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Legal costs changes could destroy regional newspapers, warns SoE

Regional editors are being urged to write to MPs over a law change which industry leaders fear could put some local titles out of business.

The Society of Editors wants its members to voice concern over the possible implementation of Section 40 of the Crime and Courts Act 2013.

If enacted, the provisions could see publishers forced to pay both sides costs even if they successfully defend a case in court.

The SoE said the financial implications of this could result in the closure of some titles.

The Royal Courts of Justice in the Strand in London UK. Image shot 2014. Exact date unknown.

Executive director Bob Satchwell said the move could encourage more legal claims on issues that are usually settled by direct contact between editors and complainants.

“We fear that quick thinking lawyers may well try to get in on the act and you may face costs in dealing with complaints whereas so far there have been none, or only minimal financial effects,” he said.

“That could seriously damage or even close some papers. It is also totally unfair and undermines the first principle of justice.

“The costs orders arose from the Leveson report and the creation of the Royal Charter. Regional and local newspapers were not at the heart of the issues leading to the Inquiry but they could be seriously, even irreparably, damaged.

“We are grateful for the support of regional and local paper editors who have been making the case to ministers and their local MPs.”

2 comments

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  • October 10, 2016 at 3:24 pm
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    They are only scared because they know stories are not checked before publication. Lots of people will take legal action now they know they won’t be out of pocket if the lose. Good news for the people.
    Do you guys remember when a story was written, then checked/rewritten by a news editor, passed to a lawyer to be checked if needed. Then layed out by a sub, proofed at least once by another experienced sub. Then the editor may have read the page before sending to press.
    Now a young reporter sticks a story straight on the page, possibly checked by one person before being sent to press.
    If I were a publisher with today’s work flow, I’d be worried.

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  • October 10, 2016 at 4:24 pm
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    British justice used to be the envy of the world. Section 40 of the Crime and Courts Act 2013 brings in ‘exemplary damages’ – and there is nothing whatsoever exemplary in it from the point of view of fairness. The elephant in the room is Impress making its bid to the Press Recognition Panel later this month. If it is successful, then Section 40 is triggered and this country takes yet another lurch away from its long tradition of sound legal and democratic principles.

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