The Press Complaints Commission (PCC) has welcomed the decision to launch an inquiry into media ethics in the wake of the News of the World phone hacking debacle.
The body currently tasked with self-regulation of the British newspaper industry has come under fire in the past week over its handling of the scandal, with several politicians insisting it be scrapped.
And yesterday Prime Minister, David Cameron, announced the move would be taken to set in place a full, judge-led inquiry into both phone hacking and the culture, practices and ethics of the press.
A statement issued by the PCC following the ruling reads: “Last week, the Commission issued a statement making clear its intention to review its own constitution and funding arrangements, the range of sanctions available to it, and its practical independence.
“This will become a key contribution to the inquiry. Like the Prime Minister, the PCC remains committed to the establishment of a more effective system, one that supports appropriate freedoms, but demands the highest ethical standards.
“The PCC, and its independent members (who are in the majority), has led the call for appropriate reform. We welcome the consensus of Parliament that the model of regulation for the press should continue to be a non-statutory one.
“The idea of reformed media practices is one that is supported by the PCC, and must be supported by the industry itself.
“It has been striking that the volume of complaints and contact from members of the public to the PCC has been undiminished by events of recent days.
“This bears witness to the fact that the necessary work of the Commission, through its dedicated staff, is accepted as valuable. This is a public service that must go on during the inquiry, or members of the public will suffer.
“We look forward to contributing to the work of Lord Justice Leveson.”
