Lord Hunt: Regional Press Maintains the Highest Standards

PCC chairman Lord Hunt has said that regional press maintains “the highest professional standards” and launched a passionate defence of self regulation.  

In an interview with the Liverpool Echo last week, Lord Hunt praised the regional press adding that most important stories had their origin in regional newspapers.

He said: “The editors’ code of practice says all members of the press have a duty to maintain the highest professional standards and, as far as I am concerned, the regional Press has always done that.

“I have known many individuals in the regional press and they always do maintain the highest professional standards. I don’t think in my 35 years in Parliament I have come across any instance where anyone fell below those standards.

 “The first section title in the code of practice is accuracy – that’s key – and I see all of the provisions in the code as being part and parcel of, and in the genes and fabric of, the being of the regional press.”

He added: “When you look back at all the key stories that have developed, they had their origin, usually, in regional papers.”

He spoke about the Leveson enquiry and launched a defence of self regulation of the press and the right to freedom of expression: “I have always believed passionately in the freedom of the press. People often forget that our free press is one of this country’s greatest assets and is envied across the world.

“While it’s a right, freedom of expression carries with it a heavy responsibility. I have found this in all the newspaper offices I have been in – journalists recognise they do have a heavy responsibility.”