NEWS RELEASE

Release time: 3 December2008

The Chartered Institute of Journalists has asked the House of Commons Select Committee for Culture, Media and Sports to hold an urgent hearing into the crisis affecting Britain’s newspapers.

Job losses, title and office closures along with axing of editions – mainly at the larger newspaper groups – has ‘potentially disastrous consequences’ for the future of democracy, as well as the profession, and demands an urgent examination by the Select Committee, the Institute has told Mr John Whittingdale, the Committee’s chairman.

Robin Morgan, chairman of the Institute’s Professional Practices Board, said: “In its own way, this crisis is now as bad as that affecting the banking industry. Vast areas of Britain will be denied their traditional local news coverage because of all these cutbacks.  And that will have serious implications for the operation of our cherished democratic processes – not to mention the future of our profession.”

It is clear that the bulk of the mayhem is being created by the larger publishing groups.  “This calls into question the abilities and perceived responsibilities of their senior managements.  Are they more interested in maintaining group profits to impress the stock market, or are they truly committed to proper news coverage?” said Mr Morgan.

“Newspapers will survive through their news coverage retaining the loyalty of readers, but once the readership notices the inevitable consequences of these cuts, through fewer relevant stories, they may just stop buying and the spiral will intensify. Interestingly, independently-owned newspapers are not figuring much in the figures which suggests an interesting conclusion,” said Institute general secretary, Dominic Cooper.

The Institute pointed out that concern is now widespread and the recent Society of Editors’ conference heard calls for public subsidies to help the struggling industry maintain local news services.

Ends+

For further information please contact:

Dominic Cooper: 020-7252-1187, or by e-mail at dc@cioj.co.uk;

Robin Morgan: by e-mail at robinmorgan@cioj.co.uk

Notes for Editors:
Formed in 1884, the Chartered Institute of Journalists (CIoJ) is the world’s oldest established professional body for journalists, and a representative voice of media and communications professionals throughout the UK and the Commonwealth.

NEWS RELEASE

Release time: Immediate

Add Freeview! – is the plea by the Chartered Institute of Journalists (CIoJ) as the BBC’s £17m test channel in Gaelic called ALBA has been welcomed by viewers in Scotland.

Currently the BBC’s experiment of the ALBA channel will not reach the Freeview spectrum for another two years, which means that currently only a third of the Scottish population have access to the channel by FreeSat and Sky.

CIoJ conference, Scottish representative, Campbell Thomas, claimed the initial success of the venture – some 82 per cent of Gaelic speakers with access had viewed the channel – meant that the next phase should be moved on more rapidly.

“Why would any test be completed without the inclusion of the statistics for Freeview viewers’ since those are the most accessible low cost platforms in the Highlands and the Isles of Scotland and that’s where people are far more likely to be Gaelic speakers?

“Already it has been shown that 23 per cent of viewers in the Highland and Islands have watched BBC ALBA.  Bearing in mind that all experiments by the BBC are paid for by the Licence fee surely this experiment should be open to all? Freeview boxes have had their problems in Scotland but it is still the most accessible way people get digital TV.

“The Institute has written to the BBC Trust, urging them to roll this channel out to Cable and, more importantly, Freeview without further delay.  By giving everyone in Scotland the opportunity to view ALBA we will have a true reflection of how the channel will be received.”

Ends+

Press contact:  Campbell Thomas, campbellthomas@cioj.co.uk

Dominic Cooper, tel.  0207 252 1187 , email dc@cioj.co.uk

Chartered Institute of Journalists (CIoJ), 2 Dock Offices, Surrey Quays Road, London SE16 2XU. Website www.cioj.co.uk

Notes for Editors:
Formed in 1884, the Chartered Institute of Journalists (CIoJ) is the world’s oldest established professional body for journalists, and a representative voice of media and communications professionals throughout the UK and the Commonwealth.

NEWS RELEASE

Release time: November 2008

The decision by the BBC Trust not to expand regional and local BBC web-sites with enhanced video news coverage has been labelled “a missed opportunity” by the Chartered Institute of Journalists.

The Institutes’ Broadcasting Division – which has members throughout the BBC – said it was ” a crying shame” that the BBC Trust had crumbled in the face of pressure from “self-interested” regional newspaper owners.

Former BBC Radio 2 newsreader Paul Leighton, Chairman of the Institute’s Broadcasting Division said:

“If regional and local newspaper proprietors want protection from the so-called “unfair competition” they claim BBC local video services would have offered, perhaps they should consider providing decent local news coverage instead of sacking editorial staff and closing or merging newsrooms.”

“Some newspaper proprietors claim they are struggling to make money from local and regional papers. They should be asking themselves whether they have caused the problem themselves – by trying to line share holders and directors’ pockets at the expense of proper news coverage and journalists’ jobs.”

He added” It’s particularly telling that local newspapers which have maintained genuinely local news coverage by keeping journalists at work in their communities – like Sir Ray Tindle’s newspaper group – continue to make money and enjoy the respect of their readers. If only other owners had chosen a similar path, instead of whingeing about “unfair competition” from the BBC.”

