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Leveson inquiry: Lord Black, Ed Richards, Colette Bowe - live Leveson inquiry: Lord Black, Ed Richards, Colette Bowe - live
(40 minutes later)
11.49am: Ofcom is a "post-broadcast regulator" and does not attempt to intervene with broadcasts before they are aired, Richard says.
He is asked whether Ofcom should be able to intervene pre-broadcast.
"You are then into a very difficult territory which takes you potentially takes you into the area of censorship and suppression," he says. "I would feel extraordinarily uncomfortable discharging a duty of that kind."
11.47am: Richards says that the role of Ofcom is to carry out the "least intrusive, least burdensome" way of achieving its public interest objectives.
He adds that it is not a "light touch" regulation, which is "not a phrase which helps very much".
11.43am: Ofcom determines high-quality broadcasting by measuring factors including the level of original British programming, Richards says.
Bowe adds that the regulator will carry out research into Britons' interests and what 'high quality' means to them.
11.34am: Bowe says that people who are active in the industry will not be heavily involved in Ofcom because of "conflicts".
She says that the Ofcom board are all well-informed individuals though they are no longer active in the industry.
11.34am: Bowe is asked whether the independence of Ofcom would be greater if the chief executive was not ultimately selected by the culture secretary.
Bowe says: "In practical terms the answer is no."
A better model has never been proposed, she adds, and a "well-informed" parliamentary committee serves to hold the regulator to account for its decisions.
11.28am: Bowe says that the board of Ofcom is the ultimate decision-making body of the regulator.
Richards says that the importance of independence of Ofcom "is difficult to overstate".
"It is probably the most prized characteristic of the entire organisation," he says. "In many ways, it matters more than anything else to every single employee."
11.26am: Bowe says she was grilled for several hours before finally being appointed chairman of Ofcom.
She emphasises that Ofcom is accountable to parliament. However, Bowe says that independence of her role is buttressed through European legislation.
11.20am: Carine Patry Hoskins, counsel to the inquiry, is leading questions to the Ofcom pair.
Patry Hoskins asks about the statutory underpinning of Ofcom, which broadly regulates all UK media except newspapers and advertising.
As chairman of Ofcom, Bowe is appointed by the government's culture secretary. The chief executive of Ofcom is appointed by the Ofcom and other non-executive members with the approval of the culture secretary.
11.14am: Ed Richards, chief executive of Ofcom, and Colette Bowe, chairman of Ofcom, have taken the stand.11.14am: Ed Richards, chief executive of Ofcom, and Colette Bowe, chairman of Ofcom, have taken the stand.
11.10am: More on Glenn Mulcaire's failed appeal at the high court.11.10am: More on Glenn Mulcaire's failed appeal at the high court.
The full judgment is here [PDF]. Our media correspondent, Lisa O'Carroll, has this story:The full judgment is here [PDF]. Our media correspondent, Lisa O'Carroll, has this story:
Glenn Mulcaire, the private investigator at the centre of the phone-hacking scandal, has lost his appeal against an earlier high court ruling requiring him to reveal who at the News of the World instructed him to hack into Steve Coogan's voicemails.Glenn Mulcaire, the private investigator at the centre of the phone-hacking scandal, has lost his appeal against an earlier high court ruling requiring him to reveal who at the News of the World instructed him to hack into Steve Coogan's voicemails.
The court of appeal ruled on Wednesday that Mulcaire was not entitled to section 72 privilege against self-incrimination and must reveal who at the now-defunct News International title had instructed him to hack phones, who he had passed the information he received on to, and who he had replayed recordings of the messages to.The court of appeal ruled on Wednesday that Mulcaire was not entitled to section 72 privilege against self-incrimination and must reveal who at the now-defunct News International title had instructed him to hack phones, who he had passed the information he received on to, and who he had replayed recordings of the messages to.
However, the court granted a stay on the enforcement order pending a potential supreme court appeal.However, the court granted a stay on the enforcement order pending a potential supreme court appeal.
Mulcaire was given until 5pm on Monday to appeal, which his solicitor said he intended to do.Mulcaire was given until 5pm on Monday to appeal, which his solicitor said he intended to do.
A statement from Nicola Phillips, the publicist whose high court victory Mulcaire sought to overturn, is here:
Nicola Phillips is delighted that the appeal against the Order of Mr Justice Mann has been dismissed and that an application to the Court of Appeal for permission to appeal to the Supreme Court has been refused. Miss Phillips hopes that she will soon get the answers that she wants as to who from the News of the World instructed Glenn Mulcaire.
She is naturally disappointed to see that Mr Mulcaire has indicated that he will ask the Supreme Court for permission to appeal further. Mr Mulcaire's legal costs are being paid by News Group Newspapers.
