PRCA announces Leveson conference featuring Lord Black, welcomes Royal Charter proposal

London, 14th February 2013 – The Public Relations Consultants Association (PRCA) has welcomed the Conservatives’ proposal for a Royal Charter to back Lord Leveson’s plans for media regulation.

The news comes as the PRCA prepares a Leveson-themed conference.

PRCA Director General Francis Ingham said: “We welcome the Conservatives’ proposal for a Royal Charter, which stands clear of the rather worrying statutory underpinning, but still provides the necessary ‘recognition panel’ to give the entire plan credibility. We now look forward to the Government moving Leveson’s suggestions forward with decisive speed.”

The issue will be discussed in depth at the PRCA’s half day Gateway conference on 14th March, which will consider the implications of the Leveson Report on the communications industry. The conference, entitled ‘The Future of Communications after Leveson’, will feature a keynote speech from Telegraph Media Group Executive Director Lord Black.

As Chairman of the Press Standards Board of Finance, Guy Black played a key part in the Leveson Inquiry hearings, including presenting proposals from the newspaper industry for a new system of independent self-regulation to replace the Press Complaints Commission.

Black will present ‘Leveson and Beyond’, giving some reflections on how the Inquiry worked, its conclusions, and what it means for the future - both for the press and communications professionals.

Other speakers include Peter Bingle, Founder, Terrapin Consulting, presenting a look at the effect of Leveson on the lobbying industry. Trevor Morris, Visiting Professor for PR at Westminster University, will consider the impact of Leveson on regulation of PR.

Neil Midgley, The Daily Telegraph’s Media Writer, will consider the unruly effect of technology on regulated media and carefully-organised PR. George Pascoe-Watson, Partner at Portland and former Political Editor at The Sun, will take a practical look at the use of PR in the new ethical era.

There will also be new research on Leveson presented by YouGov and a roundtable discussion chaired by Trevor Morris, featuring The Independent’s Assistant Editor and Media Editor Ian Burrell.

The event will take place at the Ellwood Atfield Gallery, 34 Smith Square, Westminster. The Gallery will also be hosting ‘Leveson the Exhibition’, supported by The Press Association with exhibits curated by Hacked Off and several leading journalists.

Date: 14th March, 9am to 12.45pm.

Location: Ellwood Atfield, 34 Smith Square, Westminster, London SW1P 3HL

-ENDS-

Notes to editors

For more information, or to book a place at the conference, go to /thefutureofcommunicationsafterleveson or contact matt.cartmell@prca.org.uk on 0207 233 6026.

About the PRCA

Who we are: Founded in 1969, the PRCA is the professional body that represents UK PR consultancies, in-house communications teams, PR freelancers and individuals. The PRCA promotes all aspects of public relations and internal communications work, helping teams and individuals maximise the value they deliver to clients and organisations.

What we do: The Association exists to raise standards in PR and communications, providing members with industry data, facilitating the sharing of communications best practice and creating networking opportunities.

How we do it and make a difference: All PRCA members are bound by a professional charter and codes of conduct, and benefit from exceptional training. The Association also works for the greater benefit of the industry, sharing best practice and lobbying on the industry's behalf e.g. fighting the NLA's digital licence.

Who we represent: The PRCA represents many of the major consultancies in the UK, and currently has more than 250 agency members from around the world, including the majority of the top 100 UK consultancies. We also represent over 70 in-house communications teams from multinationals, UK charities and leading UK public sector organisations.

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