THE PRESS Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman came into existence nearly three years ago amid justifiable scepticism that the print media would be prepared to be held independently accountable in public when it abused its position of power. That scepticism has evaporated to some extent as the council and the ombudsman have proved over time that a system has been established which is both fair and transparent for citizens.
The system has been tested in its short existence but it has delivered redress for many complainants (who would otherwise have had to embark on costly litigation) and simultaneously encouraged journalists to spend more time considering their standards and conduct.
The success to date of the new regulatory regime is due in so small part to the work of Professor Tom Mitchell, chairman of the Press Council, who announced yesterday that he will stand down from office at the conclusion of his inaugural term next month. He should be credited with his considerable work in steering through the first press complaints mechanism. As chairman of the Press Industry Steering Committee, which devised the operational basis for the council, he played a pivotal role, as the independent arbiter, in bringing the complaints mechanism into being.
Last month, both Houses of the Oireachtas gave approval to an order which recognised the Press Council under the Defamation Act. The order was signed into law by Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform Dermot Ahern who deserves credit for putting through a protection for the council that did not meet with widespread approval in Leinster House, especially among members of his own party.
This recognition means that qualified privilege will attach to the reports and decisions of the council and those of the Ombudsman. It also means that in any legal action for defamation, publications which have signed up to the council will be able to cite their adherence to its Code of Practice as part of their defence. Correspondingly, that line of defence before the courts is not open to those publications which have not joined the Press Council.
Although there are more than 200 titles which have aligned with the council including all national publications and most of the regionals, there remain a number which have stayed outside. Public confidence in the system of independent press regulation would be enhanced by an increase in the number of publications involved.