The Leveson Report published today recommends that anyone should be able to make a complaint under the new regulatory system of an alleged breach of the Code of Practice, including 'a representative group affected by the alleged breach' (Summary of Recommendations 11). 

This welcome proposal was called for by NAT (the National AIDS Trust) in its submission to the Leveson Inquiry.  Currently complaints about discriminatory reporting can only be made by an individual directly and personally affected by a story.  This means prejudicial coverage of HIV in general, where there is no individual named, cannot be challenged. 

Deborah Jack, Chief Executive of NAT (National AIDS Trust), comments: 

'There is still too much poor and prejudicial reporting of HIV and we have on a number of occasions been frustrated at our inability under the current PCC Code to lodge a complaint.  The recommendation from Lord Leveson will be an important driver to improve non-discriminatory press reporting and we call for its implementation as soon as possible.'

Notes to the editor:

For further information please contact: 

Charli Scouller
Communications Manager
NAT
020 7814 6733
press@nat.org.uk 

NAT 

NAT (National AIDS Trust) is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to transforming society’s response to HIV. We provide fresh thinking, expertise and practical resources. We champion the rights of people living with HIV and campaign for change. 
Shaping attitudes. Challenging injustice. Changing lives. 

www.nat.org.uk 
www.lifewithHIV.org – a resource for HIV positive people 
www.HIVaware.org.uk – what everyone should know about HIV