Question One:
Recyclable chewing gum bins will be installed at the White Rose Shopping Centre next month in a bid to help clean our environment.
Gummy Bins offer a convenient way for people to dispose of their gum and encourage locals to throw their gums thoughtfully.
Richard Gerrard, Environment Health Director of Radston City Council, said: “We are to fund 25 of the Gummy Bins at the entrances to the White Rose shopping centre.
“We hope that their user-friendly design, combined with messages about the environmental benefits they provide, will encourage gum chewers of all ages to use them.”
Figures obtained from local councils show that Gummy Bins can have a dramatic effect on people’s gum dropping behaviour.
For example, a typical 50 bin installation in a pedestrian town centre can attract approximately 25, 000 pieces of discarded gum per year.
Shopper Arnold Carragher, 72, of Hambleton Way, Radston, said: “Spitting chewing gum on to the floor is a disgusting habit.
“I sincerely hope these new bins will encourage people to stop dropping their gum but I’m not holding my breath.”
Richard added: “This is a pilot project which we will monitor closely over the first 12 months. It costs the Radston council tax payer £250,000 a year to clean up discarded chewing gum.
“If the project is successful we will look to save up to 20 per cent of that sum. We will then look at rolling out the bins in other areas of the city.”
The government estimated it spent £150 million to clean up chewing gun in 2008, while independent analysts believe the true cost is higher.
Sonia Grey, activist of Radston Green Group, said: “I suppose it is a step in the right direction but why do people chew gum in the first place?
“If it is such an environmental hazard the government should do more to stop people buying gum.
“Put a tax on it like they do everything else.”
(323 words)
Question Two:
An anti-social behaviour scheme was launched today to help party-goers to get back home safely and quickly.
The Taxi Marshal Scheme, providing marshals in high visible jackets, will direct people to taxi ranks at late nights, including Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.
Ivan Kearney, community initiatives co-ordinator at Radston local policing unit, said: “
There have been positive results from similar schemes in other city centres around the country, and we are hoping for similar success here in Radston.
(78 words)
Question Three:
The council is seeking public’s views on local dentists’ services and its future.
The questionnaires, delivered to the local library, health centre and doctors’ surgeries, will form part of the final report of findings and recommendations after the transformation of the county’s NHS dentistry.
Further information contact Radston 442 1971.
(50 words)
Question Four:
A representative of the farming community:
* When did the incident happen?
* How did it happen?
* It seems this is the first case? So what is the impact on the farm? How does it affect the farming community as a whole?
* What is the estimated loss of the dead horses?
* Have the community done something regarding security facilities after the incident?
* Who is the owner or who are the owners of the dead horses?
A local resident:
* Have you heard anything regarding the horses being stabbed to death in the farming community? What is your opinion about it? How did you find it?
* Did you notice anything suspicious recently?
* How is the environment here in general, is it safe?
* Do people’s incomes here all depend on farming? Or maybe mostly depend on it?
* If it happens to you, what will you do?
* Who should be responsible for the incident?
Police:
* When did it happen?
* How did it happen?
* What is the situation now?
* Have you found anyone suspicious?
* What have you and your team done so far to develop the case?
* Is there any possible Identity Parade?
* How is the safety issue here in general?
Online:
* A summary of the story, and will update when gaining more information.
* A picture slides show which is put on the web, and will show different scenes of the case.
* Embedded link refer to other resources for further information, for example, the website of the farming community, the local police website, the residents’ group’s website.
* Set up an online forum and let people upload videos or picture and let them discuss related issues, such as safety and environment.
* Set up an online campaign to condemn the cruelty of killing animals,
* Interviewing local councillors or council’s senior officers and put their comments online.
Video:
* Make video on the key players, such as the police, the residents’ association representative, the representative of farming community, and the local councillor or senior council officers.
* Make video on the scene of the stabbed horses
* Make a stand up shot of the reporter at the scene, like making a piece of camera of the reporter reporting the case.
* Make a video of the online campaign page demonstrating what is going on from the local residents.
* Make a video of the police making their statement.
* Make a video of the online forum discussing about the case.
Other digital offering interaction:
* Send sms text messages to readers and tell them the story is online now, and let them know there is a new story here.
* Send e-mail alerts to readers with the web link of the story.
* Set up a Facebook page and/or twit on your newspaper twitter page and discuss what is going on about the case.
* Ask the editor to write comment of the story on the website or on the newspaper.
* Ask readers to send sms text messages or e-mails back to the newspaper, and publish their views online.
* Invite someone from the campaign group and online forum to write a blog and blogging the group’s main opinions or agenda.
Saturday, 10 July 2010
Friday, 9 July 2010
News writing sample two
A sample article from the Harrow Times by Jack Royston
What is the story?
BRENT pupils found out £80m of funding for their schools was axed the day they gave a presentation on how it should be spent.
Teenagers from four schools in the borough, including Copland Community School, in Wembley, pitched ideas to council bosses at Wembley Plaza Hotel, in Empire Way, on Monday.
But as they did so, education secretary Michael Gove announced in the House of Commons that money allocated for the rebuilding projects had been scrapped.
Quotes
Brent Council leader Ann John, who was at the event, said: “They were sitting there, they knew that it was a pretty awful decision that was made by the Government – they could tell by the reaction of their teachers.”
Develop the story
The four projects, funded through a scheme called Building Schools for the Future (BSF), were intended to increase the number of places in the borough by 2,068.
Brent's population is growing rapidly, putting pressure on class sizes, and the Government's decision has sparked fears of a crisis if money is not found to push ahead with the plans.
The council has already spent close to £600,000 on the projects and is now back to square one, battling to attract Government funding through a spending review for the years 2011-12 and 2014-15.
More quotes
Cllr John said: “If we don't manage to expand schools and manage to rebuild some schools then crisis is not too strong a word to use.
“We are very short of places and we have a statutory duty to provide those school places.”
Councillor Mary Arnold, responsible for children and families, said the decision could mean children are taught in corridors.
Barry Gardiner, MP for Brent North, described the situation as “absolutely desperate”.
His questioning of Mr Gove in the House of Commons following the announcement was so fierce the speaker said it offended his sensibilities.
Mr Gove told the commons: “Even before we formed this coalition Government and had the opportunity to look properly at the scandalous mess we inherited, we knew Labour ministers had no proper respect for public money.
“The whole process by which the then Government procured new school buildings was a case in point.
“The Building Schools for the Future scheme has been responsible for about one third of all this department's capital spending, but throughout its life it has been characterised by massive overspends, tragic delays, botched construction projects and needless bureaucracy.”
The other three schools affected are Alperton Community School, Queens Park Community School and Cardinal Hinsley Mathematics and Technology College.
What is the story?
BRENT pupils found out £80m of funding for their schools was axed the day they gave a presentation on how it should be spent.
Teenagers from four schools in the borough, including Copland Community School, in Wembley, pitched ideas to council bosses at Wembley Plaza Hotel, in Empire Way, on Monday.
But as they did so, education secretary Michael Gove announced in the House of Commons that money allocated for the rebuilding projects had been scrapped.
Quotes
Brent Council leader Ann John, who was at the event, said: “They were sitting there, they knew that it was a pretty awful decision that was made by the Government – they could tell by the reaction of their teachers.”
Develop the story
The four projects, funded through a scheme called Building Schools for the Future (BSF), were intended to increase the number of places in the borough by 2,068.
Brent's population is growing rapidly, putting pressure on class sizes, and the Government's decision has sparked fears of a crisis if money is not found to push ahead with the plans.
The council has already spent close to £600,000 on the projects and is now back to square one, battling to attract Government funding through a spending review for the years 2011-12 and 2014-15.
More quotes
Cllr John said: “If we don't manage to expand schools and manage to rebuild some schools then crisis is not too strong a word to use.
“We are very short of places and we have a statutory duty to provide those school places.”
Councillor Mary Arnold, responsible for children and families, said the decision could mean children are taught in corridors.
Barry Gardiner, MP for Brent North, described the situation as “absolutely desperate”.
His questioning of Mr Gove in the House of Commons following the announcement was so fierce the speaker said it offended his sensibilities.
Mr Gove told the commons: “Even before we formed this coalition Government and had the opportunity to look properly at the scandalous mess we inherited, we knew Labour ministers had no proper respect for public money.
“The whole process by which the then Government procured new school buildings was a case in point.
“The Building Schools for the Future scheme has been responsible for about one third of all this department's capital spending, but throughout its life it has been characterised by massive overspends, tragic delays, botched construction projects and needless bureaucracy.”
The other three schools affected are Alperton Community School, Queens Park Community School and Cardinal Hinsley Mathematics and Technology College.
News writing sample
A sample from the Harrow Times by Tristan Kirk
What is the story?
MORE than 25,000 have watched a music video created by a Scarborough school to raise money for a Harrow charity.
Scalby School pupils and teachers have recorded a version of Somewhere over the Rainbow/Wonderful World in memory of 14-year-old pupil Ellie Othick-Bowmaker who died on Valentine Day this year.
The song has been released on Amazon to raise money for Ali's Dream, a Harrow-based charity which is dedicated to furthering childhood brain tumour research.
Quotes
Jonathan Morgan, the school’s head of performing arts who produced the song and the video, said: “I have just been blown away by the response to the song. It is receiving views from right across the globe. We think it stands a great chance of getting into the charts.
“The main reason behind recording the song though was to raise funds and awareness of brain tumour charities.”
Ellie’s mother, Heather, said: “Every time I hear the song, it sends shivers down my spine. The fact that the school wanted to do it to raise brain tumour awareness has left me lost for words.
“It is the most underfunded of all the cancer charities and hopefully this will change that.”
Added information
For more information on the charity, you can click here
What is the story?
MORE than 25,000 have watched a music video created by a Scarborough school to raise money for a Harrow charity.
Scalby School pupils and teachers have recorded a version of Somewhere over the Rainbow/Wonderful World in memory of 14-year-old pupil Ellie Othick-Bowmaker who died on Valentine Day this year.
The song has been released on Amazon to raise money for Ali's Dream, a Harrow-based charity which is dedicated to furthering childhood brain tumour research.
Quotes
Jonathan Morgan, the school’s head of performing arts who produced the song and the video, said: “I have just been blown away by the response to the song. It is receiving views from right across the globe. We think it stands a great chance of getting into the charts.
“The main reason behind recording the song though was to raise funds and awareness of brain tumour charities.”
Ellie’s mother, Heather, said: “Every time I hear the song, it sends shivers down my spine. The fact that the school wanted to do it to raise brain tumour awareness has left me lost for words.
“It is the most underfunded of all the cancer charities and hopefully this will change that.”
Added information
For more information on the charity, you can click here
Thursday, 8 July 2010
News writing - NW (first version)
Question 1:
Middle-aged men will be helped improve their driving skills during a campaign to reduce bike crashes and improve road safety.
RideSafely campaign, organised together with the local police, is launched by Sidston Bikers' Action Group and will offer on-the-road training and advice.
A spokesman for the road safety charity, Brake, said: “We believe that riders would be required to take a refresher course every ten years and the regrettable accidents in the Sidston area are evidence to reinforce that view.
“The Bikers' Action Group is, however, to be congratulated on the action it has taken.”
In Sidston last year, five riders in their late 40s died in road accidents and three months ago a biker in his 50s was killed in wet weather on the country road.
