OSCE media freedom representative hits out at new UK press regulator

VIENNA, 30 October 2013 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today lamented the issuance of a Royal Charter that establishes a press regulatory body in the United Kingdom.

“Politicians should not tell journalists and print media how they should act,” Mijatović said. “Real self-regulation and not government influenced regulation is the best way to address perceived ethical problems in the press.”

Mijatović said she was equally dismayed by the signal the decision sends to other governments that it is acceptable to regulate the press.

“Great Britain has led the way for centuries in press freedom. It should continue to lead the way rather than roll back from the high standards it has set over the last 300 years,” she said.