'Media Trust report breaches accuracy code'

Society of Editors executive director Bob Satchwell has claimed the Media Standards Trust's report which was highly critical of the Press Complaints Commission would have fallen foul of the Editors’ Code of Practice if it had been produced by a newspaper.
Satchwell said: “While the PCC system can always be improved the MST report is far off the mark. I understand they did not consult the PCC neither did they consult the Society of Editors. It is usual practice to put such strong allegations to those criticised before publishing.
"It is perhaps fortunate for the MST that they do not come under the ambit of the PCC. If it did this report would fall at the first clause of the Editors' Code of Practice concerning accuracy because it fails to distinguish between comment, conjecture and fact."
In contrast to the Society of Editors, the NUJ has welcomed the report.