The number of riders aged 40 to 49 who has been killed or badly injured has increased from an annual figure of 709 to 1,382 nationwide in the past decade.
Inspector Tom Staddon, of Sidston Police, said: “Recent European Legislation will require motorcyclists to take an additional test before being allowed to ride a bike of more than 500cc but this may not come into force fully in the UK until 2013.
“That will be too late for some bikers so we are pleased to make officers available to work with Bikers' Action Group.”
These incidents were all tragic examples of the fashion among middle-aged men for buying powerful bikes which they are incapable of riding them.
Inspector Tom said: “Loss of control is the biggest crashes cause for bikes of 500cc or more. It's a tragedy when a man dies because he's out for a thrill on a bike that he doesn't know how to handle properly.
Charles Joy, 48, of 17 Chubb Street, Sidston, said: “It's the acceleration that gives you the buzz. I love it and I don't think I'm a danger on the road but I've seen some who are.”
Question 4:
Head Teacher from the School:
When did the accident happen?
How did it happen?
Who were there when the accident happened?
What are the safety facilities has the school placed so far?
How is the boy at the school?
Who is one to blame for this accident?
How does the school work with the council to protect students' safety?
Where is the boy now? Is he in hospital? How is his condition?
Local Councillor:
What happened to the lollipop lady? Why does the council not replace another one?
Why does the council not act proficiently after receiving complaints?
How does the council normally handle the complaints? What's the procedure? Is there too much bureaucracy? What's the problem here?
What has the council done so far after the incident happened?
What is the council's plan now to improve safety outside/around the school area?
Who should be responsible for the accident?
Police:
When did the accident happen?
How did it happen?
Who were there when the accident happened?
What is the situation now?
What is the development so far about the accident?
Who should be responsible for the accident?
Will there be a trial for the case?
Have you got any ideas of the suspects? Can you name them for me? Will there be any identity parade?
What does the Safer Neighbour team do to help school improve safety in the surrounding area?
Middle-aged men will be helped improve their driving skills during a campaign to reduce bike crashes and improve road safety.
RideSafely campaign, organised together with the local police, is launched by Sidston Bikers' Action Group and will offer on-the-road training and advice.
A spokesman for the road safety charity, Brake, said: “We believe that riders would be required to take a refresher course every ten years and the regrettable accidents in the Sidston area are evidence to reinforce that view.
“The Bikers' Action Group is, however, to be congratulated on the action it has taken.”
In Sidston last year, five riders in their late 40s died in road accidents and three months ago a biker in his 50s was killed in wet weather on the country road.
The number of riders aged 40 to 49 who has been killed or badly injured has increased from an annual figure of 709 to 1,382 nationwide in the past decade.
Inspector Tom Staddon, of Sidston Police, said: “Recent European Legislation will require motorcyclists to take an additional test before being allowed to ride a bike of more than 500cc but this may not come into force fully in the UK until 2013.
“That will be too late for some bikers so we are pleased to make officers available to work with Bikers' Action Group.”
These incidents were all tragic examples of the fashion among middle-aged men for buying powerful bikes which they are incapable of riding them.
Inspector Tom said: “Loss of control is the biggest crashes cause for bikes of 500cc or more. It's a tragedy when a man dies because he's out for a thrill on a bike that he doesn't know how to handle properly.
Charles Joy, 48, of 17 Chubb Street, Sidston, said: “It's the acceleration that gives you the buzz. I love it and I don't think I'm a danger on the road but I've seen some who are.”
Question 4:
Head Teacher from the School:
When did the accident happen?
How did it happen?
Who were there when the accident happened?
What are the safety facilities has the school placed so far?
How is the boy at the school?
Who is one to blame for this accident?
How does the school work with the council to protect students' safety?
Where is the boy now? Is he in hospital? How is his condition?
Local Councillor:
What happened to the lollipop lady? Why does the council not replace another one?
Why does the council not act proficiently after receiving complaints?
How does the council normally handle the complaints? What's the procedure? Is there too much bureaucracy? What's the problem here?
What has the council done so far after the incident happened?
What is the council's plan now to improve safety outside/around the school area?
Who should be responsible for the accident?
Police:
When did the accident happen?
How did it happen?
Who were there when the accident happened?
What is the situation now?
What is the development so far about the accident?
Who should be responsible for the accident?
Will there be a trial for the case?
Have you got any ideas of the suspects? Can you name them for me? Will there be any identity parade?
What does the Safer Neighbour team do to help school improve safety in the surrounding area?
News writing - NW30 (second version)
Section One
Motorists have complained to the Foxbooke council about the hundred potholes on the roads which will endanger their safety.
No fewer than 92 potholes in Buckland estate were counted by volunteers from a local residents group, a survey shows.
Harry Lashmore, chairman of Buckland Estate Residents' Association, said: “We've made various complaints to Foxbrooke Council about the awful condition of the roads on our estate.
“We had loads of parents and drivers volunteering to help us with the survey, which looks as if it might have done its job.”
The survey followed an accident where a 20-year-old motorcyclist was pitched over his bike handlebars when hitting the hole.
Meanwhile a website called potholes.co.uk has been launched by Foxbrooke Action Against Potholes to provide motorists advice about how to make a claim and outline the evidence needed.
Geoffrey Manswith, of Foxbrooke, said in a blog on the website: “I was tavelling with my family in our car along Bridgethrope Road, Foxbrooke, when all of a sudden the car thumped into these two potholes, immediately rendering the vehicle undriveable.
“It's a miracle we didn't crash. If we'd crashed, my wife and two young children could have ended up in hospital, all because of the slack attitude of the council's highways department. I'm definitely putting in both a complaint and a claim.”
The latest statistics shows 12 per cent or 120,000 of all the UK’s one million potholes are not being filled by local councils, which means motorists’ repair bills are now soaring every year.
Simon Beckwith, senior engineer at Foxbrooke Council highways department, said: “The council carries out regular inspection of all the roads under its jurisdiction and we fulfil our obligations under Section 58 of the Highways Act.
“Despite this we recognise that in some situations, especially where heavy traffic is involved, holes can develop very quickly so we are grateful for being told when problems arise.”
(323 words)
Section Four
Club manager:
When did the robbery happen?
How important is the first minute book from 1868 and the trophy for the club?
What items were stolen?
How does the case affect local cricket fans?
Did anyone else at the cricket club know that the book was to be (removed from the
safe) taken out of the club on that day?
How much is the book and trophy valued at?
Where was the trophy snatched/taken from?
What security is in place at the club?
Have you had break-ins recently?
Police:
When did the robbery happen?
Who do you suspect is behind this?
What is the situation now?
What developments have occurred so far?
Local Councillor:
What do you think of the reported theft of the book and trophy from the cricket club?
How does the council help improve safety in the local area?
How does the case affect local cricket fans?
why is this case important for residents or cricket fans?
Club fans:
What does this book and tropy mean to club fans like yourself?
What do you think of the robbery?
Do you have anything that you want to say to the club?
What do you feel now?
The local residents:
Do you know anything about the local cricket club's robbery case?
What did you think about it?
What do you think about the safety around the area?
Do you have anything that you want to say to the club?
How does it affect local people's cricket activities?
Motorists have complained to the Foxbooke council about the hundred potholes on the roads which will endanger their safety.
No fewer than 92 potholes in Buckland estate were counted by volunteers from a local residents group, a survey shows.
Harry Lashmore, chairman of Buckland Estate Residents' Association, said: “We've made various complaints to Foxbrooke Council about the awful condition of the roads on our estate.
“We had loads of parents and drivers volunteering to help us with the survey, which looks as if it might have done its job.”
The survey followed an accident where a 20-year-old motorcyclist was pitched over his bike handlebars when hitting the hole.
Meanwhile a website called potholes.co.uk has been launched by Foxbrooke Action Against Potholes to provide motorists advice about how to make a claim and outline the evidence needed.
Geoffrey Manswith, of Foxbrooke, said in a blog on the website: “I was tavelling with my family in our car along Bridgethrope Road, Foxbrooke, when all of a sudden the car thumped into these two potholes, immediately rendering the vehicle undriveable.
“It's a miracle we didn't crash. If we'd crashed, my wife and two young children could have ended up in hospital, all because of the slack attitude of the council's highways department. I'm definitely putting in both a complaint and a claim.”
The latest statistics shows 12 per cent or 120,000 of all the UK’s one million potholes are not being filled by local councils, which means motorists’ repair bills are now soaring every year.
Simon Beckwith, senior engineer at Foxbrooke Council highways department, said: “The council carries out regular inspection of all the roads under its jurisdiction and we fulfil our obligations under Section 58 of the Highways Act.
“Despite this we recognise that in some situations, especially where heavy traffic is involved, holes can develop very quickly so we are grateful for being told when problems arise.”
(323 words)
Section Four
Club manager:
When did the robbery happen?
How important is the first minute book from 1868 and the trophy for the club?
What items were stolen?
How does the case affect local cricket fans?
Did anyone else at the cricket club know that the book was to be (removed from the
safe) taken out of the club on that day?
How much is the book and trophy valued at?
Where was the trophy snatched/taken from?
What security is in place at the club?
Have you had break-ins recently?
Police:
When did the robbery happen?
Who do you suspect is behind this?
What is the situation now?
What developments have occurred so far?
Local Councillor:
What do you think of the reported theft of the book and trophy from the cricket club?
How does the council help improve safety in the local area?
How does the case affect local cricket fans?
why is this case important for residents or cricket fans?
Club fans:
What does this book and tropy mean to club fans like yourself?
What do you think of the robbery?
Do you have anything that you want to say to the club?
What do you feel now?
The local residents:
Do you know anything about the local cricket club's robbery case?
What did you think about it?
What do you think about the safety around the area?
Do you have anything that you want to say to the club?
How does it affect local people's cricket activities?
Wednesday, 7 July 2010
News writing - NW30 (first version)
Section One
No fewer than 92 potholes regarded as a danger to motorists in Buckland estate were counted by local residents association volunteers, a survey shows.
Numerous motorists living on the estate have already complained to Foxbooke Council, without receiving a satisfactory response.
Harry Lashmore, chairman of Buckland Estate Residents' Association, said: “We've made various complaints to Foxbrooke Council about the awful condition of the roads on our estate.
“We had loads of parents and drivers volunteering to help us with the survey, which looks as if might have done its job.”
The survey followed an accident that a 20-year-old motorcyclist was pitched over his bike handlebars when hitting the hole, it then measured the width and depth of the worst that no less than a cavernous 12cms deep.
A website, www.potholes.co.uk, providing advice about how to make a claim and outlining the evidence needed, is launched by Foxbrooke Action Against Potholes.
The site warned road users to take immediate action of photographing these potholes as they could be repaired before the motorist's claim is settled.
Geoffrey Manswith, of Foxbrooke, said in a blog on the website: “I was tavelling with my family in our car along Bridgethrope Road, Foxbrooke, when all of a sudden the car thumped into these two potholes, immediately rendering the vehicle undriveable.
“It's a miracle we didn't crash. If we'd crashed, my wife and two young children could have ended up in hospital, all because of the slack attitude of the council's highways department. I'm definitely putting in both a complaint and a claim.”
Simon Beckwith, senior engineer at Foxbrooke Council highways department, said: “The council carries out regular inspection of all the roads under its jurisdiction and we fulfil our obligations under Section 58 of the Highways Act.
