Establish a single, powerful, independent statutory regulator for all news media

Background

The Government must create a single, independent statutory regulator covering print, broadcast, and digital news media. This regulator should have the legal power to enforce truth and factual reporting via a mandatory code of conduct for journalists and prohibit the reporting of opinion as fact.

Additional details

Currently, UK media is split between statutory regulation for broadcast (Ofcom) and voluntary self-regulation for the press (IPSO/Impress). We believe that this inconsistency allows misinformation to spread across platforms, with varying levels of accountability. A single regulator would ensure a 'level playing field' with unified standards for accuracy and a clear legal distinction between editorial opinion and factual reporting, backed by meaningful sanctions for non-compliance.

Where it’s popular

Constituencies with the most signatures on this petition.