IPSO announces open meeting in Manchester on Wednesday 8th February

The event gives the public the opportunity to question an expert media panel. It will be held in partnership with Manchester Evening News, and chaired by BBC Radio's Eamonn O’Neal, and will discuss press regulation in 2017.

IPSO today announced its plans for second ‘Town Hall’ style meeting with Q&A and panel discussion in Manchester, chaired by BBC Radio's Eamonn O’Neal.

The meeting is an opportunity for members of the public, community groups, local politicians and journalism students to hear from the press regulator and ask questions of an expert media panel. IPSO regulates the overwhelming majority of the UK press, both national and local newspapers and magazines, including all the significant titles in the midlands.

On the panel are: Sir Alan Moses (Chairman of IPSO); Sara Hadwin, (Senior Lecturer and BA Journalism Programme Leader at Salford University at MediaCity); Janet Wilson (Wigan Evening Post); and Rob Irvine (Editor, Manchester Evening News).

The meeting will be held at The Mechanics Centre, Princess Street and from 6.30 and is free and open to all but in order to organise refreshments and seating, those attending are asked to book their place in advance.

Commenting on the event, Eamonn O’Neal said:

"I’ve been involved in the media scene for around 35 years, most of that time in the Manchester area, so I know the crucial part local newspapers play in informing the public about what is going on in their region. As the debate about ‘fake news’ and possible government intervention intensifies, the role of local  newspapers is more important than ever. That’s why I’m delighted to be chairing the IPSO public meeting in Manchester and look forward to seeing members of the public quiz the people who are responsible for press standards and dealing with complaints about press wrongdoing."

Sir Alan Moses, Chairman of IPSO, said:

"I am determined to make IPSO as open and accessible and open as possible and would encourage anyone with an interest in how the press works to come to this meeting. I look forward to a challenging and lively debate".