British Armed Forces Head Tells Society of Editors He Supports Media Self Regulation

In response to an extended debate over media regulation, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup told the Society of Editors conference that he supports press self-regulation rather than regulation by the government, and he pointed to the recent voluntary media blackout over Prince Harry’s service in Afghanistan, which was breached not by British media but by German and Australian press, as a successful example of such self-regulation. Air Marshal Stirrup also told the audience that he thought reporting on such issues was balanced, but that the balance was “crucial” and that the press needs to provide “accurate reporting” or the job of the military becomes infinitely more difficult. The Independent has reported that certain Members of Parliament are considering introducing measures that would limit the ability of media to report on national security. Read more here in a Guardian story.