Battling the courts for press freedom in the United Kingdom
A recent case in which the media was banned from reporting on has caused Mike Dodd, legal editor of the Press Association, and two regional newspaper editors to call on Lord Chief Justice to act on what they call unlawful and unnecessary restrictions.
The case involves a man who was charged with causing death due to dangerous driving. Because the victims' families were unaware of the man's change in plea to guilty, the media were banned from publishing the case.
In a letter from Dodd, Terry Hunt, editor of East Anglican Daily Times, and Nigel Pickover, editor of the Evening Star, to Lord Chief Justice, Dodd argues that the judge has no right to postpone the reporting of the case.
Dodd indicates that generally there are three things that can be done when a problem such as this arises: one, accept it, two, try to challenge it by putting your argument to the judge, or three, complain to the Court of Appeal.
However, Dodd points out: “The Court of Appeal is open to everybody, but so is The Ritz - the problem is that you've got to have a lot of money to go there.”
Although guidelines are in place on reporting restrictions, says Dodd, the problem is that a lot of judges did not know they exist or ignored them.
It is a good thing that newspaper companies have the ability to fight for press freedom, but one might ask, should newspaper companies or associations have to bear the costs to fight for their freedom?
Source: HoldtheFrontPage
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The struggle between freedom and censorship is with us today---even if in democratic states it is called "news management." After warlike attacks on American cities and the already heightened conflict, the role of the press becomes an urgent concern---for both journalists and governments. There is the natural expectation that news media will support a nation's defense. Yet, in a democratic society, the press should not be expected to yield its vital function as watchdog of governmental leaders. Indeed, in the crucial decisions of life and death facing national leadership, it is essential to have an alert, inquisitive press that can report and interpret both governmental actions and citizens' reactions.