New YouGov research reveals that the public is softening its view of newspapers and becoming less supportive of the Leveson report.
Our poll shows that the number of people who think the press need tougher independent regulation has declined, from more than two-thirds (68%) in December 2012 to 63% this week. Meanwhile, 55% of Brits now believe that there should be a new law to encourage papers to join a system of regulation, compared to almost six in ten (58%) at the end of last year. Both of these measures were recommended by the Leveson report.
These findings, which were presented by YouGov President Peter Kellner at the PRCA’s Future of Communications event yesterday, coincide with David Cameron’s decision to halt cross-party talks about press reform and instead hold a debate and vote in Parliament on this issue next week.
Public opinion on Cameron’s stance
A plurality (42%) think Cameron is wrong to oppose laws that would underpin a new regulatory body for the press, while three in ten (30%) say he is right. While half (50%) of Conservative voters believe the Prime Minister is right to oppose this recommendation, almost a third (31%) think he is wrong.
Our poll also reveals that a majority (58%) of the public say Cameron is against such statutory because he wants to protect his relationship with newspaper owners and editors. Less than one-fifth (19%) think the Conservative leader genuinely believes that the press should be free from state regulation.
Risks of Leveson’s recommendations
Almost half (48%) think that introducing new laws on the press carries the risk that future governments manipulate laws to control the media. This compares to 36% that say there is little or no risk at all.