“Despite this we recognise that in some situations, especially where heavy traffic is involved, holes can develop very quickly so we are grateful for being told when problems arise.”
(323 words)
Section Two
Two officers will receive Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medals on today's ceremony at country headquarters in Woodward Street.
The awards are for their 22 years' exemplary service.
The recipients are Insp Francis Howerd, of the Foxbrooke Traffic section, and Sgt Samuel Johnston, QPM, who is due to retire next year.
In 1998, police constable Johnston was awarded the Queen's Police Medal for his gallantry in disarming a man during a raid on the Elwell village post office.
(79 words)
Section Three
A car parked on Deanwood Drive had been broken on Monday night.
A suitcase containing a thousand Donald McGill saucy seaside postcards had been stolen. A hundred cards have gone.
Altogether they were worth £300.
Anyone with information about the theft should contact police on 02924 799799.
(47 words)
No fewer than 92 potholes regarded as a danger to motorists in Buckland estate were counted by local residents association volunteers, a survey shows.
Numerous motorists living on the estate have already complained to Foxbooke Council, without receiving a satisfactory response.
Harry Lashmore, chairman of Buckland Estate Residents' Association, said: “We've made various complaints to Foxbrooke Council about the awful condition of the roads on our estate.
“We had loads of parents and drivers volunteering to help us with the survey, which looks as if might have done its job.”
The survey followed an accident that a 20-year-old motorcyclist was pitched over his bike handlebars when hitting the hole, it then measured the width and depth of the worst that no less than a cavernous 12cms deep.
A website, www.potholes.co.uk, providing advice about how to make a claim and outlining the evidence needed, is launched by Foxbrooke Action Against Potholes.
The site warned road users to take immediate action of photographing these potholes as they could be repaired before the motorist's claim is settled.
Geoffrey Manswith, of Foxbrooke, said in a blog on the website: “I was tavelling with my family in our car along Bridgethrope Road, Foxbrooke, when all of a sudden the car thumped into these two potholes, immediately rendering the vehicle undriveable.
“It's a miracle we didn't crash. If we'd crashed, my wife and two young children could have ended up in hospital, all because of the slack attitude of the council's highways department. I'm definitely putting in both a complaint and a claim.”
Simon Beckwith, senior engineer at Foxbrooke Council highways department, said: “The council carries out regular inspection of all the roads under its jurisdiction and we fulfil our obligations under Section 58 of the Highways Act.
“Despite this we recognise that in some situations, especially where heavy traffic is involved, holes can develop very quickly so we are grateful for being told when problems arise.”
(323 words)
Section Two
Two officers will receive Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medals on today's ceremony at country headquarters in Woodward Street.
The awards are for their 22 years' exemplary service.
The recipients are Insp Francis Howerd, of the Foxbrooke Traffic section, and Sgt Samuel Johnston, QPM, who is due to retire next year.
In 1998, police constable Johnston was awarded the Queen's Police Medal for his gallantry in disarming a man during a raid on the Elwell village post office.
(79 words)
Section Three
A car parked on Deanwood Drive had been broken on Monday night.
A suitcase containing a thousand Donald McGill saucy seaside postcards had been stolen. A hundred cards have gone.
Altogether they were worth £300.
Anyone with information about the theft should contact police on 02924 799799.
(47 words)
Tuesday, 6 July 2010
Defamation defence part III (draft)
4. What are the defamation dangers in publication of the following story about a TV soap opera in a TV critic's column? (The critic usually features Sailing Down the River Ox at least once a week in his column and has never had a positive thing to say about the award winning soap).
“Frank Wood, not usually known as a gifted actor at the best of times, gave an exceptionally unconvincing performance playing David Roberts in last night's dramatic episode of Sailing when an argument turned into a fight, resulting in David's arrest and Jim Jamieson being admitted to St. Mary's Hospital, Oxdown, with knife wounds. Perhaps Frank was reminded of the nine months he spend in Oxdown Prison twelve years ago, after being convicted of an assault following a similar pub brawl.”
Your answer should explain how your conclusions are reached.
Answer:
According to the defamation defence fair comment, the defence must prove:
The comment is recognisable as comment;
it is based on provably true facts or privileged matter;
sufficiently referred/alluded to, indicated or stated in what is published with the comment – usually set out in the article unless already well-known;
it is an honestly held opinion (ie. What the writer genuinely believe); and
it was on a matter of public interest (including TV, film or restaurant reviews).
The defence can succeed no matter how prejudiced the writer is nor how exaggerated the way in which he expresses his opinion.
The defamation dangers are the following two issues:
Firstly, in the review, the TV critic writes: perhaps Frank was reminded of the nine months he spend in Oxdown Prison twelve years ago, after being convicted of an assault following a similar pub brawl.
The above sentence will confuse readers if this is the true facts or just mocking comment. It is not recognisable as comment.
Secondly, the case indicates that the TV soap is an award-winning programme, which obviously is a good soap that audience enjoy it.
However, the TV critic has never written anything good about it, in this case, the review is not based on provably true facts.
6. After a man is sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his step-daughter, the local authority sets up, under an Act of Parliament, a public inquiry into the handling of the case by its social services department. Its report is severely critical of some social workers.
Discuss he local newspaper's legal position when:
(a) reporting the evidence of the inquiry;
(b) reporting the inquiry's findings
(c ) commenting on the case after publication of the report
The answer must indicate how conclusions are reached in the light of the defamation.
Answer:
(a) reporting the evidence of the inquiry:
According to The Defamation Act 1996, under Qualified Privilege Defence Schedule I Part II, proceedings of public inquiry, local inquiry or tribunal set up under statutory powers and held in public are covered by the qualified privilege defence.
Reporting the evidence of the inquiry is part of reporting the proceeding, therefore, if provided all the defence's requirements were met – fair; accurate; published without malice; and on a matter of public concern or benefit. Then the local newspaper is safe to publish the story.
(b) reporting the inquiry's findings:
According to the same Act and under Qualified Privilege Defence Schedule I Part II, the inquiry's findings are not covered by it, it is the proceedings to be covered.
Therefore, even if provided all the defence's requirements were met – fair; accurate; published without malice; and on a matter of public concern or benefit, the paper is not safe to publish the findings.
(c) commenting on the case after publication of the report:
The comment can be defended by the fair comment defence, which applies to comments/opinions only. The defendant must prove:
(I)the comment is recognisable as comment;
(II)it is based on provably true facts or privileged matter;
(III)sufficiently referred/alluded to, indicated or stated in what is published with the comment – usually set out in the article unless already well-known;
(IV)it is an honestly held opinion (ie. What the writer genuinely believe); and
(V)it was on a matter of public interest (including TV, film or restaurant reviews).
The defence can succeed no matter how prejudiced the writer is nor how exaggerated the way in which he expresses his opinion.
Therefore, as long as the comment meets above requirements, then it will be published safely.
It is the fair comment defence which protects the expression of opinion contained in reviews of, among other things, performances, books, holidays, and restaurants.
In the Irish News restaurant review case, the defence was dealt a blow when a libel jury in Northern Ireland awarded £25,000 damages to the owner of a restaurant called Goodfellas over an unfavourable review in the Irish News. But the award was quashed on appeal in 2008, with the Northern Ireland Chief Justice, Sir Brian Kerr, saying:
Only if the jury has a clear understanding of what is capable of constituting comment, can it address the thorny issue of whether the facts on which comment is based are capable of justifying the comment made.
He said that the jury had been misdirected, but that the court's task had been made more difficult by the confusion generated by the Irish News in portraying statements of comment in the article as facts.
“Frank Wood, not usually known as a gifted actor at the best of times, gave an exceptionally unconvincing performance playing David Roberts in last night's dramatic episode of Sailing when an argument turned into a fight, resulting in David's arrest and Jim Jamieson being admitted to St. Mary's Hospital, Oxdown, with knife wounds. Perhaps Frank was reminded of the nine months he spend in Oxdown Prison twelve years ago, after being convicted of an assault following a similar pub brawl.”
Your answer should explain how your conclusions are reached.
Answer:
According to the defamation defence fair comment, the defence must prove:
The comment is recognisable as comment;
it is based on provably true facts or privileged matter;
sufficiently referred/alluded to, indicated or stated in what is published with the comment – usually set out in the article unless already well-known;
it is an honestly held opinion (ie. What the writer genuinely believe); and
it was on a matter of public interest (including TV, film or restaurant reviews).
The defence can succeed no matter how prejudiced the writer is nor how exaggerated the way in which he expresses his opinion.
The defamation dangers are the following two issues:
Firstly, in the review, the TV critic writes: perhaps Frank was reminded of the nine months he spend in Oxdown Prison twelve years ago, after being convicted of an assault following a similar pub brawl.
The above sentence will confuse readers if this is the true facts or just mocking comment. It is not recognisable as comment.
Secondly, the case indicates that the TV soap is an award-winning programme, which obviously is a good soap that audience enjoy it.
However, the TV critic has never written anything good about it, in this case, the review is not based on provably true facts.
6. After a man is sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his step-daughter, the local authority sets up, under an Act of Parliament, a public inquiry into the handling of the case by its social services department. Its report is severely critical of some social workers.
Discuss he local newspaper's legal position when:
(a) reporting the evidence of the inquiry;
(b) reporting the inquiry's findings
(c ) commenting on the case after publication of the report
The answer must indicate how conclusions are reached in the light of the defamation.
Answer:
(a) reporting the evidence of the inquiry:
According to The Defamation Act 1996, under Qualified Privilege Defence Schedule I Part II, proceedings of public inquiry, local inquiry or tribunal set up under statutory powers and held in public are covered by the qualified privilege defence.
Reporting the evidence of the inquiry is part of reporting the proceeding, therefore, if provided all the defence's requirements were met – fair; accurate; published without malice; and on a matter of public concern or benefit. Then the local newspaper is safe to publish the story.
(b) reporting the inquiry's findings:
According to the same Act and under Qualified Privilege Defence Schedule I Part II, the inquiry's findings are not covered by it, it is the proceedings to be covered.
Therefore, even if provided all the defence's requirements were met – fair; accurate; published without malice; and on a matter of public concern or benefit, the paper is not safe to publish the findings.
(c) commenting on the case after publication of the report:
The comment can be defended by the fair comment defence, which applies to comments/opinions only. The defendant must prove:
(I)the comment is recognisable as comment;
(II)it is based on provably true facts or privileged matter;
(III)sufficiently referred/alluded to, indicated or stated in what is published with the comment – usually set out in the article unless already well-known;
(IV)it is an honestly held opinion (ie. What the writer genuinely believe); and
(V)it was on a matter of public interest (including TV, film or restaurant reviews).
The defence can succeed no matter how prejudiced the writer is nor how exaggerated the way in which he expresses his opinion.
Therefore, as long as the comment meets above requirements, then it will be published safely.
It is the fair comment defence which protects the expression of opinion contained in reviews of, among other things, performances, books, holidays, and restaurants.
In the Irish News restaurant review case, the defence was dealt a blow when a libel jury in Northern Ireland awarded £25,000 damages to the owner of a restaurant called Goodfellas over an unfavourable review in the Irish News. But the award was quashed on appeal in 2008, with the Northern Ireland Chief Justice, Sir Brian Kerr, saying:
Only if the jury has a clear understanding of what is capable of constituting comment, can it address the thorny issue of whether the facts on which comment is based are capable of justifying the comment made.