11.08am: Lord Black has completed his evidence and the inquiry is having a short break.11.08am: Lord Black has completed his evidence and the inquiry is having a short break.
11.07am: Lord Justice Leveson says that "time is of the essence" and that his inquiry will carry on. He adds that the language of the proposed contract of the new body should be clarified as quickly as possible.11.07am: Lord Justice Leveson says that "time is of the essence" and that his inquiry will carry on. He adds that the language of the proposed contract of the new body should be clarified as quickly as possible.
Lord Black replies: "Message received and understood".Lord Black replies: "Message received and understood".
11.02am: Lord Black says that a new standards and compliance body could look at the results of a police investigation and make proposals for the future.11.02am: Lord Black says that a new standards and compliance body could look at the results of a police investigation and make proposals for the future.
He adds that it would be "difficult" for the new body to conduct an inquiry while a police investigation was ongoing.He adds that it would be "difficult" for the new body to conduct an inquiry while a police investigation was ongoing.
10.58am: Publishers who resist the new self-regulatory body should be told there "could be something far worse for them", Lord Black says.10.58am: Publishers who resist the new self-regulatory body should be told there "could be something far worse for them", Lord Black says.
He advocates a contractual model with terms that publishers could sign up to.He advocates a contractual model with terms that publishers could sign up to.
He says he has not yet spoke to Richard Desmond, owner of Northern & Shell, about the reforms, but adds that Express and Star editors "have been supportive of the process to date".He says he has not yet spoke to Richard Desmond, owner of Northern & Shell, about the reforms, but adds that Express and Star editors "have been supportive of the process to date".
10.54am: The appetite for change from the industry is a "very real one", Lord Black tells the inquiry.10.54am: The appetite for change from the industry is a "very real one", Lord Black tells the inquiry.
He says that the industry needs to made "radical proposals" for a change to self regulation to stave off the threat of statutory regulation.He says that the industry needs to made "radical proposals" for a change to self regulation to stave off the threat of statutory regulation.
"If there isn't change to the regulatory regime ... that the threat of statute is there. So there is a combination of both of those," Lord Black says."If there isn't change to the regulatory regime ... that the threat of statute is there. So there is a combination of both of those," Lord Black says.
10.50am: Lord Black says there should be a preponderance of serving editors on the reformed self-regulatory committee.10.50am: Lord Black says there should be a preponderance of serving editors on the reformed self-regulatory committee.
Lord Hunt's proposals – outlined yesterday – have the support of the industry as a whole, he says.Lord Hunt's proposals – outlined yesterday – have the support of the industry as a whole, he says.
Lord Black says he was "surprised by some of the strength" of support for Lord Hunt's proposals, which he adds are "potentially painful" for the regional press.Lord Black says he was "surprised by some of the strength" of support for Lord Hunt's proposals, which he adds are "potentially painful" for the regional press.
Lord Justice Leveson says he will not sit back and consider himself redundant, reiterating that he wants a "system that works for everyone".Lord Justice Leveson says he will not sit back and consider himself redundant, reiterating that he wants a "system that works for everyone".
10.45am: Lord Black is asked about a "preponderance" of Conservative peers on Pressbof and the PCC.10.45am: Lord Black is asked about a "preponderance" of Conservative peers on Pressbof and the PCC.
He does not accept that Tory peers exert a suprerior influence on the bodies, adding that the appointment of Lord Hunt, a Tory peer, was not a political one.He does not accept that Tory peers exert a suprerior influence on the bodies, adding that the appointment of Lord Hunt, a Tory peer, was not a political one.
10.43am: Pressbof exerts no control over the PCC, Lord Black says, other than promulgating its code and managing its funding.10.43am: Pressbof exerts no control over the PCC, Lord Black says, other than promulgating its code and managing its funding.
"While there is a perception in some quarters that some form of control exists, that does not exist," he says."While there is a perception in some quarters that some form of control exists, that does not exist," he says.
10.41am: Lord Justice Leveson asks if Pressbof is looking for a PCC chairman to reform the industry or a chairman who is "first and foremost" an advocate of self-regulation.10.41am: Lord Justice Leveson asks if Pressbof is looking for a PCC chairman to reform the industry or a chairman who is "first and foremost" an advocate of self-regulation.
Lord Black says that a belief in self-regulation was an important "starting point" for a new PCC chairman.Lord Black says that a belief in self-regulation was an important "starting point" for a new PCC chairman.
He describes Lord Hunt as "open minded" and points out that his proposals represent a "very dramatic shift" for the industry.He describes Lord Hunt as "open minded" and points out that his proposals represent a "very dramatic shift" for the industry.
