What is IPSO and who makes these decisions?
The Independent Press Standards Organisation. This replaced the Press Complaints Commission following the news of the world phone hacking scandal. News International, owners of the News Of The World and The Sun and The Times were found guilty of systematically hacking phones to intrude on the private lives of private individuals.
Sex and nudity is not technically a strict regulation set out by IPSO, however public perception has clearly changed, and sexualised representations of women have become more rare in newspapers. This can most clearly be seen in the fairly recent removal of 'page 3 girls' from tabloids such as The Sun
Newspapers are not permitted to intrude of private matters; 'invasion of privacy'
Libel and defamation of character
Hate speech and the incitement of racial hatred. Racist language would only acceptable when quoted
Religious bias: newspapers cannot be biased or show judgement against regions. In the UK, there are laws to respect individuals religious freedom
Reporting on suicide, self harm and other mental health issues. This can potentially trigger and cause harm to those with mental health issues
To avoid 'harm and distress' to audiences
On page 6 and 7 there is a double page spread article regarding the alleged extended family of Vladimir Putin. Arguably, this is a massive invasion of privacy. Putin's alleged 'lovechild' is featured in a particularly large double page splash image, which reinforces her importance. She is referred to a 'DAUGHTER' in the image's caption, which technically does not break any rules or regulations. However, this entire article could be considered an invasion of privacy. However considering the context of world events, it could simply be argued that this story is in 'the public interest'. Additionally, she is legally an adult and subject to very different rules, and arguably is already a public figure online with '84,000 followers'
Article regarding NHS surgeries closing down may be critical of the NHS. However, this probably doesn't breach IPSO guidelines, being a public interest story
Page 3, which typically focusses on soft news here is focused on Kate Middleton going for a walk in the jungles of Belize. This is a classic example of a soft news story. This story may appeal to the target audience, as it is related to the royal family and KM is a popular public figure who appeals to working class audiences in particular. However, issues of slavery and postcolonialism are relegated to a tiny puff piece in the bottom right of the page. This clearly demonstrates the ideological bias of the daily mirror
IPSO complaints committee is staffed by some people with ties to newspapers. Many of the board are significantly older, retired journalists
Regulatory guidelines
Sex and nudity is not technically a strict regulation set out by IPSO, however public perception has clearly changed, and sexualised representations of women have become more rare in newspapers. This can most clearly be seen in the fairly recent removal of 'page 3 girls' from tabloids such as The Sun
Newspapers are not permitted to intrude of private matters; 'invasion of privacy'
Libel and defamation of character
Hate speech and the incitement of racial hatred. Racist language would only acceptable when quoted
Religious bias: newspapers cannot be biased or show judgement against regions. In the UK, there are laws to respect individuals religious freedom
Reporting on suicide, self harm and other mental health issues. This can potentially trigger and cause harm to those with mental health issues
To avoid 'harm and distress' to audiences
How do these editions of The Mirror and The Times potentially breach IPSO guidelines?
On page 6 and 7 there is a double page spread article regarding the alleged extended family of Vladimir Putin. Arguably, this is a massive invasion of privacy. Putin's alleged 'lovechild' is featured in a particularly large double page splash image, which reinforces her importance. She is referred to a 'DAUGHTER' in the image's caption, which technically does not break any rules or regulations. However, this entire article could be considered an invasion of privacy. However considering the context of world events, it could simply be argued that this story is in 'the public interest'. Additionally, she is legally an adult and subject to very different rules, and arguably is already a public figure online with '84,000 followers'
Article regarding NHS surgeries closing down may be critical of the NHS. However, this probably doesn't breach IPSO guidelines, being a public interest story
Page 3, which typically focusses on soft news here is focused on Kate Middleton going for a walk in the jungles of Belize. This is a classic example of a soft news story. This story may appeal to the target audience, as it is related to the royal family and KM is a popular public figure who appeals to working class audiences in particular. However, issues of slavery and postcolonialism are relegated to a tiny puff piece in the bottom right of the page. This clearly demonstrates the ideological bias of the daily mirror