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The Royal Commissions on the Press in the United Kingdom were primarily established to regulate and research the print industry, focusing on aspects like control, ownership, and ethical standards.
Answer: True
The Royal Commissions were indeed established to investigate and regulate the print industry, examining control, ownership, economic factors, and ethical standards to ensure free expression and accurate news presentation.
Only two Royal Commissions on the Press were convened in the United Kingdom during the 20th century, specifically in the periods 1947–1949 and 1974–1977.
Answer: False
Three Royal Commissions on the Press were held in the United Kingdom during the 20th century, specifically in the periods 1947–1949, 1961–1962, and 1974–1977.
What was the primary purpose of the Royal Commissions on the Press in the United Kingdom?
Answer: To investigate and regulate the print industry, focusing on control, ownership, and ethical standards.
The Royal Commissions were established to investigate and regulate the print industry, examining aspects such as control, management, ownership, economic factors, and ethical standards, with the aim of ensuring free expression and accurate news presentation.
How many Royal Commissions on the Press were held in the United Kingdom during the 20th century?
Answer: Three
Three Royal Commissions on the Press were held in the United Kingdom during the 20th century, specifically in the periods 1947–1949, 1961–1962, and 1974–1977.
The first Royal Commission on the Press (1947–1949) proposed the establishment of a General Council of the Press to govern press behavior and conduct research.
Answer: True
The first Royal Commission proposed the establishment of a General Council of the Press, intended to govern press behavior, promote consumer interests, and conduct research.
The recommendation for self-regulation by the first Royal Commission directly led to the establishment of the Press Council in 1963.
Answer: False
The recommendation from the first Royal Commission on the Press directly led to the establishment of the Press Council in 1953, not 1963.
The first Royal Commission on the Press was established in 1947 with the goal of ensuring free expression and accurate news presentation, while investigating control, ownership, and monopolistic tendencies.
Answer: True
The first Royal Commission was established in 1947 with the objective of furthering free expression and accurate news presentation, and to inquire into control, management, ownership, financial structure, and monopolistic tendencies.
Public concern about excessive government intervention in the press was the primary prompt for the formation of the first Royal Commission.
Answer: False
The primary prompt for the first Royal Commission was public concern about concentrated ownership hindering free expression, factual inaccuracies, and advertiser influence, not excessive government intervention.
The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) advocated for the first Royal Commission, arguing that changes in press ownership had led to a decline in journalistic quality.
Answer: True
The NUJ advocated for the first Royal Commission, contending that changes in press ownership had led to a progressive decline in the caliber of editors and the quality of British journalism.
The House of Lords voted against the National Union of Journalists' proposals for a royal commission, but the inquiry proceeded regardless.
Answer: False
The House of Commons, not the House of Lords, voted in favor of the National Union of Journalists' proposals, leading to the inquiry.
Members of the first Royal Commission on the Press were officially appointed by royal warrant on April 14, 1947.
Answer: True
The members of the first Royal Commission on the Press were formally appointed by royal warrant on 14 April 1947.
Lord Shawcross was chosen as the chairman of the first Royal Commission on the Press.
Answer: False
Sir William David Ross was chosen as the chairman of the first Royal Commission on the Press, not Lord Shawcross.
The first Royal Commission on the Press considered evidence from 182 witnesses and held 61 meetings, with additional subcommittee meetings.
Answer: True
The first Royal Commission considered evidence from 182 witnesses, responses to questionnaires, and held 61 meetings, with an additional 62 meetings conducted by subcommittees.
The findings of the first Royal Commission were compiled into a 363-page report and much of the evidence was published in command papers throughout 1949.
Answer: True
The findings of the first Royal Commission were compiled into a 363-page report (HMSO, Cmd. 7700), and much of the evidence was published in a series of command papers throughout 1949.
The archives for the first Royal Commission on the Press are currently held in the British Library of Political and Economic Science.
Answer: False
The archives for the first Royal Commission on the Press are currently held in the National Archives of the United Kingdom.
The first Royal Commission found that news presentation was often satisfactory and that political bias was largely absent from reporting.
Answer: False
The first Royal Commission found that news presentation often 'left much to be desired' and acknowledged an inherent partisanship and political bias within much reporting.
The first Royal Commission concluded that the UK media constituted a monopoly and that advertisers had undue influence over editorial content.
Answer: False
The first Royal Commission did not believe that the UK media constituted a monopoly, and it dismissed claims that advertisers exerted undue influence over editorial content.
The first Royal Commission advocated for greater state intervention as the primary solution to weaknesses identified in the press.
Answer: False
The first Royal Commission significantly rejected the idea that weaknesses in the press could be resolved solely through greater state intervention, advocating instead for self-regulation.
