The Future of Investigative Journalism: Report

HL 256, Third Report of Session 2010-12

Author:

House of Lords - Select Committee on Communications

Publisher:

TSO (The Stationery Office)

Price: £14.50

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'The Future of Investigative Journalism: Report (HL 256)' concludes that news organisations, regulators and relevant legal bodies need to make important changes if the future of investigative journalism is to be assured.

The Committee recommends that media organisations introduce an audit trail to track and record their decisions: firstly, to commence an investigation, and secondly to publish a story.

Legal clarity and consistency is also required. Guidelines should be published by the prosecuting authorities to help media outlets decide whether conducting an investigation or publishing a story could lead to prosecution.

The Committee further suggests that funding models need to be flexible and creative. Fines for breaches of regulatory codes could be allocated to a special fund reserved for the financing of investigative journalism or training. All Public Relations practitioners should abide by a clear code of behaviour, potentially overseen by a third party.

Zero-rated Value Added Tax (VAT) for newspapers should be maintained in order to provide a continued form of support for the industry. However, the Committee advises that the Government consider limiting the receipt of zero-rated VAT to those newspapers which are members of the Press Complaints Commission (or any successor body).

Extent	79 pages	ISBN	9780108475283
Size	A4	Price	£14.50
Format	Paperback	Published	16 Feb 2012
Availability	Colour copy: 3 - 5 days	Delivery	Delivery options and charges