The Press Recognition Panel (PRP) oversees press regulation in the UK. Established by Royal Charter in 2014 following the Leveson Inquiry, we operate independently of Government, Parliament, the press industry, or any other third party.
Under our system (known as ‘the Recognition System’), press self-regulators can apply to be formally recognised. Recognition means the public can be confident a regulator is independent, financially secure, holds member news publishers to account against robust standards, runs a transparent and impartial complaints process, and offers low-cost arbitration as an alternative to the courts.
Participation in the system is voluntary. Impress, the UK’s first and only Approved Regulator, was formally recognised in 2016 following a full independent assessment and has since passed three cyclical reviews, each confirming its independence and effectiveness.
Each year, we are required to report on the effectiveness of the system and the extent to which it covers all relevant publishers. In 2026, we will publish our 10th Annual Report on the Recognition System – a chance to look back on all the progress made and to consider how press regulation will develop in the years ahead.
We are now seeking evidence from anyone with an interest in press standards and accountability, including the public, journalists, academics, campaigners, politicians, news publishers, and other media organisations.
This year, we are inviting responses to the following questions about the regulation of news publishers.
By ‘news publishers’, we mean organisations that publish news in print or online – including local, regional, and national newspapers and magazines, and their digital equivalents. Broadcasters and their associated websites and apps are excluded.
We also welcome evidence that touches on how people consume news and journalism through newer or less traditional media, such as social media, AI tools, independent publishing platforms, and messaging app channels.
If you have any other evidence or experiences about holding the press to account that are not covered by the above, please do not limit your response to these questions.
We also invite individuals and organisations to share their experiences of using news publishers’ complaints processes and redress mechanisms. Case studies and personal stories are valuable to our work.
If you are sharing sensitive information, please indicate if you wish to remain anonymous or keep specific details confidential.
We intend to publish a list of respondents and may quote or refer to submissions in our final report. Please tell us if you would prefer your name or response not to be published.
We welcome submissions in writing. If you prefer, we can arrange to speak in person, online, or by telephone.
The call for information will run from 12 noon on 25 September 2025 to 12 noon on 19 December 2025.
Get in touch for more information and updates.
Papers and reports from our Board meetings are available online.
