Resolution Statement - 08877-19 Lynch v Metro.co.uk
Summary of Complaint
1. Adam Lynch complained to the Independent Press Standards
Organisation that Metro.co.uk breached Clause 1 (Accuracy) of the Editors' Code
of Practice in publishing article headlined “How to watch The Mandalorian in
the UK" published on 12 November 2019.
2. The complainant said that the article’s headline was not
supported by the text as it implied that The Mandalorian (a TV show) could
currently be watched in the UK. Instead, the text of the article states that UK
viewers will have to wait until March 2020 to watch the show.
3. The publication did not accept that they had breached the
Code. It stated that the headline did not imply that the show could currently
be watched in the UK. Instead, the publication stated that the text clarified
the headline and accurately detailed how to watch the show in the UK, albeit
that this means waiting until March 2020.
Relevant Code Provisions
Clause 1 (Accuracy)
i) The Press must take care not to publish inaccurate,
misleading or distorted information or images, including headlines not
supported by the text.
ii) A significant inaccuracy, misleading statement or
distortion must be corrected, promptly and with due prominence, and — where
appropriate — an apology published. In cases involving IPSO, due prominence
should be as required by the regulator.
iii) A fair opportunity to reply to significant inaccuracies
should be given, when reasonably called for.
iv) The Press, while free to editorialise and campaign, must
distinguish clearly between comment, conjecture and fact.
Mediated Outcome
4. The complaint was not resolved through direct
correspondence between the parties. IPSO therefore began an investigation into
the matter.
5. During IPSO’s investigation, as a gesture of goodwill,
the newspaper offered to publish an amended headline which stated:
“Mandelorian set for UK release in March 2020 – here’s how
to watch it”.
6. The complainant said that this would resolve the matter
to his satisfaction.
7. As the complaint
was successfully mediated, the Complaints Committee did not make a
determination as to whether there had been any breach of the Code.
Date complaint received: 12/11/2019
Date complaint concluded by IPSO: 14/01/2020
The Independent Press Standards Organisation C.I.C. is a Community Interest Company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales with registered number 02538908.
