Bugging Guidelines Issued

The Press Complaints Commission has had an additional clause added to its voluntary code of practice, inserted by a committee of editors hoping to revise the code.

The clause – that journalists should not obtain or publish material by using clandestine listening devices or by intercepting private telephone conversations – is a further step by the press towards self-regulation, following recent suggestions that a statutory body should be set up to monitor its behaviour. Any journalist breaking the code will face disciplinary proceedings, according to the committee.