The Press Recognition Panel (PRP) has confirmed today that press regulator IMPRESS continues to meet the recognition criteria set out in PRP’s Royal Charter.
The announcement follows the first cyclical review of IMPRESS by the PRP since the regulator was first recognised in October 2016.
The PRP is an independent body set up to ensure that press regulators are independent, properly funded and able to protect the public.
The PRP was created as a result of the Leveson Inquiry into press standards, which followed widespread concern about unlawful activities carried out by some sections of the media.
While recognising the important role carried out by the press, Lord Leveson made a series of recommendations for a new, more effective regulatory system.
Being formally recognised as a regulator means that IMPRESS is “independent of the print and online publishers it regulates, is appropriately funded, and has systems in place to protect the public.”
Today’s announcement signals the conclusion of the first cyclical review of IMPRESS by the PRP, which will continue to periodically re-assess the approved regulator to ensure it continues to meet the recognition criteria.
Jonathan Heawood, CEO of IMPRESS said: “We are glad to continue operating as the UK’s only recognised approved press regulator.
“News publications are under huge pressure to regain the public’s trust. Today’s decision confirms that IMPRESS is uniquely well-placed to help publishers earn that trust.”
IMPRESS currently regulates 118 independent news publications in the UK, including So Cheshire.