He said that the jury had been misdirected, but that the court's task had been made more difficult by the confusion generated by the Irish News in portraying statements of comment in the article as facts.
Monday, 5 July 2010
Defamation defence part II (draft)
3. A local council's health department investigating an outbreak of food poisoning traces the source to turkeys sold at a supermarket. A press statement issued by the department warns anyone who has bought a turkey from the store not to eat it.
Through a clerical error, the statement gives the name of another supermarket which has nothing to do with the matter. Explain whether the press are liable to this store for defamation.
Answer:
The press are liable to this store for defamation.
According to the Defamation Act 1996, under qualified privilege defence, reports of numerous occasions receive Statutory Qualified Privilege, providing they are:
(a) fair; (b) accurate; (c) published without malice; (d) on a matter of public concern or benefit, and (e) subjected to publication if requested of a reasonable letter or statement by way of explanation or contradiction. Ethically, under the PCC Code, paper should correct significant inaccuracy anyway, even if not to blame.
From the case said above, the press statement issued by the department, it is covered by the qualified privilege defence Schedule 1 Part 2 paragraph 9:
Notice, reports or statements from government departments and bodies performing governmental functions (e.g. local authorities and the police)
However, the statement itself is inaccurate, therefore it is not subject to the requirement of fair and accurate copy and the press are liable to this store of defamation.
5. An MP has fought (both inside and outside parliament) for compensation in cases where former employees at steelworks have contracted cancer since the works closed. The MP issues a brief press statement following an inquest into the death of one of the former steelworkers. In the statement the MP criticises the coroner and says: “The inquest was just a whitewash”.
Is it safe to use the above extract from the statement? Give your reasons in the light of defamation.
Answer:
No, it is not safe to use the above extract from the statement.
According to The Defamation Act 1996 Qualified Privilege Defence Schedule I Part II, public meetings are protected by the part II: bona fide meetings lawfully held for a lawful purpose for the furtherance of discussion of matters of public concern whether admission to the meeting was general or restricted.
If “public meeting” comes within this definition, press conferences are covered, including handouts not read out.
However, press statements are not press conferences, so not covered by qualified privilege, unless the press statements are issued by government department and bodies performing governmental functions. e.g. local authorities and the police.
In this case, the MP is not qualified to issue the press statement according to the requirement, even though what the MP said might be fair, accurate, and without malice.
Therefore, it is not safe to the extract from the statement.
In the case of McCartan Turkington Breen v Times Newspaper Ltd, 2001. The Times had been sued over its report of a press conference called by a group of people (the Clegg Committee) campaigning for the release of a soldier Lee Clegg convicted of murdering a joyrider.
Then during the press conference, defamatory statements were made concerning the solicitors' defence of Private Clegg. On the next day, The Times reported those statements. This led to the libel proceeding by the solicitors of Private Clegg against The Times.
A jury awarded £145,000 damages. But on the appeal, Lord Bingham said that press representatives could be regarded either as member of the public themselves or as 'the eyes and ears of the public to whom they report.'
The court also ruled that a written press release, handed out at the meeting but not read aloud, and reported by the paper, was in effect part of the press conference proceeding.
Through a clerical error, the statement gives the name of another supermarket which has nothing to do with the matter. Explain whether the press are liable to this store for defamation.
Answer:
The press are liable to this store for defamation.
According to the Defamation Act 1996, under qualified privilege defence, reports of numerous occasions receive Statutory Qualified Privilege, providing they are:
(a) fair; (b) accurate; (c) published without malice; (d) on a matter of public concern or benefit, and (e) subjected to publication if requested of a reasonable letter or statement by way of explanation or contradiction. Ethically, under the PCC Code, paper should correct significant inaccuracy anyway, even if not to blame.
From the case said above, the press statement issued by the department, it is covered by the qualified privilege defence Schedule 1 Part 2 paragraph 9:
Notice, reports or statements from government departments and bodies performing governmental functions (e.g. local authorities and the police)
However, the statement itself is inaccurate, therefore it is not subject to the requirement of fair and accurate copy and the press are liable to this store of defamation.
5. An MP has fought (both inside and outside parliament) for compensation in cases where former employees at steelworks have contracted cancer since the works closed. The MP issues a brief press statement following an inquest into the death of one of the former steelworkers. In the statement the MP criticises the coroner and says: “The inquest was just a whitewash”.
Is it safe to use the above extract from the statement? Give your reasons in the light of defamation.
Answer:
No, it is not safe to use the above extract from the statement.
According to The Defamation Act 1996 Qualified Privilege Defence Schedule I Part II, public meetings are protected by the part II: bona fide meetings lawfully held for a lawful purpose for the furtherance of discussion of matters of public concern whether admission to the meeting was general or restricted.
If “public meeting” comes within this definition, press conferences are covered, including handouts not read out.
However, press statements are not press conferences, so not covered by qualified privilege, unless the press statements are issued by government department and bodies performing governmental functions. e.g. local authorities and the police.
In this case, the MP is not qualified to issue the press statement according to the requirement, even though what the MP said might be fair, accurate, and without malice.
Therefore, it is not safe to the extract from the statement.
In the case of McCartan Turkington Breen v Times Newspaper Ltd, 2001. The Times had been sued over its report of a press conference called by a group of people (the Clegg Committee) campaigning for the release of a soldier Lee Clegg convicted of murdering a joyrider.
Then during the press conference, defamatory statements were made concerning the solicitors' defence of Private Clegg. On the next day, The Times reported those statements. This led to the libel proceeding by the solicitors of Private Clegg against The Times.
A jury awarded £145,000 damages. But on the appeal, Lord Bingham said that press representatives could be regarded either as member of the public themselves or as 'the eyes and ears of the public to whom they report.'
The court also ruled that a written press release, handed out at the meeting but not read aloud, and reported by the paper, was in effect part of the press conference proceeding.
Sunday, 4 July 2010
Defamation defence part I (draft)
1. A daily newspaper reporter is attending a trial. By his deadline time, only the prosecution case has been heard. In the law of libel, can his newspaper publish a report at this stage? Give your reasons.
Answer:
The newspaper cannot publish the report at this stage.
The daily newspaper reporter is attending a trial, that means the reporter is reporting court cases. So automatically the journalist enjoys absolute privilege.
For Absolute privilege to apply, according to the Defamation Act 1996, a court case report must be “fair and accurate”. This does not mean that the proceedings must be reported verbatim; a report will still be “fair and accurate” if:
(I)it presents a summary of both side
(ii)it contains no substantial inaccuracies;
(iii) it avoids giving disproportionate weight to one side or the other
Provided it complies other requirement of absolute privilege defence:
(I)accurate (especially charge, names, plea and case continuing)
(II) published contemporaneously (first available edition); and
(III) the report is of judicial proceedings (do not publish defamatory outbursts – they are not protected. Non – defamatory parts of outbursts may be published);
(IV) held in public in the UK (or in European Courts of Justice and Human Rights).
As by the reporter's deadline, only the prosecution case has been heard, he/she is unable to write a balanced copy.
In a case in 2006, (Bennett v Newsquest, see Media Lawyer newsletter, No 64), Mr Justice Eady pointed out that a newspaper story which reported a criminal case and which reported a criminal case and which was the subject of a libel action. He said:
“The report must be fair overall and not give a misleading impression. Inaccuracies in themselves will not defeat privilege. Omissions will deprive a report of privilege if they create a false impression of what took place or if they result in the suppression of the case of part of the case of one side, while giving the other.”
If the report is held to be unfair or inaccurate in any important respect, the media organisation publishing it loses the protection of privilege.
(b). When a defendant charged with a summary offence in a magistrates court takes his place in the dock a man in the public gallery shouts: “He is innocent. The policeman beat him up”. Discuss whether this comment can be used safely in the light of the laws of defamation.
Answer:
The answer's safety depends on the content itself is defamatory or not.
The comment is made during the court proceedings, according to the Defamation Act 1996, it states for absolute privilege to apply, the report is:
of judicial proceedings (not outbursts or interruptions [if people making them are not involved in the case] or reports not read out in court – so do not publish defamatory outbursts – they are not protected. Non – defamatory parts of outbursts may be published);
In general, absolute privilege extends only to the actual report of proceedings held in open court.
It does not protect, for example, defamatory matter shouted out in the court, e.g. from the public gallery by someone who is not part of the proceedings. However, if shouted comment is not defamatory, it can in libel law be reported safely whoever made it.
So in this case, if the shouted content is not defamatory, the paper can publish it safely; but if the content is defamatory, then the paper cannot publish it safely.
2. A reader threatens to sue a newspaper for defamation. The reporter who wrote the feature which contained the alleged defamation says to the Editor. “We've noting to fear. I showed the full feature to the reader before publication because it was a complicated story, he agreed with it and had the chance to reply to the allegations in it about him”.
In the law of defamation, is the reporter correct? The answer must indicate how conclusions are reached.
Answer:
The reporter is incorrect.
The defence in his case is justification. It states:
Justification means truth and applies to statements of fact. To establish this the defendant must prove, on the balance of probabilities, the truth of the words both in substance and in fact, in their natural and ordinary meaning and of every innuendo, inference and imputation that can be reasonably drawn from the words.
The danger of justification defence in this case is though the reporter said he showed the reader before publication (plus the reporter himself/herself even admit it was a complicated story), and it seems the reader agreed with it and had the chance to reply to the allegations in it about him.
However, there is no indication to say the reporter persuaded the witness to sign a written statement at the time and date it. Or such testimony could be an audio-recording of any witness willing to testify against the claimant.
Apart from the danger relevant with the case said above, other dangers of justification defence are (which might apply if the paper is sued on a later stage):
(I)credibility/reliability/availability of witnesses e.g. where there is a time gap.
(II)If stick to defence all the way to trial - greater damages likely to be awarded for aggravation and substantial costs.
(III)Difficult to prove, especially where meaning created by inference or innuendo.
(IV)Sometime may be best financially to settle out of court because of large awards of damages and substantial costs in going to trial.
(V)Uncertainty of outcome – what meaning will the jury find?
Answer:
The newspaper cannot publish the report at this stage.
The daily newspaper reporter is attending a trial, that means the reporter is reporting court cases. So automatically the journalist enjoys absolute privilege.
For Absolute privilege to apply, according to the Defamation Act 1996, a court case report must be “fair and accurate”. This does not mean that the proceedings must be reported verbatim; a report will still be “fair and accurate” if:
(I)it presents a summary of both side
(ii)it contains no substantial inaccuracies;
(iii) it avoids giving disproportionate weight to one side or the other
Provided it complies other requirement of absolute privilege defence:
(I)accurate (especially charge, names, plea and case continuing)
(II) published contemporaneously (first available edition); and
(III) the report is of judicial proceedings (do not publish defamatory outbursts – they are not protected. Non – defamatory parts of outbursts may be published);
(IV) held in public in the UK (or in European Courts of Justice and Human Rights).
As by the reporter's deadline, only the prosecution case has been heard, he/she is unable to write a balanced copy.
In a case in 2006, (Bennett v Newsquest, see Media Lawyer newsletter, No 64), Mr Justice Eady pointed out that a newspaper story which reported a criminal case and which reported a criminal case and which was the subject of a libel action. He said:
“The report must be fair overall and not give a misleading impression. Inaccuracies in themselves will not defeat privilege. Omissions will deprive a report of privilege if they create a false impression of what took place or if they result in the suppression of the case of part of the case of one side, while giving the other.”