NEWS RELEASE
Release time: 22 October 2008

Mobile Phones and Emails – are to be the latest target in the Government’s proposals to fight crime and terrorism by setting up a huge database which collects so called “Communications data.”

While Ms Smith stressed the “content” of conversations would not be stored, the plans to collect more data on people’s phone, e-mail and web-browsing habits are expected to be included in the Communications Data Bill, due to be introduced in the Queen’s Speech in November.

If this giant database goes ahead it will mean that investigative journalists can be closely monitored.

CIoJ General Secretary, Dominic Cooper, said: “With the fiascos of personal data this Government has so far managed to lose, from people getting child support through to military records, this idea has catastrophe written all over it.

“There is no validity in the proposals. They are yet another intrusion affecting working journalists.  That can never be acceptable.  It is quite obvious that people can use such data records to know who, when and where a journalist is ringing and from that take action. That is a deep and fundamental threat to any journalist investigating wrong doing in a so called democracy.”

In her speech to the Institute of Public Policy Research on Wednesday (October 15 2008), the Home Secretary said that recording of Communications Data – data about calls, such as the location and identity of the caller, is vital to target criminals and terrorists.

Mr Cooper said: “The media provides some of the most critical comment on Government and there are no safeguards to stop powerful people from using this information against journalists.

“The police already have the opportunity to track this information for serious crimes and as Ms Smith pointed out they were used to convict Ian Huntley, for the Soham murders, and those responsible for the 21/7 terrorist plots against London.  Why do we need more?

“The Police are already using every law they can think of to inhibit press photographers.  These measures will only serve to track and potentially inhibit journalists even more.”

Ends+

From Liz Justice, CIoJ Press Office, 07780 661926.

NEWS RELEASE
Release time: 2 October 2008

The Chartered Institute of Journalists has condemned the Broadcasting Regulator Ofcom’s decision to allow ITV companies to slash regional news coverage as “a betrayal of Public Service Broadcasting (PSB).”

The cuts will result in the loss of more than 400 jobs in regional newsrooms with a number of regions merged and output reductions. It also comes just days after Ofcom published the second phase of its review of Public Service Broadcasting ( PSB). The review finds that in order to sustain PSB programmes on channels other than the BBC, some £145-235 million in replacement funding will be required by 2012.

Chairman of the Institute’s Broadcasting Division, Paul Leighton, said “We are concerned that Ofcom’s role of maintaining effective public service broadcasting is undermined as it openly sought to smooth the path for this shabby round of job cuts and lost programming.

“What kind of regional news service will be left when big centres like Bristol and Plymouth are merged?  Has the Regulator even looked at the map let alone the very diversely different communities that live in these cities?”

The Institute’s submission in the review of PSB urged that the regional requirements of PSB could be maintained by a greater sharing of facilities with other news providers and that a re-think of Government financing along the same lines as its support to the British Film Industry should be examined.

In a detailed submission to Ofcom’s first part of the Review earlier this year, the Institute urged the Regulator not to give in to ITV proposals to reduce regional coverage as a response to falling advertising revenue. It also pointed out that a reduced level of regional news coverage would be a disincentive to advertisers and lead to an even greater loss of viewers in the longer term.

Mr Leighton, added: “In these days of the credit crunch we have sympathy with any business trying to deal with losses of revenue. CIoJ is still urging MPs to understand the crisis.”

Ofcom’s own research indicated the value that PSB is held in by the public. Losing local news coverage is just a start of the rot and Ofcom seem too caught in the financial spotlight.

CIoJ General Secretary Dominic Cooper said: “Once the fabric of this local broadcasting network has been decimated by Ofcom’s green light to ITV, it will never be replaced. Other companies will be keen to take advantage of this precedent.

“The attraction of this simple answer to the immediate problems facing ITV, and thereby PSB, are easy to comprehend. However, this quick fix solution will undoubtedly have massive long-term effects on plurality, focus and relevance of local broadcast news.”

End

Notes to editors

1.      Ofcom’s review closes on 4th December 2008 and can be found at:- http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/psb2_phase2/

2.      The Ofcom Review also proposes reducing the obligations on ITV plc and the other channel 3 licensees next year to make the provision of highly valued programmes – original British content and news – more sustainable until the initial expiry date of the existing licences in 2014.

3.      The biggest changes – which prioritise peak time coverage – involve a restructuring of ITV’s regional news services in England and the Scottish Borders

4.      Institute represents journalists throughout broadcasting and the written media and has been serving journalists and journalism for more than a hundred years. Its broadcasting members include household names like Kate Adie and James Alexander-Gordon.

5.      If you wish to interview someone about this subject please get in touch with The CIoJ on 020 7252 1187.

From Liz Justice, CIoJ Press Office, 07780 661926.

In the death of Sir Charles Wheeler the world of broadcasting has lost a gentleman journalist whose dedication to the profession saw him work well into his retirement years.

In a speech made at the Institute’s Presidential inauguration a couple of years ago, Sir Charles’s commitment to the profession was obvious in his passion for his work.  He had lost none of the charm and warmth which endeared him to both colleagues and viewers alike.

