omson Foundation CEO joins training debate in the wake of Leveson

As the UK debates further press regulation in the wake of the Leveson Inquiry, the Thomson Foundation's CEO Nigel Baker highlights the impact that any decisions would make overseas.

Britain in the 21st century is a more regulated society. Bankers face tighter controls after the financial crash of 2008.

Members of parliament face tougher rules on expenses after abuses of the system. Now British journalists face new curbs after a tabloid phone-hacking scandal which forced the closure of the News of the World.

Impact on training But what does that mean for journalists' training in future in the wake of the Leveson inquiry which investigated recent press behaviour? That was the subject of heated discussion at a meeting on 11 June of London's Media Society a forum for debate and networking.

The arguments go on while UK journalists await a decision on whether they will in future be regulated by a Royal Charter enforced by law or one by industry agreement.

Three panellists had different perspectives. John Mair, award-winning TV programme maker and media academic, argued the scandal had been caused by a crisis of ethics not ignorance of the law.

Paul Charman, head of journalism at London College of Communication, believed journalists required more legal training to deal with a legal system growing ever more complicated for the news industry.

Tabloid culture Nigel Baker, CEO of the Thomson Foundation, argued the scandals were caused by an age-old tabloid culture, more easily exposed in a world where digital technology and emails can unmask misdemeanours.

He also said the concern expressed by international journalists was that a UK press controlled by law would be used as an excuse for tougher controls in hard-line regimes.

In the end, the view from the floor was that UK journalists needed refresher courses in the law every five years to help them to argue the case for access to information and to protect themselves professionally.

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LINK:	http://www.thomsonfoundation.org/news-and-features/2013/06/13/thomson-...
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