Responding to Covid-19

Regulated, accountable news

In these unprecedented times, readers need to know their news is produced with regard to the highest editorial standards. All IPSO-regulated publications, in print and online, must follow the Editors' Code and are accountable to us as their independent regulator. Look for the IPSO Mark, a symbol of regulated, accountable news.

The Covid Report: How the British press is reporting on the pandemic

This report reviews IPSO's response to the pandemic and examines complaints and case studies of Covid reporting which explore key themes of the Editors’ Code. The report also looks at how IPSO’s privacy notice service was used during the period and gives insight into how Covid impacted regulated publishers’ operations. 

Action on Covid complaints

We publish all rulings and resolutions and will highlight case studies of all rulings made on complaints related to Covid so it is clear what action has been taken and why. We also include considerations about Code is applied to these issues and highlight key points to support journalists and editors to comply with the standards of the Code. Our blog also highlights and explains key issues.

Monitoring

We use knowledge and data from daily work with complaints, wide monitoring of the media landscape and engagement with groups interested in coverage of particular issues to track patterns and identify areas of potential concern to provide targeted interventions to raise press standards.

Help with potential press intrusion

If someone is being contacted by journalists and they want this to stop, we offer a 24-hour emergency helpline. Where appropriate, we can send a private advisory notice to communicate specific requests such as not to contact individuals or make editors aware of other concerns. Organisations can also use this service, where there are concerns about press intrusion.

Complaints

If you see something in the press that you think breaks the rules, you can make a complaint under the Editors' Code. This covers editorial material and journalistic behaviour.

Major incidents and emergencies

If a major incident or high profile event takes place , IPSO can help with potential press intrusion. Find details of the 24-hour emergency helpline here. We will also be proactively monitoring coverage and making contact with individuals and organisations about how we may be able to help them if required.

Advice

Our information is designed to help people understand the rules which newspapers and magazines must follow and know where to go for help if required. You can also call our office for advice on 0300 123 22 20 and get advice specifically about your situation or access our information on a range of topics, including reporting on a death and social media, online.

Contact us

IPSO is operating as usual during lockdown. You can contact us as you normally would by phoneemail or via Twitter. We are open from 9.30 to 5.30, Monday to Friday. For out of hours, urgent press harassment issues, please use our emergency helpline.