The Press Complaints Commission is becoming much more proactive nowadays. The latest example is a letter in the Whitehaven News from the PCC's director, Stephen Abell.
It asks readers if they have any concerns about the newspaper coverage of the Derrick Bird shootings about the behaviour of journalists.
Abell reveals that he visited Penrith, Whitehaven and Workington six days ago to meet police, local media and clergy. He writes:
What I learned – among positive stories about the actions of the press – was that the sheer numbers of journalists (both print and broadcast) caused difficulties for the affected communities, and there were individual cases of what was seen to be inappropriate behaviour.
The PCC is keen to follow up, and deal with, any concerns suggesting that journalists have breached the code we enforce.
I would also like to point out that, starting from the first hour of the shooting, the PCC has been in regular touch with Cumbria police to offer our services to families of the victims.
We are now dealing with a number of enquiries from people directly affected by the shootings, and will continue to respond to such enquiries with speed and sensitivity.
