How has the media been covering the EU referendum debate? Is the press bias towards leave, Reuters report thinks so. If it is bias, is that making a difference? Does the press set the broadcasters agenda? Why are we seeing so few women in the debate and have the public really engaged with the referendum campaign so far, what difference might the upcoming debates make?
Draft media guidelines published by the College of Policing impose a number of new controls on police contact with journalists. They say that off the record (or non reportable) conversations between police officers and journalists should only happen in "exceptional circumstances". And they set out wide-ranging circumstances in which officers are urged to involve Corporation Communications Departments (press officers) rather than speak to journalists directly. The new guidelines replace a similar document published by the Association of Chief Police Officers in 2010 and appear to go further in restricting direct contact between police and journalists. A successful working relationship between the police service and the media is vital. Working with the media to communicate to the public can help solve crimes, bring offenders to justice and keep communities safe."
Presenter: Andrea Catherwood
Producer: Maire Devine.
