As you say Sean the PCC is funded by the Newpaper industry, their reply is typical
of them, "We have noted it, replied to it, throw it in the bin."

I can't believe it.

After rejecting complaints, they (the PCC) have written to the W/News asking if people have any complaints!
You couldn't make it up.

Here is their letter:

Quote:

SIR – It is now over a month since the incident involving Derrick Bird took place, and people are in a position to ask questions about what happened and how people reacted. As the director of the Press Complaints Commission, I would like to know about any concerns over the behaviour of journalists, or over articles appearing in the printed press. The PCC is an independent body which deals with complaints from members of the public about the editorial content of newspapers and magazines, and the conduct of their journalists. We enforce a strict Code of Practice, to which all major publications have signed up. Our service to the public is free, quick and easy. We want to be of assistance to anyone who needs us. I visited Penrith, Whitehaven and Workington on July 9 to meet representatives of the police, local media (including the editor of this paper) and the clergy. I listened to their experiences of the shootings, and their dealings with journalists and broadcasters. 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. The PCC is accessible 24-hours a day. This is the number for emergency concerns: 07659 152656. Otherwise, please do call us on 08456002757, email me at stephen.abell@pcc.org.uk , or write to us at: the PCC, Halton House, 20-23 Holborn, London EC1N2JD. Stephen ABELL Director Press Complaints Commission

I've fired off my own letter to the W/News - hopefully it will be published next week:

Quote:

Dear Sir - I find it absolutely shocking to find that the Press Complaints Commission (PCC) wrote to the Whitehaven News asking if people had any concerns over the way reporting was carried out following the Derrick Bird shootings. It's too little, too late. The PCC recently rejected a number of complaints citing that they (the complaints) didn't fall within their code. This was a cop out on their behalf. I suspect the letter has been written due to the complainants decision to take the matter further by contacting our local MP. The PCC had their chance in resolving the matter. Now, they should move aside and let those in charge of running the country resolve the problem that is the gutter press.

"We have noted it, replied to it, throw it in the bin." [/quote]


That is where your letter of complaint ended up Sean.