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We’ll pay high price if free speech laws undermined
The local debate over freedom of speech versus even more restrictive defamation laws has really started to take off. And it’s a very healthy thing to watch.
Reporters rely on invaluable in-house library archive
Newspaper libraries are intriguing places. All human life is in there, normally in print and photograph, but of course, for the past decade or so, in digital format.
Online debate healthy when we play by the rules
The number of comments posted underneath stories and articles on our website is a great indication of how popular this method of engagement with, and by, readers has become.
Charter a right Royal mess that will damage Press
A grubby stitch-up which hopefully is falling apart under the weight of its own contradictions. That's my tuppence worth on the new Royal Charter on Press Conduct, anyway.
Lack of transparency adding more pain to Fenton family
The news business is, by necessity, often full of tragic events. But even by the grim standards of our trade, the story of James Fenton, a 22-year-old from Bangor, is a particularly distressing one.
Gagging whistle-blowers won't cure bad practice in NHS
Well, I've been banging on about it for a while now, but I'm delighted to say that it's finally become a burning political issue.
I've got nudes for you, life modelling is a serious matter
Last Friday's front page was attention-grabbing. Not least because it featured a lady with no clothes on. Now before some of you rush to Google it, or leaf through your old back issues, let me explain.
Malcolm’s chronicle of this paper is a fitting memorial
The tidal wave of tributes to Malcolm Brodie this week and last reflect, of course, the high esteem in which the great man was held.
Social media a bustling forum papers dare not ignore
As social media continues to drive changes in all types of businesses, it’s interesting, from a media industry viewpoint, to see how it affects newspapers and other outlets.
Not changing law would have added insult to injury
Have at thee! The mighty Lord Blackadder has vanquished his enemies, put them to the sword and generally scattered the varlets all over the battlefield.
Time to set straight the crossed wires over airport
A chance comes today to shed some light on a commonly held misbelief in Northern Ireland, one that was inadvertently reproduced by us last week.
Plenty of praise among some justified complaints
As we go into a New Year, it's traditional for newspapers and columnists to review the 12 months gone by and make some predictions for the year ahead.
Frontline journalists need law’s help, not hindrance
The secret of a good Readers' Editor column, obviously, is to champion the interests of readers. These can range from meaningful complaints about the tone, or nature, of articles to missing crossword clues (one of the biggest bugbears, after spelling and grammar).
Finucane case shows the Troubles with Leveson report
With the Pat Finucane saga dominating the headlines in the latter part of the week, perhaps it's time to reflect on how the Troubles would have been covered under Leveson-style restrictions.
Humour has a funny way of being misunderstood
Robert McNeil, who writes for us every Thursday, is one of our wittiest columnists. And I can testify he’s not just a funny guy in print, but a real wit in person as well.
Leveson wants to press-gang media into flawed system
So, that's it. Lord Justice Leveson has done his stuff. It's an extremely comprehensive and impressive piece of research.
Are the days of journalistic freedom coming to an end?
Another topsy-turvy week for journalism as we await Lord Justice Leveson’s imminent proposals on how to tame the UK’s Press.
The Readers' Editor Guide to online commentators
Never read the online comments on your own articles. It's like sitting down the pub at chucking-out time, eavesdropping on the witterings of drunks and taking them as serious reflections upon yourself.
Rowan Atkinson deserves respect for stand on freedom to insult
I don't much care for Rowan Atkinson the comedian. He's a rubber-faced loon who couldn't make me laugh in a month of Sundays.
Emotionally charged issue demands media sensitivity
How should newspapers handle stories which have at their heart highly emotional belief systems held by two seemingly irreconcilable parties?
Madeleine McCann: New suspects identified by UK police
North West 200: Live pictures plus race schedule
In Pictures: Balmoral Show
Nice-but-dull Kate's annoying baby bump pose
FHM's sexiest women - Kunis knocks Tulisa off her perch
Latest News
Stately home badly damaged in fire new
One of Northern Ireland's grandest stately homes has been badly damaged in a fire.
I won't step down, insists Assad new
Bashar Assad said he will not step down as president of Syria before elections are held in the war-ravaged country.
Several blasts rock Libyan cities new
Explosions have gone off in the Libyan capital Tripoli and the restive eastern city of Benghazi.
Latest Sport
Doyle downs hat-trick in Carlow success new
Substitute Craig Doyle came off the bench to fire in a spectacular hat-trick as Carlow powered to a 4-17 to 2-13 victory over London in the Leinster SHC at Dr Cullen Park.
Jones to pay for damaging Whelan's car new
Stoke striker Kenwyne Jones has apologised to team-mate Glenn Whelan after smashing his car windscreen in a mistaken act of retribution for a training-ground prank which went wrong.
Tuscan triumph Wexford new
There could be better to come from Tuscan Light judged on her manner of victory in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Median Auction Fillies Maiden at Wexford.
Latest Showbiz
Kate Winslet speaks up for homeless new
A-lister Kate Winslet has ramped up the glitz and glam to address the "heartbreaking" situation of youngsters living rough.
Kristen Stewart ‘wants normal life with Pattinson’
Kristen Stewart is apparently dreaming about the "normal family life" she wants with Robert Pattinson.
Monica Bellucci shares insecurities
Monica Bellucci thinks her star sign is one of the reasons she battles feelings of insecurity.
