Many of us have been shocked by the allegations surrounding the conduct of national newspapers and international media groups. I used to attach much less credence to claims about the power of the national media, thinking that many such complaints were from unreasonable vested interested groups, including cabals with the major political parties. Surely the media were just holding these powerful groupings to account. There was nothing wrong with that.
The most recent allegations will surely alter our perceptions. It is one thing to feel the effect of journalistic inaccuracy, quite another to be spied upon or to be the victim of attempts to access your personal data. Being unfairly misquoted or not quoted is one level of inappropriate treatment, as is an attempt to misrepresent policy in the interests of a media agenda. All of this is perhaps par for the course but to have your telephone calls illegally intercepted is a different level of media practice and one which will provoke the strongest reaction.
We are all warned about the perils of identity theft and there are enough insurance policies available out there in response to the threat. Yet, the allegations against sections of our national media, if true, constitute exactly that threat to some individuals. This would be totally unacceptable behaviour requiring the full force of the law to be applied.
Even in an increasingly digital age, the circulation of national newspapers and their advertising revenues provide huge buying power. It is remarkable that six-figure sums of money can be offered for information or other forms of co-operation. That is incredible leverage, especially in a difficult economic climate. And not everyone is incorruptible.
The pursuit of a story at any price will not stand the test of legitimacy. There is a right to protection from the invasion of privacy and this must be upheld. People should not see that right breached in respect of themselves and their families and friends.
It is sometimes the case that the abuse of power generates such revulsion as to represent a historical tipping point. I believe that we are in that situation now.
Further investigations will most likely show that the current revelations are merely scratching the surface of a more widespread media malpractice. The abuse of power that is emerging will at least generate beneficial change. Time will show that sections of the national media have curtailed their power by abusing it.
Councillor Bob Lanzer, Leader of Crawley Borough Council
12th July 2011