The PCC received 45 complaints last year about how it handled the complaints process, according to a report compiled by charter commissioner Sir Brian Cubbon, whose role is to examine the way the Press Complaints Commission deals with disputes.
Four of the complaints referred to the compliance panel resulted in a
"substantial change" in the original outcome. In 12 cases it
was agreed that further action was needed.
One example of a complaint that was referred to the compliance panel was about a newspaper report which claimed a South American president was wanted for extradition. The piece did not include a denial of the allegations.
A complaint about the story was thrown out by the PCC — but after the matter was disputed, the editor published a clarification.
The panel has recommended there should be better communication between the PCC and complainants, and that internal procedures should be improved.
Greater clarity was recommended when explaining why certain parts of the code were not breached.
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