The key questions for the Leveson Inquiry

1. What scope is there for self-regulation on ethical questions in an industry that is run for profit?
2. What is the difference between print and broadcast media when it comes to regulation?
3. Does print journalism serve any purpose beyond public entertainment?
4. If print journalism is going to serve the purpose of keeping citizens informed so that they can take responsible decisions, how are we to make a distinction between ‘news’ and ‘entertainment’, such that the former must serve that purpose, but the latter does not?
5. If a print medium primarily serves the purposes of entertainment, can they have any recourse to the ‘public interest’ defence when it comes to intrusions into people’s private lives?
6. Even if the print medium is a serious news publication, how are we to define ‘public interest’ when it comes to intrusions into privacy?
7. How are we to regulate the media in a way that respects every individual’s right to freedom of speech, which amounts to every individual’s right to be a journalist? The internet has restored the status of journalism as a hobby for anybody to engage in. This must be defended.