Multiple Regulatory Bodies
It should be possible for the recognition body to recognise more than one regulatory body, should more than one seek recognition and meet the criteria, although this is not an outcome to be advocated and, should it be necessary for that step to be taken, would represent a failure on the part of the industry.
- IMPRESS is currently the only regulator to have been recognised by the PRP, having been granted recognition in October 2016 (PRP, accessed March 2026).
- IPSO has not applied for recognition. The PRP has stated that applications from other bodies would be considered on their merits (PRP, accessed March 2026).
- The Royal Charter framework accommodates the possibility of multiple recognised regulators, as Leveson recommended.
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.
The Royal Charter allows for recognition of more than one regulatory body. Currently only IMPRESS is recognised. IPSO has not sought recognition.
View detailed findings
The framework allows multiple recognised bodies as recommended. In practice only one exists.