If the report is held to be unfair or inaccurate in any important respect, the media organisation publishing it loses the protection of privilege.
(b). When a defendant charged with a summary offence in a magistrates court takes his place in the dock a man in the public gallery shouts: “He is innocent. The policeman beat him up”. Discuss whether this comment can be used safely in the light of the laws of defamation.
Answer:
The answer's safety depends on the content itself is defamatory or not.
The comment is made during the court proceedings, according to the Defamation Act 1996, it states for absolute privilege to apply, the report is:
of judicial proceedings (not outbursts or interruptions [if people making them are not involved in the case] or reports not read out in court – so do not publish defamatory outbursts – they are not protected. Non – defamatory parts of outbursts may be published);
In general, absolute privilege extends only to the actual report of proceedings held in open court.
It does not protect, for example, defamatory matter shouted out in the court, e.g. from the public gallery by someone who is not part of the proceedings. However, if shouted comment is not defamatory, it can in libel law be reported safely whoever made it.
So in this case, if the shouted content is not defamatory, the paper can publish it safely; but if the content is defamatory, then the paper cannot publish it safely.
2. A reader threatens to sue a newspaper for defamation. The reporter who wrote the feature which contained the alleged defamation says to the Editor. “We've noting to fear. I showed the full feature to the reader before publication because it was a complicated story, he agreed with it and had the chance to reply to the allegations in it about him”.
In the law of defamation, is the reporter correct? The answer must indicate how conclusions are reached.
Answer:
The reporter is incorrect.
The defence in his case is justification. It states:
Justification means truth and applies to statements of fact. To establish this the defendant must prove, on the balance of probabilities, the truth of the words both in substance and in fact, in their natural and ordinary meaning and of every innuendo, inference and imputation that can be reasonably drawn from the words.
The danger of justification defence in this case is though the reporter said he showed the reader before publication (plus the reporter himself/herself even admit it was a complicated story), and it seems the reader agreed with it and had the chance to reply to the allegations in it about him.
However, there is no indication to say the reporter persuaded the witness to sign a written statement at the time and date it. Or such testimony could be an audio-recording of any witness willing to testify against the claimant.
Apart from the danger relevant with the case said above, other dangers of justification defence are (which might apply if the paper is sued on a later stage):
(I)credibility/reliability/availability of witnesses e.g. where there is a time gap.
(II)If stick to defence all the way to trial - greater damages likely to be awarded for aggravation and substantial costs.
(III)Difficult to prove, especially where meaning created by inference or innuendo.
(IV)Sometime may be best financially to settle out of court because of large awards of damages and substantial costs in going to trial.
(V)Uncertainty of outcome – what meaning will the jury find?
Thursday, 1 July 2010
Media law - contempt part II (draft)
4. A minibus carrying pupils of a school is involved in a crash in Oxshire. Ten of the pupils die. Two others, and the teacher who was driving the vehicle, are taken to hospital with serious injuries. When the inquest is formally opened, a police inspector tells the coroner that there is a possibility of criminal proceedings against the teacher.
A national newspaper has prepared, before the crash happened, a feature alleging an unsatisfactory standard of maintenance of many school minibuses, inadequate safety arrangements for pupils travelling in them, and poor driving skills of many of the teachers who drive them.
Can the newspaper safely proceed to publish this feature? The answer must indicate how you reach your conclusions.
Answer:
The newspaper cannot safely proceed to publish this feature.
As the police says there is a possibility of criminal proceedings against the teacher, therefore, the pre-trial publication should be taken into consideration by the court:
(I)The likelihood of the publication coming to the attention of a potential juror;
(II)the likely impact on an ordinary reader;
(III)and, crucially, the residual impact on a notional juror at the time of trial;
The materials published in the newspaper will potentially create a substantial risk of serious prejudice, and it might have adverse effect on jury's judgement.
5. After a woman's body is found in woodland, a local newspaper prepares news feature about her “murder”, having learned who she is. It discovers her husband has previous convictions for violence against her. Neighbours give interviews to reporters about seeing and hearing violent confrontations between the couple in recent months.
People who live near the woodland describe to reporters a man allegedly seen there late at night, just before the body was discovered.
All this material is included in the draft feature.
Just before the newspaper's deadline, police announce that the husband is now under arrest in their inquiries into the woman's death.
Explain, in light of contempt laws, what material must be altered in or deleted from the feature, and why.
Explain what material can safely be published. (ignore defamation issues).
Answer:
As just before the newspaper's deadline, police announce that the husband is now under arrest in their inquiries into the woman's death, therefore, the criminal case becomes active.
Strict liability contempt – contempt of court act 1981 states that if proceedings become active, then media organisation cannot publish anything that creates a substantial risk of serious prejudice, such as:
(I)stating that the person arrested is the same person who committed the crime;
(II)publishing photo, photo-fit or detailed description if identification is in issue and there is going to be an ID parade, or if identification may be an issue at trial;
(III)using the word “murder” - it may be manslaughter or an accident;
(IV)using detailed witness statements – the witness may feel obliged to stick to the published version of events in court, even if he later realises it was wrong;
(V)previous conviction;
(VI)background material/lifestyle; or
(VII)anticipating or influencing the verdict.
The newspaper cannot use the word “murder”, as it maybe find out he is not guilty at the end of the trial; the newspaper must delete her husband's previous convictions for violence against her, as it might have adverse effect on the jury's judgement; the newspaper also need to alter the neighbour's interviews saying that they saw and heard violent confrontations between the couple in recent months, as these background materials/lifestyle will have impact on jury as well.
What the newspaper can publish is that a man allegedly seen there late at night, just before the body was discovered, according to those who live near the woodland.
A national newspaper has prepared, before the crash happened, a feature alleging an unsatisfactory standard of maintenance of many school minibuses, inadequate safety arrangements for pupils travelling in them, and poor driving skills of many of the teachers who drive them.
Can the newspaper safely proceed to publish this feature? The answer must indicate how you reach your conclusions.
Answer:
The newspaper cannot safely proceed to publish this feature.
As the police says there is a possibility of criminal proceedings against the teacher, therefore, the pre-trial publication should be taken into consideration by the court:
(I)The likelihood of the publication coming to the attention of a potential juror;
(II)the likely impact on an ordinary reader;
(III)and, crucially, the residual impact on a notional juror at the time of trial;
The materials published in the newspaper will potentially create a substantial risk of serious prejudice, and it might have adverse effect on jury's judgement.
5. After a woman's body is found in woodland, a local newspaper prepares news feature about her “murder”, having learned who she is. It discovers her husband has previous convictions for violence against her. Neighbours give interviews to reporters about seeing and hearing violent confrontations between the couple in recent months.
People who live near the woodland describe to reporters a man allegedly seen there late at night, just before the body was discovered.
All this material is included in the draft feature.
Just before the newspaper's deadline, police announce that the husband is now under arrest in their inquiries into the woman's death.
Explain, in light of contempt laws, what material must be altered in or deleted from the feature, and why.
Explain what material can safely be published. (ignore defamation issues).
Answer:
As just before the newspaper's deadline, police announce that the husband is now under arrest in their inquiries into the woman's death, therefore, the criminal case becomes active.
Strict liability contempt – contempt of court act 1981 states that if proceedings become active, then media organisation cannot publish anything that creates a substantial risk of serious prejudice, such as:
(I)stating that the person arrested is the same person who committed the crime;
(II)publishing photo, photo-fit or detailed description if identification is in issue and there is going to be an ID parade, or if identification may be an issue at trial;
(III)using the word “murder” - it may be manslaughter or an accident;
(IV)using detailed witness statements – the witness may feel obliged to stick to the published version of events in court, even if he later realises it was wrong;
(V)previous conviction;
(VI)background material/lifestyle; or
(VII)anticipating or influencing the verdict.
The newspaper cannot use the word “murder”, as it maybe find out he is not guilty at the end of the trial; the newspaper must delete her husband's previous convictions for violence against her, as it might have adverse effect on the jury's judgement; the newspaper also need to alter the neighbour's interviews saying that they saw and heard violent confrontations between the couple in recent months, as these background materials/lifestyle will have impact on jury as well.
What the newspaper can publish is that a man allegedly seen there late at night, just before the body was discovered, according to those who live near the woodland.
Media law - contempt part I (draft)
1. newspaper has prepared a background article on how a major bank raid was planned. At Crown Court all four men deny the charges, but are found guilty and jailed. Defence counsel says in court that an appeal will be lodged in the next few days on behalf of the four. Can the newspaper publish the background article immediately after the sentencing? The answer must illustrate how conclusions are reached in the light of the Contempt of Court Act 1981.
Hint – also explain what the position would be if appeal had been lodged.
Answer:
The newspaper can publish the background article immediately after the sentencing.
There is a “free-for-all” period when proceedings are not active between sentence and the appeal proceedings becoming active on:
(I)the lodging of a notice of appeal;or
(II)leave to appeal is sought.
Appeal proceedings cease to be active when:
1.the appeal has been dealt with
If an appeal lodged against a conviction in a Crown Court, the media still have considerable freedom concerning contempt law in what can be published, even though it has thus become active again.
It is unlikely to publish anything that creates a substantial risk of serious prejudice to an appeal as appeals are always heard by professional judge(s) without a jury.
However, if a retrial is ordered, proceeding immediately become active again (Jury involved), and will remain so until that retrial is concluded.
The media must thereafter be very wary of publishing anything which creates such risk to the retrial, because witnesses and potential jurors will be seen as susceptible to publicity about the case before and during the retrial.
2. Give one example of circumstances in which a court might exercise its power under Section 4 of the Contempt of Court Act 1981 to postpone reports of its proceedings. Under the Act, can a journalist be in contempt for publishing anything not covered by such an order?
Answer:
Section 4(2) of the Contempt of Court Act 1981 gives a court power to order postponement of the publication reports of a hearing. It states:
(I)postpones publication;
(II)of a report of all; or
(III)part of proceedings;
(IV)for as long as the court considers necessary;
(V)to avoid a substantial risk of prejudice;
(VI)to the administration of justice;
(VII)in those proceedings; or
(VIII)in any other proceedings pending or imminent.
For example, a judge could order that no report of the first trial should be published until the second trial is concluded:
If a defendant, or several defendants, are to be dealt with in more than one trial, media reports of the first trial in the series – for example, concerning alleged smuggling of heroin – could arguably if published contemporaneously, and especially if any defendant is convicted, influence people who read such reports and who are then selected as jurors for the next trial in the series, which could concern different allegations of drug-smuggling against the same defendant(s).
The jury in the second trial, because of the principle of the presumption of innocence for defendants, may well be told nothing in the second trial about the earlier trial. Yet if a juror in this second trial remembers media reports of the first, he/she may be more likely to find defendant guilty, in that it will be clear that the defendant has featured in more than one drugs case.
In addition, it should be noted that for a court to make a section 4(2) order the substantial risk need only be of any prejudice, not necessarily of 'serious' prejudice.
Therefore, under such an Act, the journalist will be in contempt for publishing anything not covered by such an order.
3. Magistrates have issued warrants for the arrest of two men after a bombing in which a number of people died. The Oxdown Gazette carries an official police statement which gives the names of the two men, says they wanted for murder and gives their descriptions. The headline which is accurately based on the police statement is: “Two sought for car bomb attack. It was murder say police”.
