IMPRESS

IMPRESS is an independent press regulator in the UK. Unlike the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), IMPRESS was formed on the back of the findings of the Leveson Inquiry.

In Spring 2011, News International began publicly admitting liability and paying compensation to people whose phones the News of the World had tapped, including that of murdered Milly Dowler. This resulted in News of the World being closed down.

Lord Leveson, a senior judge, was appointed in 2011 to conduct an inquiry into the "culture, practices and ethics of the press."

In 2012 he issued a damning report that recommended replacing the old Press Complaints Commission (PCC). He also called for a new body to help set up a replacement, and The Press Recognition Panel (PRP) was established.

"The Press Recognition Panel (PRP) is an independent body set up to ensure that any organisation which regulates the press is independent, properly funded and able to protect the public, while recognising the important role carried out by the press."

On 8 September 2014, instead of completely closing, the Press Complaints Commission (PCC) rebranded itself and the PCC was replaced by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), whilst retaining most of the features that the Leveson Inquiry had wanted to get removed.

At the same time a new group was being formed called IMPRESS. Unlike IPSO, this organisation was not going to be funded the same way as IPSO. This would be a fully independent body, to ensure that it followed the recommendations of Leveson.

IMPRESS has caused friction with the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) and the big national titles, who are mostly owned by the same publishing groups, plus also the regional papers, by challenging IPSO's control of the regulation of the UK Press. Impress, as of October 2016, became the UK's 1st officially recognised press regulator after its application for Royal Charter recognition was granted, in a move backed by many campaign groups and the National Union of Journalists (NUJ). However, IPSO, with the help of The News Media Association - which represents many of the largest IPSO members - has requested a 'judicial review' on the grounds that “That is not what Leveson or those drafting the Charter intended.”

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