10.36am: Lord Black tells the inquiry that the PCC chairman, Lord Hunt, was selected by Pressbof from a longlist of 40 to 45 people and a shortlist of six people last year.10.36am: Lord Black tells the inquiry that the PCC chairman, Lord Hunt, was selected by Pressbof from a longlist of 40 to 45 people and a shortlist of six people last year.
Jay asks to what extent the process was "geared towards" a candidate in favour of self-regulation.Jay asks to what extent the process was "geared towards" a candidate in favour of self-regulation.
Lord Black says a belief in freedom of the press and self-regulation were "fundamental" specifications. "It would be impossible for someone to do the job if they started from a position of hostility [to those principles]," Black says.Lord Black says a belief in freedom of the press and self-regulation were "fundamental" specifications. "It would be impossible for someone to do the job if they started from a position of hostility [to those principles]," Black says.
10.33am: Here is more from Press Association on Glenn Mulcaire's failed appeal on privilege against self-incrimination:10.33am: Here is more from Press Association on Glenn Mulcaire's failed appeal on privilege against self-incrimination:
The private investigator at the centre of the phone-hacking scandal today lost his appeal against orders that he cannot rely on privilege against self-incrimination in the proceedings.The private investigator at the centre of the phone-hacking scandal today lost his appeal against orders that he cannot rely on privilege against self-incrimination in the proceedings.
Glenn Mulcaire, who was jailed for six months in January 2007 for illegally accessing the voicemails of members of the royal household, challenged rulings that he did not have the right to refuse to say who asked him to intercept voice messages.Glenn Mulcaire, who was jailed for six months in January 2007 for illegally accessing the voicemails of members of the royal household, challenged rulings that he did not have the right to refuse to say who asked him to intercept voice messages.
The orders were made in response to applications made by comedian and actor Steve Coogan and PR consultant Nicola Phillips in the run-up to their civil damages claims for breach of confidence against both News Group Newspapers (NGN) and Mulcaire, whom NGN had exclusively retained.The orders were made in response to applications made by comedian and actor Steve Coogan and PR consultant Nicola Phillips in the run-up to their civil damages claims for breach of confidence against both News Group Newspapers (NGN) and Mulcaire, whom NGN had exclusively retained.
Three judges in the Court of Appeal, headed by the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Judge, refused Mulcaire permission to appeal their ruling, but granted a stay until 5pm on Monday pending an application for permission to the Supreme Court itself.Three judges in the Court of Appeal, headed by the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Judge, refused Mulcaire permission to appeal their ruling, but granted a stay until 5pm on Monday pending an application for permission to the Supreme Court itself.
10.29am: Lord Black says he has always been opposed to the imposition of fines.10.29am: Lord Black says he has always been opposed to the imposition of fines.
"I don't think they would have done much in the past to strengthen the PCC," he tells Leveson. He adds that it would have made it "less quick" and there has been no evidence that complainants want the PCC to have the power to fines."I don't think they would have done much in the past to strengthen the PCC," he tells Leveson. He adds that it would have made it "less quick" and there has been no evidence that complainants want the PCC to have the power to fines.
Lord Black says that he is now in favour of fines, following the phone-hacking affair and Lord Hunt's proposals for a new PCC.Lord Black says that he is now in favour of fines, following the phone-hacking affair and Lord Hunt's proposals for a new PCC.
"I certainly now believe that some form of fining system would be appropriate," he tells Leveson. "It's that [phone hacking] that has led me to a change of view ... That is the most obvious example of why urgent reform of the system is needed.""I certainly now believe that some form of fining system would be appropriate," he tells Leveson. "It's that [phone hacking] that has led me to a change of view ... That is the most obvious example of why urgent reform of the system is needed."
10.26am: National newspapers' cooperation with Pressbof had been "universal" until 2008 when Northern & Shell withdrew from the system, Black says.10.26am: National newspapers' cooperation with Pressbof had been "universal" until 2008 when Northern & Shell withdrew from the system, Black says.
Black says he has never met an editor or proprietor "who would ever dream" of taking Private Eye to the PCC, after Leveson raises evidence given by Ian Hislop, editor of the satirical magazine, earlier this month.Black says he has never met an editor or proprietor "who would ever dream" of taking Private Eye to the PCC, after Leveson raises evidence given by Ian Hislop, editor of the satirical magazine, earlier this month.
10.22am: Asked whether the PCC is a regulator, Black says: "I would never use that word. I have never believed the PCC to be a regulator."10.22am: Asked whether the PCC is a regulator, Black says: "I would never use that word. I have never believed the PCC to be a regulator."
