Adjudication No. 883 (September 1996) [1996] APC 57

ADJUDICATION No. 883 (September 1996)

Lynn Ralph complains to the Press Council about coverage of a charity function, the Bell Shakespeare Christmas Roast, at the Regent Hotel in the social pages of The Sun-Herald of 28 July 1996.

She says the journalist who was put on her table did not identify herself and that the published quotes from her conversation were inaccurate and not placed in context. Although Ms Ralph attended in a private capacity, the newspaper referred to her official position.

The journalist says she told the man sitting next to her she was a reporter. Moreover she worked quite openly during the evening with a photographer. She says the words quoted included those which were part of a word game, and were directed to the entire table in a public place.

The Council has carefully considered the complaint, noting in particular that the function was not a private occasion. Indeed, the organisers invited the press to attend. The reporter did not conceal the nature of her work, although she appears not specifically to have informed Ms Ralph. The Council therefore does not uphold the complaint.

Nevertheless, the Press Council observes that, even at a public function, some conversations may still be private, and newspapers have a duty to acknowledge this.