What is the newspaper's liability for (a) contempt; (b) defamation? The answer must show clearly how conclusions are reached.
Answer:
According to strict liability contempt – contempt of court act 1981, the risky areas in crime reports which would create substantial risk of serious prejudice are:
If proceeding become active, then you cannot publish anything that creates a substantial risk of serious prejudice, such as:
(I)stating that the person arrested is the same person who committed the crime;
(II)publishing photo, photo-fit or detailed description if identification is in issue and there is going to be an ID parade, or if identification maybe an issue at trial;
(III)using the word “murder” - it may be manslaughter or an accident;
(IV)using detailed witness statements – the witness may feel obliged to stick to the published version of events in court, even if he later realises it was wrong;
(V)previous convictions;
(VI)background material/lifestyle; or
(VII)anticipating or influencing the verdict.
The newspaper stating the arrested man is murder before carrying out the trial. It also published the arrested men's descriptions, but there might be an ID parade later on, or identification maybe an issue at trial at a later stage. Therefore the newspaper will have liability for contempt.
Under qualified privilege (a qualified defence) as a defence to defamation, reports of numerous occasions receive statutory qualified privilege, providing they are: (a) fair; (b) accurate; (c) published without malice; (d) on a matter of public concern or benefit; and (e) subject to publication if requested of a reasonable letter or statement by way of explanation or contradiction.
Main protected occasions covered by Schedule 1 Part 2 include (iii) notices, reports or statements from government departments and bodies performing governmental functions (e.g. local authorities and the police), therefore, as the newspaper carries an official police statement, it will not have liability for defamation.
Hint – also explain what the position would be if appeal had been lodged.
Answer:
The newspaper can publish the background article immediately after the sentencing.
There is a “free-for-all” period when proceedings are not active between sentence and the appeal proceedings becoming active on:
(I)the lodging of a notice of appeal;or
(II)leave to appeal is sought.
Appeal proceedings cease to be active when:
1.the appeal has been dealt with
If an appeal lodged against a conviction in a Crown Court, the media still have considerable freedom concerning contempt law in what can be published, even though it has thus become active again.
It is unlikely to publish anything that creates a substantial risk of serious prejudice to an appeal as appeals are always heard by professional judge(s) without a jury.
However, if a retrial is ordered, proceeding immediately become active again (Jury involved), and will remain so until that retrial is concluded.
The media must thereafter be very wary of publishing anything which creates such risk to the retrial, because witnesses and potential jurors will be seen as susceptible to publicity about the case before and during the retrial.
2. Give one example of circumstances in which a court might exercise its power under Section 4 of the Contempt of Court Act 1981 to postpone reports of its proceedings. Under the Act, can a journalist be in contempt for publishing anything not covered by such an order?
Answer:
Section 4(2) of the Contempt of Court Act 1981 gives a court power to order postponement of the publication reports of a hearing. It states:
(I)postpones publication;
(II)of a report of all; or
(III)part of proceedings;
(IV)for as long as the court considers necessary;
(V)to avoid a substantial risk of prejudice;
(VI)to the administration of justice;
(VII)in those proceedings; or
(VIII)in any other proceedings pending or imminent.
For example, a judge could order that no report of the first trial should be published until the second trial is concluded:
If a defendant, or several defendants, are to be dealt with in more than one trial, media reports of the first trial in the series – for example, concerning alleged smuggling of heroin – could arguably if published contemporaneously, and especially if any defendant is convicted, influence people who read such reports and who are then selected as jurors for the next trial in the series, which could concern different allegations of drug-smuggling against the same defendant(s).
The jury in the second trial, because of the principle of the presumption of innocence for defendants, may well be told nothing in the second trial about the earlier trial. Yet if a juror in this second trial remembers media reports of the first, he/she may be more likely to find defendant guilty, in that it will be clear that the defendant has featured in more than one drugs case.
In addition, it should be noted that for a court to make a section 4(2) order the substantial risk need only be of any prejudice, not necessarily of 'serious' prejudice.
Therefore, under such an Act, the journalist will be in contempt for publishing anything not covered by such an order.
3. Magistrates have issued warrants for the arrest of two men after a bombing in which a number of people died. The Oxdown Gazette carries an official police statement which gives the names of the two men, says they wanted for murder and gives their descriptions. The headline which is accurately based on the police statement is: “Two sought for car bomb attack. It was murder say police”.
What is the newspaper's liability for (a) contempt; (b) defamation? The answer must show clearly how conclusions are reached.
Answer:
According to strict liability contempt – contempt of court act 1981, the risky areas in crime reports which would create substantial risk of serious prejudice are:
If proceeding become active, then you cannot publish anything that creates a substantial risk of serious prejudice, such as:
(I)stating that the person arrested is the same person who committed the crime;
(II)publishing photo, photo-fit or detailed description if identification is in issue and there is going to be an ID parade, or if identification maybe an issue at trial;
(III)using the word “murder” - it may be manslaughter or an accident;
(IV)using detailed witness statements – the witness may feel obliged to stick to the published version of events in court, even if he later realises it was wrong;
(V)previous convictions;
(VI)background material/lifestyle; or
(VII)anticipating or influencing the verdict.
The newspaper stating the arrested man is murder before carrying out the trial. It also published the arrested men's descriptions, but there might be an ID parade later on, or identification maybe an issue at trial at a later stage. Therefore the newspaper will have liability for contempt.
Under qualified privilege (a qualified defence) as a defence to defamation, reports of numerous occasions receive statutory qualified privilege, providing they are: (a) fair; (b) accurate; (c) published without malice; (d) on a matter of public concern or benefit; and (e) subject to publication if requested of a reasonable letter or statement by way of explanation or contradiction.
Main protected occasions covered by Schedule 1 Part 2 include (iii) notices, reports or statements from government departments and bodies performing governmental functions (e.g. local authorities and the police), therefore, as the newspaper carries an official police statement, it will not have liability for defamation.
Thursday, 24 June 2010
Small enterprise story (the second version)
Small businesses across the UK are expected to have an estimated 3,400 contracts to deliver 2012 Olympic game related services and goods, says chief executive Mike Mulvey from London Business Network.
The event, organised on Tuesday in Stratford, is one of the hundreds of events held by the organisation across London to introduce small enterprises to upcoming opportunities such as catering, football goal post manufacturing and brochure and website design.
Mike said: “6,600 contracts have already been placed to small businesses around the country and 35 per cent of these companies are based in London.”
According to him, the value of these new sub-contracts available now forms part of over £1.7billion, which includes bigger suppliers directly working with the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) and London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG).
Catering2Order, a firm with 20 employees based in Southwark, won their catering contract on the Olympic construction site two years ago.
John Charles, managing director of the company, said: “We are expecting one million turnover for this financial year. Winning the contract in such a difficult financial period is fantastic.”
“As a small company we work with bigger supplier, and we are also constantly getting more contracts because of our quality and service delivery and our track record.”
When asked how hard it is to get the contract, John said: “We got the contract through CompeteFor.
"The whole process is extremely competitive, I know lots of companies achieved 100% score on the questionnaire [designed by the buying companies], but they still can't get the contract.
"You have got to offer your uniqueness and something beyond what they require.”
CompeteFor portal is a platform that links buyers and suppliers.
Companies who wish to become part of the Olympic supply chain need to register through the website and bid for the contract with other competitors.
Another previous contract winner is translate plus, a 35-staff firm that provides Welsh translation service to London 2012's education website Get Set.
Director Per Severinsen said: “The contract is very profitable. And obviously, it is a very good reference for the potential clients to use our services.
“When they know that we are working with the biggest sporting organisation in the UK, they just think it is quite impressive.”
When asked whether London-based companies have any priority compared with the ones from other regions, Nick Winch, Olympic co-ordinator from the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “London companies will get the contract if they are the best to deliver the contract.
“They won the contract not because they are local or small. What we do is to make sure London companies are aware about the opportunities and best prepared to bid for the opportunities.”
The challenges small businesses are facing, according to Nick, is some of the contracts might be too big for them to put things together.
“We and other organisations right from the beginning have spoken to the ODA and LOCOG that we wanted the chances to be as small-business friendly as possible.”
Small enterprise story (the first version)
Small businesses across the UK are expected to have an estimated 3,400 contracts up for grab to deliver 2012 Olympic Game related services and goods, says chief executive Mike Mulvey from London Business Network.
The event, organised at Tuesday night at Stratford, is one of the hundreds events held by the organisation across London to introduce small enterprises upcoming opportunities such as catering, florist, football goal post manufacture, and brochure and website design.
Mike said: “6,600 contracts have already been placed to small businesses around the country and 35 per cent of these companies are based in London.”
According to him, the value of these new sub-contracts available now forms part of over £1.7 billion which includes bigger suppliers directly working with the Olympic Delivery Authority and London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG).
Catering2Order, a social firm with 20 employees based in Southwark, won their catering contract on the Olympic construction site two years ago.
John Charles, owner of the company, said: “We are expecting one million turnover for this financial year. To won the contract, in such a difficult financial period, is fantastic.”
“As a small company we work with bigger suppliers, and we are also constantly getting more contracts because of our quality and service delivery and our track record.”
When asked how hard it is in getting the contract, John said: “We got the contract through CompeteFor. The whole process is extremely competitive, I know lots of companies achieved 100% score on the questionnaire [provided by the buying companies], but they still can't get the contract. You have got to offer your uniqueness and something beyond what they require.”
According to Mike, CompeteFor portal provides a platform to link buyers and suppliers.
Companies who wish to become part of the Olympic supply chain need to register through the website and bid for the contract with other competitors.
Translate plus, a 35-staff firm provides Welsh language translation service to the London 2012's education website for schools and colleges.
Director Per Severinsen said: “The contract is very profitable. And obviously, it is a very good reference for the potential clients to use our services.
“When they know that we are working with the biggest sporting organisation in the UK, they just thought it is quite impressive.”
When asked whether London based companies have any priority compared with the ones from other regions, Nick Winch, Olympic coordinator from Federation of Small Businesses, said: “London companies will get the contract if they are the best to deliver the contract.
“They won the contract not because they are local or small. What we do is to make sure London companies are aware about the opportunities and best prepared to bid for the opportunities.”
The challenges small businesses are facing, according to Nick, is some of the contracts might be too big for them to put things together.
“We and other organisations right from the beginning have spoken to Olympic Delivery Authority and London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games that we wanted the chances are as small-business friendly as possible.”
The event, organised at Tuesday night at Stratford, is one of the hundreds events held by the organisation across London to introduce small enterprises upcoming opportunities such as catering, florist, football goal post manufacture, and brochure and website design.
Mike said: “6,600 contracts have already been placed to small businesses around the country and 35 per cent of these companies are based in London.”
According to him, the value of these new sub-contracts available now forms part of over £1.7 billion which includes bigger suppliers directly working with the Olympic Delivery Authority and London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG).
Catering2Order, a social firm with 20 employees based in Southwark, won their catering contract on the Olympic construction site two years ago.
John Charles, owner of the company, said: “We are expecting one million turnover for this financial year. To won the contract, in such a difficult financial period, is fantastic.”
“As a small company we work with bigger suppliers, and we are also constantly getting more contracts because of our quality and service delivery and our track record.”
