IPSO issues first ever Annual Statements from its regulated publications

The regulated press has fulfilled its contractual obligation to IPSO by providing statements which cover the first period of IPSO’s existence, 8 September 2014 to 31 December 2014. It is required to provide annual statements for 2015 in early 2016 and IPSO expects to publish them in late spring of 2016. 

The statements illustrate the breadth and diversity of the publications produced by IPSO’s membership, which span from the best-selling newspaper titles in the UK, such as The Sun and Daily Mail, to a digital-only fortnightly local newspaper, the Glossop Gazette. In the magazine sector, it includes glossy magazines like Glamour alongside highly specialised publications – some in print, some online – covering topics ranging from running (Fetch Everyone, Runner’s World) to water treatment (Desalination and Water Reuse). Each statement is different, reflecting the variation of membership and different approaches to editorial standards. However, each statement also meets IPSO’s requirements. 

Sir Alan Moses, Chairman of IPSO, said: “The annual statement is a vital element in the fulfilment of IPSO’s regulatory functions of monitoring and improving compliance with the Editors’ Code.  It is the means by which the publishers who have agreed to be regulated by an independent regulator demonstrate to the public that they take the Code seriously and acknowledge the authority of IPSO to scrutinise and monitor compliance with the standards they have set themselves”. 

Sir Alan concluded: “The annual statements are a remarkable undertaking by the UK press, which just a few years ago would have been unimaginable, and I am grateful for their hard work and cooperation in producing this first set of statements. It is particularly pleasing to see that many statements record new efforts made by publishers to improve their editorial standards to coincide with IPSO’s launch, including by updating their training information and complaints processes.  The annual statements are one way by which IPSO can acquire the information necessary to act as an effective independent regulator and assist the press in gaining the trust and authority which regulation is designed to achieve.” 

Matt Tee, IPSO’s Chief Executive added: 

“Publication of the annual statements represent an important step in the development of IPSO as a regulator and build on our complaints handling work and upholding the highest professional standards in the UK press.”