After Harry’s Phone Hacking Victory: Is it Last Orders for Tabloid Top Brass

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Keywords: phone hacking, Prince Harry, tabloid, press standards, media ethics

Introduction

In a recent landmark ruling, Mr. Justice Fancourt found that Prince Harry had been subjected to damaging and illegal press activity between 2003 and 2009. This ruling has sent shockwaves through the British media industry, leaving many wondering if it’s last orders for the tabloid top brass. With the Mirror Group apologizing for historical wrongdoings and the potential for further investigations into other newspaper businesses, the repercussions of this judgment are far-reaching. In this article, we will delve into the aftermath of Prince Harry’s phone hacking victory and explore its impact on press standards and media ethics.

The Fallout Begins

The immediate impact of Mr. Justice Fancourt’s ruling was evident as the Mirror Group of newspapers issued an unreserved apology for their historical wrongdoings. However, the full ramifications of this judgment on other British newspaper businesses are yet to be seen. Media campaigner and Hacked Off founder, Brian Cathcart, believes that the police should promptly investigate the matter further, as there are still individuals in prominent positions on newspapers who were involved in the illegal press activity.

Dr. Evan Harris, a former director of Hacked Off, highlights the significant amount of evidence that has come to light during the recent litigation. Tens of thousands of documents have been disclosed, many of which are available to the police and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for further investigation into potential criminal conduct such as perjury and perverting the course of justice.

A Web of Deceit

Alan Rusbridger, former editor of The Guardian, sheds light on the extensive concealment and denial of truth by newspaper managements at major media companies. Dishonest statements, lies to parliament, regulators, and even the Leveson inquiry, have all been uncovered. The judgment has revealed the lengths to which some have gone to protect their interests, even going as far as perjury in court.

Nick Davies, the journalist who first broke the hacking scandal, expresses limited hopes for change, calling for Talk TV to suspend Piers Morgan and Richard Wallace, and for the Metropolitan Police to investigate Mirror Group crime. More than a billion pounds have already been paid out in costs and damages without senior editors or owners admitting guilt. Key emails have been deleted, and documents conveniently lost, further muddying the waters.

The Daily Mail Under Scrutiny

With many outstanding allegations against the Daily Mail, it is likely that the focus will now shift to this publication. Critics of British tabloid culture see this as the beginning of an era of serious redress, compensating for the cancellation of the planned second part of the Leveson inquiry. Rupert Murdoch’s newspaper group, owner of The Sun, also faces vulnerability, as several individuals implicated in the judgment are currently employed there. Rebekah Brooks, the former editor of The Sun and News of the World, now CEO of News UK, finds her rehabilitation in question.

Piers Morgan, now a presenter on Talk TV, remains defiant, issuing a carefully worded defense that does not deny knowledge of phone hacking practices. Steve Coogan, who settled a claim in 2017, notes that Morgan’s defense does not contradict the judgment. Coogan optimistically suggests that the protective “omertà” surrounding guilty editors may be weakening.

A Battle for Justice

The Prince’s victory in the phone hacking trial marks a turning point in his ongoing battle with the tabloids. Prince Harry has been increasingly vocal about the invasive and harmful practices of the media. His wife, Meghan Markle, has also taken legal action against the Mail on Sunday for breaching her privacy by publishing parts of a private letter. These high-profile cases have shed light on the unethical behavior of the media industry.

The Duke’s appearance at the high court during his lawsuit against the Daily Mail’s publisher in March was unexpected and historic. Subsequently, he gave evidence at the Mirror Group phone hacking trial, revealing that around 140 articles published between 1996 and 2010 contained information obtained through unlawful means. The revelations have fueled accusations of vendettas on both sides, with the Prince highlighting the vitriol he has faced from the media since his teenage years.

The Road to Accountability

While some argue that Prince Harry and his fellow campaigners are driven by a desire for revenge, others see this as a long-overdue reckoning for the press. The Independent Press Standards Association (IPSO) and press regulation have come under scrutiny for failing to investigate these issues themselves. The prospect of accountability for those implicated in phone hacking and other ethical breaches is a step towards a reformed press that upholds higher standards.

Sir Alan Moses, a former chairman of IPSO, warns against the establishment of a “licensed press” that operates solely under government restrictions. He argues that the press should be unruly but subject to the law, making a case for protecting freedom of expression. Polly Toynbee, a Guardian journalist, emphasizes the importance of holding press standards to account while also expressing concern about the potential loss of newspapers such as the Mirror, which provide a non-Tory perspective.

Conclusion

Prince Harry’s phone hacking victory has ignited a renewed focus on press standards and media ethics. The ruling has exposed years of deceit and dishonesty within major media companies. While the immediate impact is evident, further investigations and potential criminal charges may have far-reaching consequences for the tabloid top brass. As the public demands accountability and transparency, the media industry faces a critical juncture that will shape its future. The battle for justice and ethical reporting continues, with hopes for a reformed press that upholds the highest standards of integrity and truth.

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