Press Recognition Panel (PRP)

pressrecognitionpanel.org.ukPRP launches Call for Information on the effectiveness and independence of press regulation - Press Recognition PanelThe Press Recognition Panel (PRP) has launched its annual Call for Information, seeking evidence on the effectiveness and independence of press regulation in the UK. The Call comes at a time of significant change in the way news is produced, distributed and consumed. News from print and online publishers increasingly reaches people through websites, publishers’ […]

📣 Our 2026 Call for Information on the effectiveness and independence of press regulation in the UK is now open. We want your views and evidence on trustworthy news, cumulative harm, harm affecting groups and communities, and participation in the Recognition System. 📅 Open until 11 December.

Our Chair, Kathryn Cearns OBE, and CEO, Susie Uppal, met Baroness Bennett to discuss the PRP’s work and the operation of the Recognition System. Thank you @nataliegreenpeer.bsky.social for taking the time to meet.

Natalie Bennett@nataliegreenpeer.bsky.social

Very useful meeting today with Kathryn Cearns and Susie Uppal from the Press Recognition Panel, set up following the Leveson inquiry. Public protection from press misconduct still far away, but urgently needed

pressrecognitionpanel.org.ukpressrecognitionpanel.org.uk

11 Sept

Professor Jason Arday’s case has brought old questions about press conduct back into focus. The names and circumstances change, but the same concerns about press behaviour remain. Why has the underlying accountability gap still not been resolved? Read our latest blog 👇

pressrecognitionpanel.org.ukInvitation to tender: research on the economic impact of effective press regulation - Press Recognition PanelThe Press Recognition Panel (PRP) is inviting tenders for independent research into the economic costs and benefits of implementing incentives for news publishers to participate in the Recognition Sys...

27 Aug

⏰ ONE WEEK TO GO until the deadline for our economic research tender. We’re commissioning research into the costs & benefits of incentives to encourage news publishers to participate in the Recognition System. See our new FAQ for prospective bidders www.pressrecognitionpanel.org.uk/2026/07/15/e...

Press Recognition Panel (PRP)@prpanel.bsky.social

We are inviting tenders for independent research on the economic costs and benefits of implementing incentives to encourage news publishers to participate in the Recognition System. Tenders must be submitted by 5pm on 3 September 2026. Find out more:

pressrecognitionpanel.org.ukPRP statement following the death of Professor Jason Arday - Press Recognition PanelThe Press Recognition Panel (PRP) sends its deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of Professor Jason Arday. Those closest to him deserve privacy and space to grieve. Before his deat...

20 Aug

Following the death of Professor Jason Arday, we have published a statement on the intense, sustained media scrutiny he experienced in the weeks beforehand. His treatment raises serious questions about proportionality, cumulative harm and press accountability. Read our statement:

15 July

pressrecognitionpanel.org.ukPRP publishes response to the Government’s media Green Paper consultation - Press Recognition PanelThe Press Recognition Panel (PRP) has published its formal response to the Government’s consultation on Watch this space – A new strategic direction for UK media. The response follows and expands upon...

10 July

Trustworthiness should be independently assessed, not simply asserted. Our response to the Government’s media Green Paper argues that any online prominence benefit for news publishers must be linked to participation in the Recognition System through membership of an Approved Regulator. Read more:

7 July

The claims brought by Prince Harry and others against Associated Newspapers were dismissed today. The court’s findings must be respected. But the wider access-to-justice issue remains: only people with significant resources can realistically take a major publisher to court. 1/2

7 July

As the Government considers the future of trusted news, it can act to address that gap. Press accountability independent of politicians and the industry must be part of the solution. That means independent, effective standards and complaints processes and access to affordable redress for all. 2/2

pressrecognitionpanel.org.ukPRP statement on the Government's Media Green Paper - Press Recognition PanelThe Government cannot build a system for trusted news while continuing to ignore the one part of the news industry that still marks its own homework The Press Recognition Panel (PRP), the independent ...

30 June

Greater prominence online gives news publishers a public and commercial benefit. That benefit should be matched by independent accountability and effective routes to redress for people harmed by press behaviour. Read our statement on the media Green Paper:

pressrecognitionpanel.org.ukPRP Statement on the Government's Media Green Paper - Press Recognition PanelThe Government cannot build a system for trusted news while continuing to ignore the one part of the news industry that still marks its own homework The Press Recognition Panel (PRP), the independent ...

26 June

Trusted news needs independent accountability. Any prominence regime for news online must not rely on industry-controlled codes or in-house complaints processes alone. The Recognition System already provides the framework. Read our statement on the Government’s media Green Paper:

gov.ukPlans for prominence of trusted news sources on social media alongside measures to reform Public Service Media in the UKMedia Green Paper published by Government today sets out plans to improve access to reliable news sources in online apps

23 June

A new DCMS media Green Paper asks how “trustworthy” news providers should be defined online. Any prominence regime for news on social media must be based on clear, independent accountability criteria. The Recognition System already provides that framework.