The General Council of the Press was recommended by the first Royal Commission as a framework for industrial self-regulation to act as a watchdog on irresponsible journalism.
Answer: True
The General Council of the Press was recommended as a framework for industrial self-regulation, intended to act as a watchdog on irresponsible journalism and enhance the press's freedom and prestige.
The first Royal Commission believed newspaper owners were generally successful in educating their readers with nuanced accounts of events.
Answer: False
The first Royal Commission was critical of newspaper owners, believing they offered overly simplistic accounts of events rather than striving to educate their readers.
The House of Commons vote on October 29, 1946, directly led to the launch of the first Royal Commission on the Press.
Answer: True
The House of Commons vote on 29 October 1946, which favored the NUJ's proposals, was significant because it directly led to the official decision to launch the first Royal Commission on the Press.
The underlying concern about 'monopolistic tendencies' for the first Royal Commission was that concentrated ownership might reduce diversity of voices and inhibit free expression.
Answer: True
The underlying concern about 'monopolistic tendencies' was that a concentration of ownership might reduce the diversity of voices and opinions, thereby inhibiting free expression and potentially leading to biased or inaccurate news reporting.
The first Royal Commission's report concluded that news presentation was generally excellent and free from political bias.
Answer: False
The first Royal Commission's report concluded that news presentation often 'left much to be desired' and noted an 'inherent partisanship and political bias' in much of the reporting.
Jean Nunn served as the chairman for the first Royal Commission on the Press.
Answer: False
Jean Nunn served as the secretary for the first Royal Commission on the Press; Sir William David Ross was the chairman.
The 'Index to Minutes of Oral Evidence' was published by the first Royal Commission to provide a record and guide to the verbatim testimonies collected.
Answer: True
The 'Index to Minutes of Oral Evidence' was published to provide a comprehensive record and guide to the verbatim testimonies collected by the first Royal Commission, ensuring transparency.
What was the main proposal of the first Royal Commission on the Press (1947–1949)?
Answer: The creation of a General Council of the Press for self-regulation.
The first Royal Commission proposed the establishment of a General Council of the Press, intended to govern press behavior, promote consumer interests, and conduct research.
The recommendation from the first Royal Commission on the Press directly led to the establishment of which body?
Answer: The Press Council
The recommendation from the first Royal Commission on the Press directly led to the establishment of the Press Council in 1953, which was intended to act as a self-regulatory body.
What public concerns primarily prompted the formation of the first Royal Commission on the Press?
Answer: Concerns about the concentration of ownership hindering free expression and advertiser influence.
The first Royal Commission was founded amidst public concern that a concentration of ownership in the press was hindering free expression, leading to factual inaccuracies, and allowing advertisers to unduly influence editorial content.
Which organization played a significant role in advocating for the first Royal Commission on the Press?
Answer: The National Union of Journalists (NUJ)
The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) played a significant role in advocating for the first Royal Commission, arguing that changes in press ownership had led to a decline in journalistic quality.
How did the House of Commons respond to the National Union of Journalists' proposal for a royal commission?
Answer: They voted in favor of the proposals, leading to an inquiry.
The House of Commons voted in favor of the National Union of Journalists' proposals, with 270 votes to 157, leading to the decision to launch an inquiry into the press.
Who was chosen as the chairman of the first Royal Commission on the Press?
Answer: Sir William David Ross
Sir William David Ross was chosen as the chairman of the first Royal Commission on the Press.
What was the scope of evidence considered by the first Royal Commission on the Press?
Answer: Evidence from 182 witnesses, responses to questionnaires, and 61 meetings.
The first Royal Commission considered evidence from 182 witnesses, responses to a series of questionnaires, and held 61 meetings, with an additional 62 meetings conducted by various subcommittees.
Where are the archives for the first Royal Commission on the Press currently held?
Answer: The National Archives of the United Kingdom
The evidence and archives for the first Royal Commission on the Press are now held in the National Archives of the United Kingdom.
What were the primary findings of the first Royal Commission regarding newspaper accuracy and political bias?
Answer: News presentation often left much to be desired, with inherent partisanship and political bias.
The first Royal Commission found that the presentation of news often 'left much to be desired' and acknowledged an inherent partisanship and political bias within much reporting.
Did the first Royal Commission conclude that the UK media constituted a monopoly or that advertisers had undue influence?
Answer: It dismissed both claims, finding neither a monopoly nor undue advertiser influence.
The first Royal Commission did not believe that the United Kingdom's media could be characterized as a monopoly, and it dismissed claims that advertisers exerted undue influence over editorial content.
What was the first Royal Commission's stance on state intervention as a solution to press weaknesses?
Answer: It significantly rejected state intervention, advocating for self-regulation instead.
