The Press Gazette published a two-part exclusive written by Nick Davies about his new book and a study that found that most newspaper stories in the UK are based on Press Association (PA) content.

The research was carried out by Cardiff University’s journalism department for a controversial book written by Guardian journalist Nick Davies.

According to the research, about 80% of news stories in quality UK national newspapers are at least partly made up of recycled newswire or PR copy. This percentage is extremely high, but note the vague meaning of “partly made up of recycled newswire.”

“I believe PA is honest in intent, efficient in performance and cost-effective as a business – and entirely inadequate for the role in which it has now been cast,” wrote Davies.

Many regional and national titles have had to go through staff cutbacks, and the coverage has usually been substituted with PA content. But according to Davies, the accuracy of this content isn’t systematically double-checked:

“Apart from the fact that PA reporters have so little chance to check their material, this churnalism in PA is built on a foundation which crucially – and generally unrecognised in Fleet Street – is inherently weak on the truth. PA is a news agency, not a newspaper.”

PA responded to Davies’ criticisms with the following statement:

"The Press Association’s wire service has a long-standing reputation for its integrity, fast, fair and accurate reporting. We do not recognise Nick Davies's characterisation of our journalism.

"Much of his criticism is anonymously sourced - something we strive to avoid. We will continue to provide accurately sourced journalism and honour the trust which our customers clearly have in us.

"We are happy for our customers to be the judge of our performance."

Any thoughts about your own outlet’s relation with the news agency or agencies it relies upon?

Source: Press Gazette