When asked how hard it is in getting the contract, John said: “We got the contract through CompeteFor. The whole process is extremely competitive, I know lots of companies achieved 100% score on the questionnaire [provided by the buying companies], but they still can't get the contract. You have got to offer your uniqueness and something beyond what they require.”
According to Mike, CompeteFor portal provides a platform to link buyers and suppliers.
Companies who wish to become part of the Olympic supply chain need to register through the website and bid for the contract with other competitors.
Translate plus, a 35-staff firm provides Welsh language translation service to the London 2012's education website for schools and colleges.
Director Per Severinsen said: “The contract is very profitable. And obviously, it is a very good reference for the potential clients to use our services.
“When they know that we are working with the biggest sporting organisation in the UK, they just thought it is quite impressive.”
When asked whether London based companies have any priority compared with the ones from other regions, Nick Winch, Olympic coordinator from Federation of Small Businesses, said: “London companies will get the contract if they are the best to deliver the contract.
“They won the contract not because they are local or small. What we do is to make sure London companies are aware about the opportunities and best prepared to bid for the opportunities.”
The challenges small businesses are facing, according to Nick, is some of the contracts might be too big for them to put things together.
“We and other organisations right from the beginning have spoken to Olympic Delivery Authority and London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games that we wanted the chances are as small-business friendly as possible.”
Saturday, 19 June 2010
The Beat story (the third version)
A magazine for pre-teens has been launched by the Metropolitan Police to help them explore the issues that concern them most.
The Beat will handle topics such as bullying, terrorism, the role of Safer Neighbourhoods mixed with articles about celebrities, role models and leisure activities.
Jordan, a Year Six pupil at Selwyn Primary School in Waltham Forest, said: "You will find people try to bully you, the magazine is good as it tells where to ask for help and the police are helpful."
But Debbie, aged 11, in the same year as Jordan expressed her concern by saying: "When you call the police, they don't always come very quickly."
Celebrity experiences
Celine, a fellow pupil also aged 11, said: "When you read Rihanna's story in the magazine, you realise you are not the only one to be bullied, and even a famous person has the same experiences as you.
"Then you feel you are not scared, and you know other people also have such an experience."
Apart from raising students' awareness of how to keep safe, the magazine also suggests a range of activities such as power-boating, abseiling, or scaling that pupils can take part in.
Jordan added: "These activities are quite good, I wouldn't mind doing any of them."
Dez Gray, a father of four from Bethnal Green, said: "Children should be encouraged to take part in different activities and get rid of their extra energy.
Empowering kids
"But, these activities The Beat has featured are good, but the costly uniform, required by some of the activities, will turn off the children and parents, and will stop children doing these things."
Assistant Head Morag McHardy, from Selwyn Primary School, said: "I think it is a really good magazine. It raises issues children may not have talked about before and stimulated lots of discussions between them.
"Young people should be empowered with confidence and knowledge to deal with risky situations.
"As parents or teachers are not always around, and they should be empowered to be responsible for themselves."
Alaric Bonthron, Detective Superintendent from the Met Police, said: "We hope The Beat will be a fun, but useful guide for 11 year-olds as they near the end of the time at primary school.
"With summer holidays coming up, more and more young people will be out and about. We hope The Beat gives them some practical advice and tips on how to keep safe."
The Beat will handle topics such as bullying, terrorism, the role of Safer Neighbourhoods mixed with articles about celebrities, role models and leisure activities.
Jordan, a Year Six pupil at Selwyn Primary School in Waltham Forest, said: "You will find people try to bully you, the magazine is good as it tells where to ask for help and the police are helpful."
But Debbie, aged 11, in the same year as Jordan expressed her concern by saying: "When you call the police, they don't always come very quickly."
Celebrity experiences
Celine, a fellow pupil also aged 11, said: "When you read Rihanna's story in the magazine, you realise you are not the only one to be bullied, and even a famous person has the same experiences as you.
"Then you feel you are not scared, and you know other people also have such an experience."
Apart from raising students' awareness of how to keep safe, the magazine also suggests a range of activities such as power-boating, abseiling, or scaling that pupils can take part in.
Jordan added: "These activities are quite good, I wouldn't mind doing any of them."
Dez Gray, a father of four from Bethnal Green, said: "Children should be encouraged to take part in different activities and get rid of their extra energy.
Empowering kids
"But, these activities The Beat has featured are good, but the costly uniform, required by some of the activities, will turn off the children and parents, and will stop children doing these things."
Assistant Head Morag McHardy, from Selwyn Primary School, said: "I think it is a really good magazine. It raises issues children may not have talked about before and stimulated lots of discussions between them.
"Young people should be empowered with confidence and knowledge to deal with risky situations.
"As parents or teachers are not always around, and they should be empowered to be responsible for themselves."
Alaric Bonthron, Detective Superintendent from the Met Police, said: "We hope The Beat will be a fun, but useful guide for 11 year-olds as they near the end of the time at primary school.
"With summer holidays coming up, more and more young people will be out and about. We hope The Beat gives them some practical advice and tips on how to keep safe."
The Beat story (the second version)
London children enjoy reading their own youth magazine on safety issues and find the police are helpful.
The Beat, a magazine designed for 10 and 11 year-olds, has been launched by the Met Police and aims to help pupils explore different issues that they are concerned about.
It discusses topics such as how to handle bullying, how to react when suspecting a terrorist threat taking place, and the role of Safer Neighbourhoods Team; meanwhile, it also features stunning celebrities, role models and adventurous activities.
Jordan Stansbury, a Year six pupil from Selwyn Primary School in Waltham Forest, said: “You will find people try to bully you, the magazine is good as it tells where to ask for help and the police are helpful.”
Though Debbie Exall, aged 11, from the same Year as Jordan expressed her concern by saying: “When you call police, they don't always come up very quickly.”
Celine Ngonge, a Year six schoolmate of both Jordan and Debbie, also aged 11, said: “When you read Rihanna's story in the magazine, you realise you are not the only one to be bullied, and even the famous person has the same experience as you.
“Then you feel you are not scared, and you know other people also have such an experience.”
Apart from raising students' awareness of how to keep safe, the magazine also suggests a range of activities such as power-boating, abseiling, or scaling that pupils can take part in.
Jordan, the 11-year-old said: “These activities are quite good, I wouldn't mind to join any of them.”
Dez Gray, a dad of four children from Bethnal Green, said: “Children should be encouraged to take part in different activities and get rid of their extra energy.”
However, he also added: “These activities The Beat has featured are good, but the costly uniform required by some of the activities will turn off the children and parents, and will stop children doing these things.”
When talking about celebrities and role models, they all agreed young people want to be famous.
Canel Hassan, a Year six student aged 11 from the same school as others, said about the front page celebrity: “Young children admire him, because he is famous and then you find out he is also very good at school.”
Debbie said of the magazine overall: “The pages are very colourful and the layout is nice. When you see it, you just find it very attractive.”
Assistant Head Teacher Morag McHardy, from Selwyn Primary School, said: “I think it is really a good magazine. It raises issues children may not talk about before and stimulated lots of discussions between them.
“Young people should be empowered with confidence and knowledge to deal with risky situations.
“As parents or teachers are not always around, and they should be empowered to be responsible for themselves.”
Alaric Bonthron, Detective Superintendent from the Met Police, said: “We hope The Beat will be a fun, but useful guide for 11 year-olds as they near the end of the time at primary school.
“With summer holidays coming up, more and more young people will be out and about. We hope The Beat gives them some practical advice and tips on how to keep safe.”
The Beat, a magazine designed for 10 and 11 year-olds, has been launched by the Met Police and aims to help pupils explore different issues that they are concerned about.
It discusses topics such as how to handle bullying, how to react when suspecting a terrorist threat taking place, and the role of Safer Neighbourhoods Team; meanwhile, it also features stunning celebrities, role models and adventurous activities.
Jordan Stansbury, a Year six pupil from Selwyn Primary School in Waltham Forest, said: “You will find people try to bully you, the magazine is good as it tells where to ask for help and the police are helpful.”
Though Debbie Exall, aged 11, from the same Year as Jordan expressed her concern by saying: “When you call police, they don't always come up very quickly.”
Celine Ngonge, a Year six schoolmate of both Jordan and Debbie, also aged 11, said: “When you read Rihanna's story in the magazine, you realise you are not the only one to be bullied, and even the famous person has the same experience as you.
“Then you feel you are not scared, and you know other people also have such an experience.”
Apart from raising students' awareness of how to keep safe, the magazine also suggests a range of activities such as power-boating, abseiling, or scaling that pupils can take part in.
Jordan, the 11-year-old said: “These activities are quite good, I wouldn't mind to join any of them.”
Dez Gray, a dad of four children from Bethnal Green, said: “Children should be encouraged to take part in different activities and get rid of their extra energy.”
However, he also added: “These activities The Beat has featured are good, but the costly uniform required by some of the activities will turn off the children and parents, and will stop children doing these things.”
When talking about celebrities and role models, they all agreed young people want to be famous.
Canel Hassan, a Year six student aged 11 from the same school as others, said about the front page celebrity: “Young children admire him, because he is famous and then you find out he is also very good at school.”
Debbie said of the magazine overall: “The pages are very colourful and the layout is nice. When you see it, you just find it very attractive.”
Assistant Head Teacher Morag McHardy, from Selwyn Primary School, said: “I think it is really a good magazine. It raises issues children may not talk about before and stimulated lots of discussions between them.
“Young people should be empowered with confidence and knowledge to deal with risky situations.
“As parents or teachers are not always around, and they should be empowered to be responsible for themselves.”
Alaric Bonthron, Detective Superintendent from the Met Police, said: “We hope The Beat will be a fun, but useful guide for 11 year-olds as they near the end of the time at primary school.
“With summer holidays coming up, more and more young people will be out and about. We hope The Beat gives them some practical advice and tips on how to keep safe.”
The Beat story (the first version)
London kids enjoy reading their own youth magazine on safety issues and find the police are helpful.
The Beat, a magazine designed for 10 and 11 year-olds, has been launched by the Met Police and aims to help pupils explore different issues that they are concerned about.
It discusses topics such as how to handle bullying, how to react when suspecting a terrorist threat taking place, and the role of Safer Neighbourhoods Team; meanwhile, it also features stunning celebrities, role models and adventurous activities.
Jordan Stansbury, a year six pupil from Selwyn Primary School in Waltham Forest, said: “You will find people try to bully you, the magazine is good as it tells where to ask for help and the police are helpful.”
Though Debbie Exall, aged 11, from the same year as Jordan expressed her concern by saying: “When you call police, they don't always come up very quickly.”
Celine Ngonge, a year six schoolmate of both Jordan and Debbie, also aged 11, said: “When you read Rihanna's story in the magazine, you realise you are not the only one to be bullied, and even the famous person has the same experience as you.
“Then you feel you are not scared, and you know other people also have such an experience.”
Apart from raising students' awareness of how to keep safe, the magazine also suggests a range of activities such as power-boating, abseiling, or scaling that pupils can take part in.
Jordan, the 11-year-old said: “These activities are quite good, I wouldn't mind to join any of them.”
Dez Gray, a dad of four children from Bethnal Green, said: “Children should be encouraged to take part in different activities and get rid of their extra energy.”
However, he also added: “These activities The Beat has featured are good, but the costly uniform, required by some of the activities, will turn off the children and parents, and will stop children doing these things.”
