IMPRESS, the UK’s first independent press regulator, was granted recognition by the Press Recognition Panel (PRP) at a meeting in London on Tuesday.Walter Merricks CBE, chair of IMPRESS said: “The PRP decision is good news for the press and good news for the public. This is the next important step in building a new era of trust between journalists and the public and a significant moment in the history of press regulation in this country. For the first time news publishers, both large and small, have the choice to join an independent press regulator which is not controlled by major publishers.”After rigorous examination and close scrutiny of our arrangements, the PRP has confirmed our independence, sustainability and our low cost arbitration scheme which means we can ensure access to justice for all.”We believe that independent press regulation meets a real public need. As a truly independent regulator, that is not part of the newspaper industry, we can put decent standards and accuracy at the heart of news publishing, dealing with complaints fairly and with impartiality.”Looking to the future, IMPRESS will continue to build on the progress that we have made to date. IMPRESS member publishers have over two million readers and our membership is growing. Our Trust in Journalism mark defines our publishers as those who are committed to the principles of trusted journalism and lets their readers know that their concerns will be addressed properly. Sir Harold Evans, variously editor of The Northern Echo, The Sunday Times and The Times has commented on the decision by the PRP today:”The democratic ideal and necessity of a free, cultivated and honest press requires monitoring by a body independent of ownership to hold journalism to the highest standards of truth and integrity and respect for the rights of individuals. Without that independent monitoring, gross abuses, of the kind we have endured and continue to experience, will continue. I support IMPRESS and the publishers that have committed to its standards.