The first Royal Commission significantly rejected the idea that any weaknesses identified in the press could be resolved solely through greater state intervention, advocating instead for self-regulation.
What was the role of the General Council of the Press as envisioned by the first Royal Commission?
Answer: To act as an industrial self-regulatory watchdog on irresponsible journalism.
The General Council of the Press was envisioned as an industrial self-regulatory body that would act as a watchdog against irresponsible journalism, contributing to the freedom and prestige of the press.
How did the first Royal Commission view the responsibility of newspaper owners towards their readers?
Answer: They were critical, believing owners offered overly simplistic accounts instead of educating readers.
The first Royal Commission was critical of newspaper owners, believing they offered overly simplistic accounts of events rather than striving to educate their readers, implying a responsibility for more nuanced content.
What was the underlying concern about 'monopolistic tendencies' that the first Royal Commission was asked to investigate?
Answer: That concentrated ownership might reduce diversity of voices and inhibit free expression.
The underlying concern about 'monopolistic tendencies' was that a concentration of ownership within the press might reduce the diversity of voices and opinions, thereby inhibiting free expression and potentially leading to biased or inaccurate news reporting.
The second Royal Commission on the Press (1961–1962) focused specifically on the ethical standards and journalistic practices within the press industry.
Answer: False
The second Royal Commission's inquiry explicitly excluded the performance of the press itself and general ethical questions, focusing purely on economic and financial factors.
The second Royal Commission, established in 1961, was mandated to examine the ethical conduct of journalists and the public's perception of press integrity.
Answer: False
The second Royal Commission's inquiry explicitly excluded the performance of the press itself and general ethical questions, focusing purely on economic and financial factors.
The second Royal Commission's inquiry explicitly excluded the performance of the press itself and general ethical questions.
Answer: True
The second Royal Commission was not concerned with the performance of the press itself or with general ethical questions; its focus was purely on economic and financial factors.
The members of the second Royal Commission on the Press were appointed by royal warrant on March 4, 1961.
Answer: True
The members of the second Royal Commission on the Press were formally appointed by royal warrant on 4 March 1961.
The main archive for the second Royal Commission on the Press is held at the British Library of Political and Economic Science.
Answer: False
The main archive for the second Royal Commission on the Press is held at the National Archives.
The final report of the second Royal Commission was presented to Parliament on September 5, 1962, as a command paper.
Answer: True
The final report of the second Royal Commission was presented to Parliament on 5 September 1962 as a command paper (Cmnd 1811).
The second Royal Commission praised the Press Council for its effectiveness and public perception, recommending no changes.
Answer: False
The second Royal Commission criticized the Press Council, demanding improvements and specifically recommending the inclusion of lay members to enhance its effectiveness and public credibility.
The second Royal Commission was tasked to investigate only the advertising revenue of newspapers, excluding other economic factors.
Answer: False
The second Royal Commission was tasked to investigate a range of economic factors including manufacturing, printing, distribution costs, production efficiency, and all revenue sources, not just advertising.
The second Royal Commission's demand for lay members in the Press Council aimed to reduce public criticism and enhance its effectiveness.
Answer: True
The demand for the inclusion of lay members in the Press Council was significant because it aimed to address criticisms regarding the Council's effectiveness and impartiality, bringing an independent public perspective.
What was the specific focus of the second Royal Commission on the Press (1961–1962)?
Answer: The economic and financial factors affecting the press.
The second Royal Commission on the Press specifically studied the economic and financial factors affecting the press, including manufacturing, printing, distribution, costs, production efficiency, and advertising revenue.
What was the specific mandate of the second Royal Commission on the Press, established in 1961?
Answer: To examine the economic and financial factors affecting the press.
The second Royal Commission, established in 1961, was mandated to examine the economic and financial factors affecting the production and sale of newspapers, magazines, and other periodicals in the UK.
What aspects of the press were *not* within the scope of the second Royal Commission's inquiry?
Answer: The performance of the press itself or general ethical questions.
The second Royal Commission was not concerned with the performance of the press itself or with general ethical questions; its focus was purely on economic and financial factors.
Who chaired the second Royal Commission on the Press?
Answer: Lord Shawcross
Lord Shawcross was appointed chairman of the second Royal Commission on the Press.
When was the final report of the second Royal Commission presented to Parliament?
Answer: September 5, 1962
The final report of the second Royal Commission was presented to Parliament on 5 September 1962 as a command paper.
What criticism did the second Royal Commission direct towards the Press Council?
Answer: It demanded improvements, including the inclusion of lay members.
The second Royal Commission's report demanded improvements for the Press Council, specifically recommending the inclusion of lay members to enhance its effectiveness and public credibility.
What specific economic factors were the second Royal Commission tasked to investigate?
