Ofcom as Recognition Body
The role of recognition body, that is to say, to recognise and certify that any particular body satisfies (and, on review, continues to satisfy) the requirements set out in law should fall on Ofcom. A less attractive alternative (on the basis that any individual will not have the requisite authority or experience and will only be occasionally be required to fulfil these functions) is for the appointment of an independent Recognition Commissioner supported by officials at Ofcom.
- The government chose the Royal Charter alternative, creating the Press Recognition Panel rather than giving the recognition role to Ofcom (Royal Charter on Self-Regulation of the Press, October 2013).
- The PRP is operational and has fulfilled the recognition function, recognising IMPRESS in 2016 and conducting cyclical reviews (PRP, accessed March 2026).
- Ofcom has no role in press regulation recognition. The recognition function is performed by the PRP as an independent body funded through the Exchequer (PRP Annual Report 2024-25, September 2025).
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted in Part
Response
Accepted in PartThe government established a Royal Charter on Self-Regulation of the Press (granted 30 October 2013) and passed the Crime and Courts Act 2013 as its legislative response. This was an alternative to the statutory framework Leveson recommended. The Press Recognition Panel was created under the Royal Charter as the recognition body. The Prime Minister stated on 29 November 2012 that he accepted the principles but had "serious concerns and misgivings" about statutory underpinning. Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/david-cameron-statement-in-response-to-the-leveson-inquiry-report
Published Evidence
Published assessments of progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Source type badge indicates whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.
Leveson recommended Ofcom as the recognition body. Instead, the Royal Charter created a separate Press Recognition Panel. The PRP is operational but is a less established body than Ofcom and has limited influence given that the major press refuses to engage with the recognition system.
View detailed findings
The recognition role was given to the PRP rather than Ofcom as Leveson recommended. The PRP functions but has limited practical influence.