Privacy and Injunctions - Evidence - Parliament

National Union of Journalists (NUJ)—Written evidence
Media regulation – TUC policy
Congress is appalled at the culture of journalism fostered at News Corporation and
condemns the use of illegal methods to intrude into the lives of members of the public in
pursuit of profit rather than quality journalism.
Congress welcomes the inquiry into media ethics and believes that genuine investigative
journalism, freedom of expression, diversity and plurality, limits on cross-media ownership
and trade union recognition must be key principles underlying media regulation.
Congress agrees that the PCC be wound up and replaced with an independent body which
can earn the respect of readers, the general public and journalists alike. It should have clear
powers to order meaningful recompense and ensure that the right of reply is established.
Congress notes that the UK government has opened consultations on a new
Communications Bill and opposes the Culture Secretary's stated aims that this legislation
should further lift regulations across the media industries and weaken the institutions of
public service broadcasting.
In the light of these developments, Congress calls on the General Council to work with
affiliated media trades unions and the Campaign for Press and Broadcasting Freedom to:
• Organise a one-day conference by the end of February 2012 on media ownership and
regulation with a view to developing TUC policy and influencing future Labour Party
policy
• Establish a working group to organise policy and public interventions around the new
Communications Bill
• Publicise this media policy widely amongst affiliates and the general public.
October 2011
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