10.19am: Jay asks about the Pressbof's chairman report from 2009.10.19am: Jay asks about the Pressbof's chairman report from 2009.
It describes the PCC as an "efficient and accessible regulator". Jay says that the general reflection is "supportive of the status quo". Lord Justice Leveson describes it as "rather self-congratulatory".It describes the PCC as an "efficient and accessible regulator". Jay says that the general reflection is "supportive of the status quo". Lord Justice Leveson describes it as "rather self-congratulatory".
Lord Black contests that there has been "marked improvements" in press standards over the years.Lord Black contests that there has been "marked improvements" in press standards over the years.
He adds that in light of recent events self-regulation "is not a perfect mechanism and the industry fully recognises that".He adds that in light of recent events self-regulation "is not a perfect mechanism and the industry fully recognises that".
10.16am: Robert Jay, counsel to the inquiry, says that Schillings solicitors made suggestions on prior notification to avoid code breaches.10.16am: Robert Jay, counsel to the inquiry, says that Schillings solicitors made suggestions on prior notification to avoid code breaches.
Paul Dacre, as chairman of the code committee, said the changes were difficult to codify, the inquiry hears.Paul Dacre, as chairman of the code committee, said the changes were difficult to codify, the inquiry hears.
10.15am: Private investigator Glenn Mulcaire has lost his High Court appeal against orders that he cannot rely on privilege against self-incrimination in the phone-hacking proceedings.10.15am: Private investigator Glenn Mulcaire has lost his High Court appeal against orders that he cannot rely on privilege against self-incrimination in the phone-hacking proceedings.
Our media correspondent, Lisa O'Carroll (@lisaocarroll), is at the high court and we will point you to her story when we have it.Our media correspondent, Lisa O'Carroll (@lisaocarroll), is at the high court and we will point you to her story when we have it.
10.08am: Lord Black is asked how Pressbof obtains fees.10.08am: Lord Black is asked how Pressbof obtains fees.
He says that national newspapers pay 54%, regionals pay 34% and magazines 7% of the overall fees.He says that national newspapers pay 54%, regionals pay 34% and magazines 7% of the overall fees.
It is not known which titles pay more, Lord Black says, but those with a bigger circulation will fund a proportionate amount.It is not known which titles pay more, Lord Black says, but those with a bigger circulation will fund a proportionate amount.
10.03am: Lord Black, chairman of the Press Standards Board of Finance (Pressbof), has taken the stand.10.03am: Lord Black, chairman of the Press Standards Board of Finance (Pressbof), has taken the stand.
10.02am: Mark White, the Sky News reporter, has tweeted that representatives of the private investigators industry and mobile networks will give evidence to the inquiry tomorrow.10.02am: Mark White, the Sky News reporter, has tweeted that representatives of the private investigators industry and mobile networks will give evidence to the inquiry tomorrow.
Witness list for tomorrow at #Leveson published. It's includes representatives of the Private Investigations industry plus O2 and VodafoneWitness list for tomorrow at #Leveson published. It's includes representatives of the Private Investigations industry plus O2 and Vodafone
9.54am: Good morning and welcome to the Leveson inquiry live blog.9.54am: Good morning and welcome to the Leveson inquiry live blog.
Today the inquiry will hear from Lord Black of Brentwood, chairman of the Press Standards Board of Finance (Pressbof), the body responsible for funding the Press Complaints Commission (PCC).Today the inquiry will hear from Lord Black of Brentwood, chairman of the Press Standards Board of Finance (Pressbof), the body responsible for funding the Press Complaints Commission (PCC).
Lord Black, a former director of the PCC, is likely to be asked about the circumstances of Richard Desmond-owned Northern & Shell's departure from the PCC – and how to stop publishers from so easily leaving the system of self-regulation. Lord Black is currently executive director of Telegraph Media Group, publisher of the Telegraph titles.Lord Black, a former director of the PCC, is likely to be asked about the circumstances of Richard Desmond-owned Northern & Shell's departure from the PCC – and how to stop publishers from so easily leaving the system of self-regulation. Lord Black is currently executive director of Telegraph Media Group, publisher of the Telegraph titles.
Ed Richards, chief executive of the broadcast and telecoms regulator, Ofcom, will give evidence alongside Colette Bowe, chairman of Ofcom.Ed Richards, chief executive of the broadcast and telecoms regulator, Ofcom, will give evidence alongside Colette Bowe, chairman of Ofcom.
Guy Parker, chief executive of the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), will also appear.Guy Parker, chief executive of the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), will also appear.
Follow the inquiry live from 10am.Follow the inquiry live from 10am.
Please note that comments have been switched off for legal reasons.Please note that comments have been switched off for legal reasons.