[TinyRedLeaf]

Judge urges new independent regulator for UK press

London (Nov 30, Fri): The British press should be regulated by an independent group supported by law and with the power to fine, a judge recommended yesterday in a long-awaited report sparked by a phone-hacking scandal at Mr Rupert Murdoch's News of the World tabloid.

Lord Justice Brian Leveson said he was not recommending that Parliament set up a press regulator, but that the industry should create its own, which would be backed by legislation to make sure it meets certain standards of independence and effectiveness.

The statutory "underpinning" for a new independent system of press regulation underlines his withering criticism of the industry's own proposal for a new body as "not going nearly far enough" to demonstrate independence from publishers.

He also harshly criticised the behaviour of many journalists and editors, "wholly rejecting" the suggestion that these are "aberrations that do not reflect the culture, practices or ethics of the press as a whole".

He said parts of the press acted as if its own code simply did not exist and "wreaked havoc" on the lives of innocent people. Ordinary members of the public, caught up in tragic events, had their experiences "made much much worse by press behaviour that, at times, can only be called outrageous".

He added: "There has been a recklessness in prioritising sensational stories, almost irrespective of the harm that the stories may cause and the rights of those who would be affected, like the Dowlers, the McCanns and Abigail Witchalls."

Prime Minister David Cameron, who asked the judge to prepare the report, told Parliament after its release that he agrees with Lord Justice Leveson's recommendations for a new, strong and independent press regulator.

But Mr Cameron said he is not convinced that legislation is needed to underpin the new body, and he has serious concerns about taking that approach.

CNN, BBC

• Leveson report key points
• Leveson report executive summary