Press and pnvacy
Sir: Criticism of the recent Press Council report has been directed at the findings. We are more concerned with the implications. It is of fundamental 'mPortance that the press should be free and vigilant in exposing the shortcomings of those in positions of Power and responsibility. Those who are regarded as public figures can only expect o be scrutinised with greater tinterest than those with humbler aspirations. This is both inevitable and , right. However, journalists while I they are only mortal, must be made aware of their responsibilities, and not least in the methods by which they discover information. There are asPe,cts of an individual's private life Which he should be entitled to feel will oe free from prying and exposure insofar as they are detrimental neither to his public office, nor to society, nor to Wider responsibilities than his own Private affairs. Indeed, it is a pertinent criticism that the press seemed more concerned with the sensational aspects of 'the Lambton Affair' than with the Wider implicatons of a minister being convicted. The Press Council is an effective Way of maintaining a high standard of ethics in journalism. Unfortunately, we doubt whether this is realised by the Public who feel that it exists as a sop [3° aggrieved parties. It is therefore to e regretted that the Younger Com!hirtee recommendations are only go'4 to be implemented by producing a code of ethics. We would urge that all the proposals are implemented as soon the Possible so that half the members of 'oe Council are drawn from outside the Profession and the procedure and Working of the Council are published. Legislatio be an undesirable
would able
Legislatio be an undesirable
would able
!lid clumsy way of protecting ind..ividuals from unjustified intrusion. Maintaining a high standard of ethicsand practice can only come from Within the profession, with the Press Council as mentor — but it must be seen to do this in a more effective way than of late. If journalists do not Practise these standards they will have i°,plY themselves to blame if hasty and ' -conceived legislation results.
on Personal Privacy The Cambridge PEST Study Group
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