The Press Recognition Panel (PRP) is inviting tenders for independent research into the economic costs and benefits of implementing incentives for news publishers to participate in the Recognition System.
We are looking for research to build a strong evidence base on the financial, societal, and systemic implications of enabling the Recognition System to operate as intended. This should include consideration of the costs and benefits for news publishers, individuals affected by press harm, journalists, the courts, public finances, and wider society.
The Recognition System was established following the Leveson Inquiry to support independent, effective press self-regulation in the UK. It provides assurance that press self-regulatory bodies meet the standards set out in the Royal Charter on Self-Regulation of the Press, including independence, effective complaints handling and access to low-cost arbitration.
The research should include quantitative analysis, such as economic modelling and data analysis, and may also include qualitative approaches, such as stakeholder interviews or surveys. We are particularly interested in proposals that test previous assumptions about the costs of incentives for participation, consider partial or alternative incentive models, and assess the economic implications of maintaining the current position.
The full invitation to tender, including the specification, evaluation criteria and submission requirements, is available here.
Tenders must be submitted by 5pm on 3 September 2026.
We anticipate that the research will commence on 1 October 2026 and conclude by 15 January 2027, subject to the successful tenderer’s proposed methodology and timetable.
For further information, please refer to the tender document or contact our Chief Executive, Susie Uppal.
