Ownership & Regulation
Media Studies: Eduqas GCSE, topic 2.9.1
Ownership
Many of the newspapers in the UK are owned by global conglomerate News Corporation under the smaller sub-company called News International.
Circulation
- Newspapers are an important source of information for the public, and while circulation has fallen in recent years, they are still important to study.
- New technologies have enabled newspaper content to be accessed online, making them a good example of media convergence.
News Corporation
- Many of the newspapers in the UK are owned by global conglomerate News Corporation under the smaller sub-company called News International.
- News Corporation is owned by Rupert Murdoch, who also owns various radio, TV and book publishing companies.
- It is a very powerful company.
News International
- The Sun, which is owned by News International, has the highest readership of all the UK newspapers.
- News International also owns The Times and The Sunday Times.
Reach
- Several other large companies also own numerous newspapers in the UK. For example, Reach owns the Daily Star and The Daily Mirror.
Regulation
The regulation of newspapers has changed recently due to the phone-hacking scandal.
The Leveson Inquiry
- Previously newspapers were regulated by the Press Complaints Commission.
- As a result of the phone hacking scandal, the Leveson Inquiry in 2011 recommended some important changes.
Consequences of the Leveson Inquiry
- Where possible, newspapers should be self-regulated but overseen by a new independent body, to be called the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO).
- Codes of standards should also be improved.
Consequences of the Leveson Inquiry cont.
- The IPSO should be given the authority to investigate and deal with complaints.
- Newspapers are expected to publish information which is in the public interest but balance that with a recognition of The Editors Code of Conduct.
The Editors Code of Conduct
- E.g. people have the right to privacy and children should be protected.
Test yourself on Ownership & Regulation
Who owns News Corporation?
Which company owns the Daily Star and The Daily Mirror?
Which of the following statements are true?
In what year was the Leveson Inquiry set up?
What does IPSO stand for?