Assistant Head Teacher Morag McHardy, from Selwyn Primary School, said: “I think it is really a good magazine. It raises issues children may not talk about before and stimulated lots of discussions between them.
“Young people should be empowered with confidence and knowledge to deal with risky situations.
“As parents or teachers are not always around, and they should be empowered to be responsible for themselves.”
Alaric Bonthron, Detective Superintendent from the Met Police, said: “We hope The Beat will be a fun, but useful guide for 11 year-olds as they near the end of the time at primary school.
“With summer holidays coming up, more and more young people will be out and about. We hope The Beat gives them some practical advice and tips on how to keep safe.”
The Beat, a magazine designed for 10 and 11 year-olds, has been launched by the Met Police and aims to help pupils explore different issues that they are concerned about.
It discusses topics such as how to handle bullying, how to react when suspecting a terrorist threat taking place, and the role of Safer Neighbourhoods Team; meanwhile, it also features stunning celebrities, role models and adventurous activities.
Jordan Stansbury, a year six pupil from Selwyn Primary School in Waltham Forest, said: “You will find people try to bully you, the magazine is good as it tells where to ask for help and the police are helpful.”
Though Debbie Exall, aged 11, from the same year as Jordan expressed her concern by saying: “When you call police, they don't always come up very quickly.”
Celine Ngonge, a year six schoolmate of both Jordan and Debbie, also aged 11, said: “When you read Rihanna's story in the magazine, you realise you are not the only one to be bullied, and even the famous person has the same experience as you.
“Then you feel you are not scared, and you know other people also have such an experience.”
Apart from raising students' awareness of how to keep safe, the magazine also suggests a range of activities such as power-boating, abseiling, or scaling that pupils can take part in.
Jordan, the 11-year-old said: “These activities are quite good, I wouldn't mind to join any of them.”
Dez Gray, a dad of four children from Bethnal Green, said: “Children should be encouraged to take part in different activities and get rid of their extra energy.”
However, he also added: “These activities The Beat has featured are good, but the costly uniform, required by some of the activities, will turn off the children and parents, and will stop children doing these things.”
Assistant Head Teacher Morag McHardy, from Selwyn Primary School, said: “I think it is really a good magazine. It raises issues children may not talk about before and stimulated lots of discussions between them.
“Young people should be empowered with confidence and knowledge to deal with risky situations.
“As parents or teachers are not always around, and they should be empowered to be responsible for themselves.”
Alaric Bonthron, Detective Superintendent from the Met Police, said: “We hope The Beat will be a fun, but useful guide for 11 year-olds as they near the end of the time at primary school.
“With summer holidays coming up, more and more young people will be out and about. We hope The Beat gives them some practical advice and tips on how to keep safe.”
Issues related with central government - Stock Exchange (part two)
(b) Explain the role of the stock exchange and the factors which determine the price of shares.
The Stock Exchange provide a market platform for buying shares.
The Stock Exchange acts on two levels, as a primary market, the Stock Exchange will liaise with investment banks and businesses that are looking to raise capital by selling shares. This process involves the business being 'listed' on the Stock Exchange or 'floating'.
However, much of the Stock Exchange's work is as a secondary market. People buying shares may wish to do so for a variety of reasons - to secure dividends or to see the price of the shares rise, for example.
To facilitate this process the market has two main 'players' - stock brokers and market makers.
Stockbrokers act on behalf of clients, buy and sell shares on their behalf and generally belong to firms who are members of the Stock Exchange.
Market makers simply buy and sell shares on their own account but make their money on the difference between the price they pay for buying shares and what they sell them for. This difference is called the 'spread'.
The London Stock Exchange is one of the oldest exchanges in the world, and also one of the most prestigious, supplying high-quality prices, news and other information to the financial community, not just in the UK but across the world.
Many factors determine the price of shares, for example, news, positive news about a company can increase buying interest in the market while a negative press release can ruin the prospect of a stock.
Demand and supply concept, when more people are buying a certain stock, the price of that stock increases and when more people are selling he stock, the price of that particular stock falls.
Earning Per Share - It is mandatory for every public company to publish the quarterly report that states the earning per share of the company on the last quarter. This is perhaps the most important factor for deciding the health of any company and they influence the buying tendency.
For example, since April 20, BP's share price has fallen over 34% because of the oil spill, including a huge 13% fall early this week.
BP is a major component of the FTSE 100 index - it currently comprise 6.1% of the value of basket of shares that make up the index.
The Stock Exchange provide a market platform for buying shares.
The Stock Exchange acts on two levels, as a primary market, the Stock Exchange will liaise with investment banks and businesses that are looking to raise capital by selling shares. This process involves the business being 'listed' on the Stock Exchange or 'floating'.
However, much of the Stock Exchange's work is as a secondary market. People buying shares may wish to do so for a variety of reasons - to secure dividends or to see the price of the shares rise, for example.
To facilitate this process the market has two main 'players' - stock brokers and market makers.
Stockbrokers act on behalf of clients, buy and sell shares on their behalf and generally belong to firms who are members of the Stock Exchange.
Market makers simply buy and sell shares on their own account but make their money on the difference between the price they pay for buying shares and what they sell them for. This difference is called the 'spread'.
The London Stock Exchange is one of the oldest exchanges in the world, and also one of the most prestigious, supplying high-quality prices, news and other information to the financial community, not just in the UK but across the world.
Many factors determine the price of shares, for example, news, positive news about a company can increase buying interest in the market while a negative press release can ruin the prospect of a stock.
Demand and supply concept, when more people are buying a certain stock, the price of that stock increases and when more people are selling he stock, the price of that particular stock falls.
Earning Per Share - It is mandatory for every public company to publish the quarterly report that states the earning per share of the company on the last quarter. This is perhaps the most important factor for deciding the health of any company and they influence the buying tendency.
For example, since April 20, BP's share price has fallen over 34% because of the oil spill, including a huge 13% fall early this week.
BP is a major component of the FTSE 100 index - it currently comprise 6.1% of the value of basket of shares that make up the index.
Issues related with central government - Stock Exchange (part one)
You are covering a story concerning a local company about which there have been rumours relating to a possible hostile take-over bid. On a day when the FT 100 Share Index fell 250 points, the value of the company's ordinary shares increased significantly.
There have been reports that the Office of Fair Trading might refer any take-over to the Competition Commission.
(a)Explain what is meant by the terms:
FT 100 Share Index (stating also why it is important): the Financial Times Stock Exchange 100 Share Index (to use its full title) is the most famous of a number of 'indices', or lists, of major companies listed on the London Stock Exchange.
It lists the hundred highest valued companies at any one time, in order of their share value.
Ordinary shares: They are known as equity shares and they are the most common form of share in the UK.
An ordinary share gives the right to its owner to share in the profits of the company (dividends) and to vote at general meetings of the company.
Ordinary shares are the riskiest form of investment in a company since there may be no dividends paid and the market value of shares might fall after they have been bought.
The Ryanair share price fell so dramatically in mid-January 2004 because the company announced that its profits for the current financial year would probably be worse than they had previously expected.
Competition Commission: formerly the 'Monopolies and Mergers Commission' (MMC), this regulatory quango vets prospective company mergers and takeovers to ensure that they are not likely to have the effect of compromising free market competition.
Office of Fair Trading: a national regulatory quango established to ensure that free and fair competition operates in a given market for the benefit of the consumer on a day-to-day basis.
The OFT investigates complaints about restrictive practices, cartels, and other anti-competitive behaviour.
Plc: Plc stands for Public limited company, these companies have at least two shareholders and may offer shares to the public. Their owners will 'float' them and they will be listed on the London Stock Exchange.
They must have issued shares to the value of £50,000 before being allowed to trade. Larger plcs are often referred to as blue chip companies, and include household names such as BP and Marks and Spencer.
Hostile takeover: When a company takes over another company against its will, it is a hostile takeover.
A hostile takeover is an acquisition in which the company being purchased doesn't want to be purchased, or doesn't want to be purchased by the particular buyer that is making a bid. It is just like how can someone buy something that is not for sale?
Hostile takeovers only work with publicly traded companies. That is, they have issued stock that can be bought and sold on public stock markets.
The two primary methods of conducting a hostile takeover are the tender offer and the proxy fight.
A tender offer is a public bid for a large chunk of the target's stock at a fixed price, usually higher than the current market value of the stock.
In a proxy fight, the buyer need to convince the shareholders to vote out current management or the current board of directors in favour of a team that will approve the takeover.
While companies fight tooth and nail to prevent hostile takeovers, it isn't always clear why they're fighting. Because the acquiring company pays for stocks at a premium price, shareholders usually see an immediate benefit when their company is the target of an acquisition.
Some analysts feel that hostile takeovers have an overall harmful effect on the economy, in part because they often fail.
There have been reports that the Office of Fair Trading might refer any take-over to the Competition Commission.
(a)Explain what is meant by the terms:
FT 100 Share Index (stating also why it is important): the Financial Times Stock Exchange 100 Share Index (to use its full title) is the most famous of a number of 'indices', or lists, of major companies listed on the London Stock Exchange.
It lists the hundred highest valued companies at any one time, in order of their share value.
Ordinary shares: They are known as equity shares and they are the most common form of share in the UK.
An ordinary share gives the right to its owner to share in the profits of the company (dividends) and to vote at general meetings of the company.
Ordinary shares are the riskiest form of investment in a company since there may be no dividends paid and the market value of shares might fall after they have been bought.
The Ryanair share price fell so dramatically in mid-January 2004 because the company announced that its profits for the current financial year would probably be worse than they had previously expected.
Competition Commission: formerly the 'Monopolies and Mergers Commission' (MMC), this regulatory quango vets prospective company mergers and takeovers to ensure that they are not likely to have the effect of compromising free market competition.
Office of Fair Trading: a national regulatory quango established to ensure that free and fair competition operates in a given market for the benefit of the consumer on a day-to-day basis.
The OFT investigates complaints about restrictive practices, cartels, and other anti-competitive behaviour.
Plc: Plc stands for Public limited company, these companies have at least two shareholders and may offer shares to the public. Their owners will 'float' them and they will be listed on the London Stock Exchange.
They must have issued shares to the value of £50,000 before being allowed to trade. Larger plcs are often referred to as blue chip companies, and include household names such as BP and Marks and Spencer.
Hostile takeover: When a company takes over another company against its will, it is a hostile takeover.
A hostile takeover is an acquisition in which the company being purchased doesn't want to be purchased, or doesn't want to be purchased by the particular buyer that is making a bid. It is just like how can someone buy something that is not for sale?
Hostile takeovers only work with publicly traded companies. That is, they have issued stock that can be bought and sold on public stock markets.
The two primary methods of conducting a hostile takeover are the tender offer and the proxy fight.
A tender offer is a public bid for a large chunk of the target's stock at a fixed price, usually higher than the current market value of the stock.
In a proxy fight, the buyer need to convince the shareholders to vote out current management or the current board of directors in favour of a team that will approve the takeover.
While companies fight tooth and nail to prevent hostile takeovers, it isn't always clear why they're fighting. Because the acquiring company pays for stocks at a premium price, shareholders usually see an immediate benefit when their company is the target of an acquisition.
Some analysts feel that hostile takeovers have an overall harmful effect on the economy, in part because they often fail.
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