should be regulated by a body funded by donations, according to a YouGOVpOll.
The poll suggests public opinion is not in favor of the funding model used by controversial press regulator Impress.
The government has proposed using the funding model by press regulator ‘impress’-one that is dependent on donations from wealthy individuals, such as former motor sport boss Max Mosley- who fought a high-profile legal battle with the now defunct News of the World.
Only 4 per cent out of the 1,632 thought a press regulator should be funded by donations, 25 per cent thought the government should fund it, with an overwhelming 49 per cent preferring the industry to fund the current press regulator-IPSO. The finding confirms the public’s disapproval with the plans and calls for the government to adjust their ideas and do the correct thing.
A consultation on the UK Government’s proposed changes to the law is set to make publications not under the Impress umbrella liable for the costs of libel cases, even if the publication wins.
The consultation due to end on January 10 will appear to be a big sham if it results in publications being compelled to pay the legal fees of their opponents,despite them losing court battles. The right to freedom of expression will be greatly compromised under the current proposals which will be a bullish attempt to infringe the traditional and legal rights of the press.