The Role of the Media Regulatory and Self-regulatory Bodies in Maintaining Standards of Journalism in the United Kingdom Cover Image

The Role of the Media Regulatory and Self-regulatory Bodies in Maintaining Standards of Journalism in the United Kingdom
The Role of the Media Regulatory and Self-regulatory Bodies in Maintaining Standards of Journalism in the United Kingdom

Author(s): Michał Chlebowski
Subject(s): Social Sciences, Media studies, Communication studies
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego
Keywords: media; journalism; ethics; regulator; accountability

Summary/Abstract: The UK’s media regulation and self-regulation system has evolved over the past 70 years, with major reforms in the last two decades. Since 2003, Ofcom has served as the primary regulator of electronic media, overseeing journalistic standards and ethics. In 2017, its authority expanded to include the BBC. The press sector, following ethical scandals, adopted a self-regulation model led by Impress and IPSO. This article examines the UK’s regulatory framework, assessing its structure, procedures, and effectiveness. It analyzes audience complaints, explores regulatory challenges, and includes insights from literature reviews, institutional reports, and interviews with professionals from Ofcom, IPSO, and the BBC. Although focused on the UK, this study contributes to discussions on media regulation in Poland, where systemic reforms are needed. The analysis highlights the strengths and limitations of the British model, offering insights for broader media governance debates.

  • Issue Year: 13/2025
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 17-31
  • Page Count: 15
  • Language: English
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