British press needs independent regulator, says Leveson inquiry
British politicians had 'too close a relationship' with press, says top judge
A senior British judge says the country needs a new, independent media regulator to eliminate a subculture of unethical behavior that infected segments of the country’s press.
Leveson reported on Thursday at the end of a yearlong ethics inquiry triggered by revelations of tabloid phone hacking. His proposals will likely be welcomed by victims of press intrusion and some politicians who want to see the country’s voracious press reined in. But some editors and lawmakers fear any new regulator could curtail freedom of the press.
Britain’s rambunctious press faced censure and tougher scrutiny as an ethics inquiry triggered by tabloid phone hacking released its wide-ranging report.
Lord Justice Brian Leveson was due to release the findings of his yearlong inquiry, which heard evidence from hundreds of journalists, politicians, lawyers and victims of press intrusion.
His report, reportedly running to 2,000 pages, was due for release at 9.30pm HK time.
Prime Minister David Cameron set up the inquiry after revelations of illegal eavesdropping by the now-defunct tabloid sparked a criminal investigation and a wave of public revulsion.