Press Recognition Panel (PRP) reposted

East Anglia Bylines

@eastangliabylines.co.uk

24 May

More than a decade after Leveson, questions about press accountability haven’t gone away. A new report argues the current complaints system may not be giving readers the protection they expect.

eastangliabylines.co.ukNew report questions who holds newspapers to accountA new report and polling suggest many readers lack confidence in press complaints systems

Press Recognition Panel (PRP) reposted

Bylines Network

@bylinesnetwork.co.uk

24 May

More than a decade after Leveson, one of the bodies created in its aftermath is asking a difficult question: Does Britain’s press complaints system actually protect the public? @eastangliabylines.co.uk @prpanel.bsky.social

eastangliabylines.co.ukNew report questions who holds newspapers to accountA new report and polling suggest many readers lack confidence in press complaints systems

Press Recognition Panel (PRP) reposted

East Anglia Bylines

@eastangliabylines.co.uk

23 May

You probably assume there’s an independent system making sure newspapers correct mistakes properly. A new report says Britain’s biggest press complaints body may not be doing what many readers think it does. @prpanel.bsky.social

eastangliabylines.co.ukNew report questions who holds newspapers to accountA new report and polling suggest many readers lack confidence in press complaints systems

pressrecognitionpanel.org.ukPRP publishes updated review of IPSO’s complaints process - Press Recognition PanelWe have published an updated review of the Independent Press Standards Organisation’s (IPSO) complaints process and related issues, concluding that IPSO does not provide the public with effective prot...

🚨 Fewer than 1% of complaints recorded by IPSO in 2023, 2024 and 2025 led to a finding that a publisher had breached the Editors’ Code. Today, the Press Recognition Panel has published an updated review of IPSO’s complaints process and related issues.

The PRP concludes that IPSO does not provide an effective deterrent against serious or repeated bad behaviour by the press. The Recognition System provides the only framework for independent regulation free from both government and press industry control.

The important question now is how to encourage participation in effective, independent regulation, so that press freedom is protected and the public has meaningful protection from press harm. Read the report: www.pressrecognitionpanel.org.uk/wp-content/u...

IPSO has still never launched a standards investigation or issued a fine. It also does not have the power to require a publisher to apologise. That means its strongest powers remain unused, while important remedies remain unavailable.

This matters because press harm continues. Inaccurate, intrusive or discriminatory reporting continues to harm ordinary members of the public, families and communities. That harm is amplified online, and patterns of coverage perpetuate damaging narratives about marginalised groups.

The report finds that IPSO continues to operate a narrow complaints-handling model rather than an effective independent system of press regulation. Its limited approach to complaints, investigations, remedies and sanctions means it acts as a de facto trade body not a regulator.

The report finds that only a small proportion of the complaints received by IPSO are formally investigated. Most are rejected, and a minority are resolved or settled before there is any public finding on whether the Editors’ Code has been breached.

pressrecognitionpanel.org.ukPRP Chair: Public funding for the press should support independently regulated publishers, not endorse existing industry-led arrangements - Press Recognition PanelBy Kathryn Cearns OBE, Chair of the Press Recognition Panel The Government’s renewed focus on supporting local journalism raises an important question: what kind of press should public funding sustain...

23 Mar

Following Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy's speech on trust, standards and accountability in news, and the Government's plans to support local journalism, a key question remains: what kind of press should public funding sustain? Our Chair, Kathryn Cearns OBE, explains why it matters.

pressrecognitionpanel.org.ukDecision on guidance on the Royal Charter and online and digital news-related material - Press Recognition PanelIn November 2025, the PRP launched a consultation on draft guidance on the Royal Charter and digital news-related material. This consultation set out the PRP’s draft guidance under paragraph 13 of Sch...

16 Mar

We've published our decision following our consultation on guidance on the Royal Charter and online and digital news-related material. This consultation set out draft guidance on four key issues arising from modern news publication.

pressrecognitionpanel.org.ukPRP publishes 10th Annual Report on the Recognition System - Press Recognition PanelWe have published our 10th Annual Report on the Recognition System, marking more than a decade since independent press self-regulation under the Royal Charter was established following the Leveson Inq...

5 Mar

Our 10th Annual Report on the Recognition System was informed by evidence from a wide range of stakeholders. Thank you to all who contributed, including @hackedoff.bsky.social @impressorg.bsky.social @mediadiversity.bsky.social @nujofficial.bsky.social @pressjustice.bsky.social @wearequeeraf.com

27 Feb

Press accountability in the UK is uneven. Some publishers participate in independently assessed regulation, structurally separate from government and industry, with guaranteed access to low-cost arbitration. Most major publishers do not. Our report examines that accountability gap.

Press harm continues to affect individuals and communities across the UK. Today, we’ve published our 10th Annual Report on the Recognition System. 🧵

What happens next depends on the choices made by the government and the press. We remain ready to engage with Parliament, policymakers, and publishers on the next steps.

