View all newsletters
Sign up for our free email newsletters

Fighting for quality news media in the digital age.

  1. Archive content
April 29, 2004updated 17 May 2007 11:30am

Survey claims that culture of secrecy is rampant in UK

By Press Gazette

A culture of official secrecy is entrenched throughout Britain’s public services, claim regional newspaper editors.

According to the initial findings of a survey carried out by the
Newspaper Society, official bodies routinely use data protection as an
excuse to withhold information and hide behind press officers.

Courts make unnecessary reporting restrictions and there is
scepticism about the ability of public authorities to comply with the
Freedom of Information Act when it comes into force next year. Editors
have also reported secrecy issues surrounding new-style council
cabinets.

Mike Glover, editor of the Westmorland Gazette, said: “The culture of secrecy and anonymity is rampant.

The real problem for the media is that the public at large is sympathetic with this tide.

“All the debate is driven by high-profile national examples of
intrusion. The public at large doesn’t understand the impact that
secrecy and privacy have on their community newspapers.”

The Newspaper Society press freedom survey concludes on May 9. The full findings are expected to be released later in the year.

Content from our partners
MHP Group's 30 To Watch awards for young journalists open for entries
How PA Media is helping newspapers make the digital transition
Publishing on the open web is broken, how generative AI could help fix it

Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog

Select and enter your email address Weekly insight into the big strategic issues affecting the future of the news industry. Essential reading for media leaders every Thursday. Your morning brew of news about the world of news from Press Gazette and elsewhere in the media. Sent at around 10am UK time. Our weekly does of strategic insight about the future of news media aimed at US readers. A fortnightly update from the front-line of news and advertising. Aimed at marketers and those involved in the advertising industry.
  • Business owner/co-owner
  • CEO
  • COO
  • CFO
  • CTO
  • Chairperson
  • Non-Exec Director
  • Other C-Suite
  • Managing Director
  • President/Partner
  • Senior Executive/SVP or Corporate VP or equivalent
  • Director or equivalent
  • Group or Senior Manager
  • Head of Department/Function
  • Manager
  • Non-manager
  • Retired
  • Other
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how New Statesman Media Group may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
Thank you

Thanks for subscribing.

Websites in our network