We are sorry to learn of his death and send our condolences and very best wishes to Lady Wheeler and his family.

Dominic Cooper, General Secretary

Chartered Institute of Journalists

NEWS RELEASE
Release time:11 July 2008

Big pay rises and bonus’s for top BBC executives have been condemned as “unprincipled, unjustified and utterly insensitive” by the Chartered Institute of Journalists.

The Institute – whose broadcasting members include household names like Kate Adie and James Alexander Gordon – was outraged at huge rises in pay packages at a time when many BBC employees face redundancy under the guise of modernisation.

The chairman of the Institute’s Broadcasting Division, Paul Leighton – a former BBC Radio 2 newsreader- said: “Hundreds of BBC staff have had their lives turned upside down as they try and work out what is happening in the BBC. And while they are waiting to find out the kind of future they face, the pay package for one BBC Director has risen by more than £100,000.”

And he added: “Although bonuses for top executives were capped at 10 per cent of salaries, some have picked up more than £20,000 on top of their salary.”

The Institute said the protest is not simply about the Corporation’s financial “insensitivity” at a time of job losses. “We are concerned that cuts in news will undermine the BBC’s ability to provide quality Public Service Broadcasting which is why they are funded through the Licence Fee.

CIoJ General Secretary, Dominic Cooper, said “To cut jobs and put standards at risk in this way, while paying huge salaries to the bureaucrats, is a betrayal of the Corporation’s historic role and a smack in the face for loyal staff.”

Editors note:

1.    The Chartered Institute of Journalists is the oldest organisation representing journalists in the world. It has been protecting the interests of journalists and journalism for more than 120 years.

2. Interviews are available with Paul Leighton or Dominic Cooper by contacting the CIoJ on 0207-252-1187.

NEWS RELEASE
Release time: Embargoed 00.01 Monday 19 May 2008

TAX credits should be considered to support vital Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) claims the Chartered Institute of Journalists (CIoJ).

With just a month before the consultation closes on Ofcom’s second review of PSB, CIoJ general secretary Dominic Cooper said: “Government urgently need to look for ways to support PSB, because although people don’t know that phrase, they value the local news and regional programmes it provides.

“Broadcasters need incentive to maintain their PSB commitment at this crucial time. Our suggestion is that TV and Radio companies are allowed to offset the cost of news gathering and presenting against their tax bills.

“Government stepped in to help the struggling film industry because they recognised the value for employment at home and for coverage of British talent around the world. I see no difference to the way they can provide support to Public Service Broadcasting.”

In the Consultation document, Ofcom recognise that commercial stations are going to have great difficulty funding news and regional programmes. In April, ITV also said it was considering handing back its licence because providing PSB is becoming untenable.

Mr Cooper said: “Our primary concern is maintaining quality in news and regional programming which should be accessible to the majority. There are people who are never going to afford subscription services or learn how to use new systems, when they are happy with the old.”

Research by Ofcom’s consultants, Oliver and Ohibaum, acknowledge the future models for PSB they have envisaged, are not clear as broadcasters head from analogue into the digital information age.

“The water is being muddied with talk of taking from the BBC licence fee, but this is not helpful when we need some stability. The BBC remains a respected national and international institution at a time of flux, so why tamper with it?” added Mr Cooper.

“We are now writing again to all MPs to ask them to drive forward this proposal as an interim way to support full access to vital information. Change is fine but not if the channels of information are put in jeopardy.”

ends+

Note to Editors

Phase one of Ofcom’s second Public Service Broadcasting Review closes at 5pm on 19th June 2008 and is available at http://www.ofcom.org.uk/tv/psb_review

Dominic Cooper is available for interview and can be contacted on 020 7252 1187 or 07803 507366, email dc@cioj.co.uk

The Government introduced a new tax relief for the production of British films, in Chapter 3 of the Finance Act 2006 which received Royal Assent on 19 July 2006 and in SI 1050/2007 (The Corporation Tax (Taxation of Films) (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2007 (PDF 117K)

According to the UK Film Council, films that cost up to £20 million, the Film Production Company (FPC) can claim an enhanced deduction of 100% with a payable cash element of 25% of UK qualifying film production expenditure. For films that cost over £20 million, the FPC can claim an enhanced deduction of 80% with a payable cash element of 20% of UK qualifying film production expenditure. http://www.ukfilmcouncil.org.uk/taxrelief

The UK now has a government unit to deal with the corporation tax affairs of companies which are eligible for film tax relief. The unit, which is part of HM Revenue & Customs, works mostly with special purpose vehicles established to make a single film. The Manchester Film Tax Credit Unit can be contacted at RandD.Manchester@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk or tel: +44 (0)161 288 6118.

Formed in 1884, the Chartered Institute of Journalists (CIoJ) is the world’s oldest established professional body for journalists, and a representative voice of media and communications professionals throughout the UK and the Commonwealth.

Issued by Liz Justice, CIOJ Media Relations Manager, 07780 661926