PCC Code of Practice (page 255)

A new Code of Practice comes into force today. This version:
• Re-emphasises that editors and publishers have the ultimate duty of care to implement the Code.
• Stresses that its rules apply to all editorial contributors, including non-journalists.
• Makes clear that it covers online versions of publications as well as printed copies.
• Insists that publications which are criticised in adverse adjudications should include a reference to the PCC in the headline.
• Extends the protection of private correspondence to include digital communications – prohibiting the interception of private or mobile telephone calls, messages or emails, unless in the public interest.
• Introduces a new rule to prevent payment to criminals for material which seeks to exploit, glorify or glamorise crime.
• Tightens the rules so that a newspaper which paid a criminal in the belief that it would elicit material in the public interest could not publish if no public interest emerged.

Posted at June 1, 2004 08:00 AM