Robin Esser, president of the Society of Editors, argues that the hacking scandal has, arguably, resulted in the media becoming the "the most inquired into institution of public life in history."
In his annual report, he writes:
"The furore and threats to media freedom are largely the product of the collective guilt of politicians who now say they were over-influenced by one man!
Sadly, as we now know, News International did not deal satisfactorily with the issue.
Allegations of inadequate investigations by the police and a cover-up by NI eventually led to a block on Rupert Murdoch buying the whole of BSkyB, severe embarrassment for the prime minister for hiring former News of the World Editor, Andy Coulson, and a tarnished reputation for the whole of the press - the huge majority of which does not deserve it.
"Top police officers resigned and it could cause significant changes in the Press Complaints Commission as we have known it."
Esser, who is executive managing editor of the Daily Mail, continues:
"While the model of self regulation that is essential for a free press is threatened, the integrity and independence of the whole of British journalism is at stake.
Can the fragile belief in freedom of expression, the public's right to know and the media freedom that follows be maintained without the safety valve of a USA-style first amendment to a written constitution?
These are the concerns that make the society determined to fulfil its essential role as a defender of the media on every level.
It will remind politicians and the public that despite its faults and its occasional indiscretions the British media has a long and proud record.
It fights for those who have a right to know what is being done - and spent - in their name and those most in need of protection from overbearing bureaucracy, flawed government, the rich and powerful and from arrogant hypocrites."
