Columnists Julie Burchill and Toby Young discuss the backlash over a controversial column about transgender individuals. The podcast explores the role of columnists, free speech, and the challenges faced by editors in handling instant reactions on social media. The debate also touches on press self-regulation and the need for a new regulatory body in the industry.
Lord Hunt proposes a self-regulatory press regulator with powers to investigate and impose fines.
Debate on free speech versus hate speech sparked by Julie Burchill's controversial remarks on transgender individuals.
Deep dives
Lord Hunt's Proposal for Press Regulation
Lord Hunt proposes the creation of a new self-regulatory press regulator based on legally enforceable commercial contracts. This body aims to oversee and regulate the press and other news publishers, introducing a code of conduct, powers to investigate press misbehavior, impose fines up to a million pounds, and audit compliance with codes.
Concerns Over the Arbitral Process
Discussions arise regarding the arbitral process recommended by Lord Hunt to address civil claims against the regulatory body's members. While emphasizing the need for fairness, quickness, and affordability in the process, concerns exist that legal involvement could undermine its efficacy, leading to discussions on resolving these issues.
Debate on Free Speech and Hate Speech
The episode delves into a debate sparked by columnist Julie Burchill's controversial remarks on transgender individuals, raising questions about free speech versus hate speech. The article's offensive language towards the transgender community led to calls for accountability and debates on where to draw the line between free expression and harmful speech.
Lord Hunt the Chair of the Press Complaints Commission talks to Steve Hewlett about his plans for press self-regulation. Plus as the Observer Editor says the paper "got it wrong" and withdraws a column by Julie Burchill described as a "disgusting rant" against transsexual, from the Online site, we look at the role of a columnist, free speech and the difficulties faced by Editors in dealing with instant reaction to articles via Twitter and other social media. With Columnist Toby Young, Roz Kaveney a writer and transgender activist, Laurie Penny Contributing Editor at the New Statesman and former Editor of The Guardian Peter Preston. Producer Beverley Purcell.
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