Answer: Manufacturing, printing, distribution costs, production efficiency, and revenue sources.
The second Royal Commission was tasked to investigate specific economic factors including manufacturing, printing, distribution, and other costs, as well as production efficiency, advertising, and other revenue.
How did the second Royal Commission's focus differ from the first and third commissions?
Answer: It concentrated solely on economic and financial factors, unlike the others.
The second Royal Commission's focus was distinctive in its exclusive concentration on economic and financial factors affecting the press, contrasting with the broader ethical and editorial standards concerns of the first and third commissions.
What was the significance of the second Royal Commission's demand for the inclusion of lay members in the Press Council?
Answer: It was intended to bring an independent public perspective and enhance effectiveness.
The demand for the inclusion of lay members in the Press Council was significant as it aimed to address criticisms regarding the Council's effectiveness and impartiality, bringing an independent public perspective to its oversight functions.
The third Royal Commission on the Press (1974–1977) recommended the development of a written Code of Practice for newspapers to address journalistic standards.
Answer: True
The third Royal Commission proposed the development of a written Code of Practice for newspapers, intended to address concerns about journalistic standards and public complaints.
The third Royal Commission on the Press was established to inquire into factors affecting the independence, diversity, and editorial standards of newspapers and periodicals.
Answer: True
The third Royal Commission was established to inquire into factors affecting the maintenance of the independence, diversity, and editorial standards of newspapers and periodicals, as well as the public's freedom of choice.
Professor Oliver McGregor was the initial chairman of the third Royal Commission, appointed in May 1974.
Answer: False
Sir Morris Finer was initially appointed chairman of the third Royal Commission in May 1974; Professor Oliver McGregor was appointed as the new chairman on 7 March 1975, following Finer's death.
The Press Council readily accepted the third commission chair's proposal for a written Code of Practice.
Answer: False
The Press Council rejected the proposal from the commission chair for the development of a written Code of Practice.
The National Union of Journalists withdrew from the Press Council in 1980 due to the council's perceived inability to reform.
Answer: True
The National Union of Journalists withdrew from membership in the Press Council in 1980, stating that their reason was the council's perceived incapability of reform.
The primary goal of the third Royal Commission was to ensure the public's freedom of choice in accessing a variety of publications at national, regional, and local levels.
Answer: True
The primary goal of the third Royal Commission was to inquire into factors affecting the maintenance of independence, diversity, and editorial standards, and to ensure the public's freedom of choice regarding publications at all levels.
What key recommendation did the third Royal Commission on the Press (1974–1977) put forward?
Answer: The development of a written Code of Practice for newspapers.
The third Royal Commission on the Press proposed the development of a written Code of Practice for newspapers, intended to address concerns about journalistic standards and public complaints.
What was the broad objective of the third Royal Commission on the Press, established in 1974?
Answer: To inquire into factors affecting the independence, diversity, and editorial standards of newspapers.
The third Royal Commission was established to inquire into factors affecting the maintenance of the independence, diversity, and editorial standards of newspapers and periodicals, as well as the public's freedom of choice.
Who were the chairmen of the third Royal Commission on the Press?
Answer: Sir Morris Finer and Professor Oliver McGregor
Sir Morris Finer was initially appointed chairman of the third Royal Commission, and following his death, Professor Oliver McGregor was appointed as the new chairman.
Where are the main archives for the third Royal Commission on the Press kept?
Answer: The British Library of Political and Economic Science
The main archive for the third Royal Commission on the Press is located at the British Library of Political and Economic Science.
What was the Press Council's reaction to the third commission chair's proposal for a written Code of Practice?
Answer: They rejected the proposal.
The Press Council rejected the proposal from the commission chair for the development of a written Code of Practice.
Why did the National Union of Journalists withdraw from the Press Council in 1980?
Answer: Stating the council's perceived incapability of reform.
The National Union of Journalists withdrew from membership in the Press Council in 1980, stating that their reason was the council's perceived incapability of reform.
A royal warrant is an informal document used to suggest individuals for public inquiries.
Answer: False
A royal warrant is an official document issued by the monarch, acting on ministerial advice, to formally appoint individuals to certain positions or to grant specific powers.
A command paper is a document presented to the Parliament of the United Kingdom 'by Command of Her Majesty,' including government policy proposals and reports from bodies like Royal Commissions.
Answer: True
A command paper is indeed a document presented to the Parliament of the United Kingdom 'by Command of Her Majesty,' encompassing government policy proposals, treaties, and reports from various bodies, including Royal Commissions.
What is a 'royal warrant' in the context of appointing commission members?
Answer: An official document issued by the monarch to formally appoint individuals.
A royal warrant is an official document issued by the monarch, acting on ministerial advice, to formally appoint individuals to certain positions or to grant specific powers.