Read the full report: www.pressrecognitionpanel.org.uk/wp-content/u... Executive Summary: www.pressrecognitionpanel.org.uk/wp-content/u...

Press harm continues to affect individuals and communities across the UK. Today, we’ve published our 10th Annual Report on the Recognition System. 🧵

“The existing fully independent Recognition System remains operational. Yet despite this, most news providers have chosen to remain outside the system, overseeing their own output, leaving ordinary people at the mercy of political and industry choices.”

The Recognition System remains capable of delivering independent, technologically neutral oversight. In an increasingly complex information environment, this provides both public protection and a clear signal of accountability and trust.

Press harm continues to affect individuals and communities across the UK. Today, we’ve published our 10th Annual Report on the Recognition System. 🧵

There is one Approved Regulator in the system, @impressorg.bsky.social, delivering independently assessed standards, transparent complaints processes, and access to low-cost arbitration. Outside of the system, public protection and access to redress are uneven.

Our Chair, Kathryn Cearns OBE, said: “The substantial harm caused by inaccurate, misleading and intrusive press reporting to individuals and communities across the UK is clearly evident. Lives are being destroyed, intruded upon, and marginalised groups face sustained and enduring attacks.

Press harm continues to affect individuals and communities across the UK. Today, we’ve published our 10th Annual Report on the Recognition System. 🧵

Evidence submitted to us highlights disproportionate impacts on marginalised groups, including migrants, people with mental health conditions, women, and trans people, and a lack of effective routes to redress.

More than 35 stakeholders responded to our recent Call for Information. We’re grateful to all those who contributed, including: @amnestyuk.bsky.social @runnymedetrust.bsky.social @imkaanuk.bsky.social @antisemitism.org @evawuk.bsky.social @sportinmind.bsky.social @transmediawatch.bsky.social

Press harm continues to affect individuals and communities across the UK. Today, we’ve published our 10th Annual Report on the Recognition System. 🧵

In today’s digital-first news landscape, that harm is amplified. Stories circulate far beyond their original context. Headlines are repeated and reframed at scale, extending impact well outside a single publication or individual.

pressrecognitionpanel.org.ukMajority of UK public back independent press regulation free from government and industry control, YouGov polling finds - Press Recognition PanelThe Press Recognition Panel (PRP) has published new YouGov polling showing strong public support for truly independent regulation of the press, and widespread feeling that, more than a decade on from ...

27 Jan

New polling from @pressjustice.bsky.social backs up our recent YouGov research: the public wants press regulation independent of politicians and publishers – not industry-run complaints systems – and most believe press behaviour hasn’t improved since phone hacking, and is getting worse 📊

Press Justice Project@pressjustice.bsky.social

Opinium polling finds 54% of Brits think press standards have got worse or not improved since the 2011 phone hacking scandal, with just 21% saying standards have improved. full press release available on the PJP website: zurl.co/XJA3A

zurl.coPress Release: 24th January 2026 — The Press Justice ProjectOpinium Polling on press standards MAJORITY OF BRITS SAY PRESS STANDARDS HAVE NOT IMPROVED SINCE PHONE HACKING SCANDAL & BACK TOUGHER REGULATION OF NEWSPAPERS & NEWS WEBSITES, NEW POLLING REVEALS Opinium polling finds 54% of Brits think press standards have got worse or not i

21 Jan

Unlike Prince Harry, most people can’t afford costly legal teams and are powerless when they feel the press has harmed them. More than a decade after #Leveson, an accountability gap remains, leaving the public largely unprotected. #PrinceHarryVsDailyMail

pressrecognitionpanel.org.ukPRP statement on the High Court case involving the Duke of Sussex and others and Associated Newspapers Ltd - Press Recognition PanelWe have issued the following statement in response to the commencement of the High Court hearing in the case brought by the Duke of Sussex and others against Associated Newspapers Ltd. Kathryn Cearns ...

21 Jan

pressrecognitionpanel.org.ukCall for information on the effectiveness and future direction of press regulation in the UK – September 2025 - Press Recognition PanelIntroduction The Press Recognition Panel (PRP) oversees press regulation in the UK. Established by Royal Charter in 2014 following the Leveson Inquiry, we operate independently of Government, Parliame...

24 Dec 2025

Our Call for Information has now closed. A huge thank you to everyone who took part – we’ve had a really strong and thoughtful response. We’ll be spending the New Year carefully considering submissions as we prepare our next report on the Recognition System. Season’s greetings!

Press Recognition Panel (PRP)@prpanel.bsky.social

⏳ ONE WEEK TO GO! Our Call for Information on press regulation in the UK closes Friday 19 December. We want evidence from the public, journalists, publishers, academics, campaigners, and anyone with an interest in press standards and accountability. Don’t miss this chance to have your say 💬