Phone Hacking - Background * Phone hacking is an on-going controversy surrounding New Corporation, it’s subsidiary News International and its newspaper, News of the World. * Phone hacking reportedly begun in 1998, with the first allegations been made in 2006, and the first major investigation in 2011. * Over 4000 potential victims, including members of the Royal Family, the family of murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler, Gerry and Kate McCann as well as celebrities like Hugh Grant.
Implications – The Media * News of the World closed down in July 2011 ending its 150 year existence. * YouGov poll found that 58% of British people have lost trust in the papers since the scandal. * TV and Radio have benefitted from the lack of trust in newspapers. * Leveson inquiry is likely to lead to much tighter regulation, with potential new legislation to enforce stricter controls in the long run.
Implications – The Government * Government involvement with the press heavily scrutinised, particularly Andy Coulson and Jeremy Hunt. * David Cameron were required to handle the phone hacking scandal and thus commissioned Lord Justice Leveson to run an inquiry. * The Leveson report, released last week found the press and wreaked ‘havoc with the lives of innocent people’. * Lord Leveson’s recommendations were for the Parliament to set up a strong, independent press regulator, cross party talks are now taking place to agree on the best way to regulate the industry and ensure freedom of the press still exists.
Implications – Other Business * Not as directly implicated as the Government or the media. * Changes in security as companies and individuals are now more aware of the threat posed by hackers. * The News of the World employees charged and arrested has highlighted the importance of morals in conducting business activities. * The phone