TO what extent newspapers can invade people’s privacy was one of the hot topics of debate at an event held in Glasgow last night by the Press Complaints Commission.
Although the PCC stopped short of being prescriptive, it used the event – attended by 20 of Scotland’s top news editors and journalists – to make newspapers aware that the Code of Practice – established by PCC 15 years ago, revised earlier this year and which newspapers are expected to operate by – needs to be constantly borne in mind when pursuing a story that may involve an invasion of privacy.
Said PCC assistant director, William Gore: “We deal with alleged breaches of the Code on a case-by-case basis. It’s always a balancing act between freedom of expression and the right of people to have a private life. We used the seminar to raise further awareness of the Code.”
