An opinion poll conducted by The Sun claimed that three out of four people are afraid politicians will use new press regulations to silence critical coverage.
The newspaper branded the Government’s plans as the introduction of a ‘Ministry for Truth’, claiming only 25 percent of those questioned wanted a Royal Charter.
The Sun claimed 40 per cent would prefer the newspapers to establish their own independent regulator with tough standards and legally binding contracts.
Almost half of those polled admitted the status quo was not satisfactory and some element of change was required.
However, 45 percent agreed that a politically based regulation regime would damage Press freedom.
The pollsters Yougov quizzed 2,683 adults over two days to come up with the data.
RT @Sun_Politics: EXCL: 76% fear Press laws and just 25% want MPs' Royal Charter, landmark poll reveals. https://t.co/S6PEXNN9Hd
— Tom Newton Dunn (@tnewtondunn) October 16, 2013
Do you think there is a risk a future government would use a legal system of press regulation to try and stop newspapers from citicising them?
YES: 76 percent
NO: 11 percent
DON'T KNOW 13 percent
Who should regulate newspapers and the press in future?
A regulatory body enforced by Parliament, with rules agreed by MPs: 25 percent
A regulatory body set up through legally binding contracts by the media industry: 40 percent
Neither: 19 percent
Don't Know: 16 percent.
Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog
