The Press Complaints Commission is to close after 21 years and certain of its functions transfer to a new media watchdog or regulator before the Leveson Inquiry has reported.
At a meeting of the PCC on Wednesday 7 March it was agreed that the commission would be subject to an accelerated disbandment. A transitional organisation is expected to continue some of the work of the PCC until a permanent replacement is established after the Leveson Inquiry has made recommendations on the future of press regulation.
The Chair of the PCC, Lord Hunt confirmed in February that the industry in consultation with the PCC was making an assessment of the self-regulatory body with a view to making reforms. He said that the best-performing parts of the PCC would be passed to whatever new organisation emerges. It is unclear at present what form of regulation or self-regulation is likely to be recommended by Lord Justice Leveson, or whether legislation will be required to establish a new body or underpin its functions.
Links
• PCC to close in wake of phone-hacking scandal – Guardian
• PCC confirms closure and transfer to new body – Press Gazette