LO4: Regulation

LO4: Regulation

The regulatory body IPSO defines a large set of codes by which the editors of journalistic pieces have to follow to ensure it is safe/ suitable for public release. As seen on IPSO's website the codes given a large range of aspects in the print and news industry. Most noticeably, it is seen to be that the codes were put in place to provide a standard for all reporting across the newspaper and magazine industry, as a result the article I have written would have to follow these codes and conventions as a result of it planning to be released in national magazines whilst also being available online.

From my article, it can be inferred that it is in breach of little codes set by the independent press standards organisation. This is largely as a result of the nature and genre of the article, the journalistic piece I have written is perceived to fit into the genre of sporting and local news reportage. Subsequently, the article would not hinder the majority of the codes. For example the codes state that a press organisation must: not intrude into grief or shock, avoid excessive detail on suicide or death, care in reportage of children and children in sex cases, care in reporting of crime, no use of subterfuge, consider victims of sexual assault, not pay for witness in criminal proceedings neither should they pay criminal information and finally must not disclose confidential sources which they may have obtained.

However, it is also perceived that my article would have to consider certain aspects of the editor’s code of practice, most importantly the public interest. The code of public interest can be further sub defined into various parts. The main aspects of this code which is relevant to my article is the 'protecting public health and safety', I think this because within the body copy of the article and possible imagery to be used in the piece it could be perceived to glamourise the sport which in turn would result in the audience wanting to partake in such events. However, with this comes risks to health and safety, for example the sport of the downhill mountain biking is classed as an extreme sport which can often result in injury due to the environment and ethos behind the sport. Therefore, if new comers were to attempt to recreate such moves portrayed in the article it could result in serious injury both to themselves and to those who surround them. In an attempt to minimise this risk I have made mention to there being a variety of tracks available no matter what skill set they may be at in an attempt to show progression is needed whilst still portraying the sport and Sheffield as a location to be attractive.

Another regulation set by IPSO, which would relate to the article would be the accuracy of reporting. The IPSO states that ' The Press must take care not to publish inaccurate, misleading or distorted information or images, including headlines not supported by the text.' Within my article all, the information used is validated, this is largely because of the primary and secondary research undertaken. More specifically, the direct qualitative questions proposed to Steve Peat allowed for direct accurate responses adding further validation to the accuracy and authenticity of the article. Similarly, the headline is also supported by the text both for literary purposes and to meet regulation. For example the phrase 'Seven Hills' which is seen in the headline is also prevalent throughout, this reiteration of the phrase adds emphasis to the point and results in it having a bigger more memorable impact on the audience.

In conclusion, it is seen that my article is in little breach of the codes of practice said by the independent press standards organisation and therefore would be suitable for publication in the magazine which it would be presented in.