Newspaper body calls for independent press regulation

COMPLAINTS about the press could be dealt with by an independent Press Ombudsman and Press Council under the terms of a progressive proposal from National Newspapers of Ireland (NNI).

Under this initiative, ordinary citizens would have an opportunity to complain and seek redress without having to incur the huge costs associated with a High Court libel action.

In moving to establish a system of independent press regulation, the NNI has rejected the Government’s plan for a Legal Advisory Group on Defamation and the establishment of a statutory Press Council.