UK Journalism - step too far?

HAs the UK journalist over stepped the boundary on journalism into Paparazzism?

What with the News of the world scandal and K Rowlings statment on the level of intrusion, that resulted in a journalist putting a sealed envelope into her young daughters school baga nd the ovely close scrutiny of bother her children and family/friends. Also with other celbes reporting their bins being raided for titbits. And not forgetting the phone hacking, espeically Sienna Miller's and Milly Dowlers family.The latter being the worst as the journalists involved deleted messages to make room for other, and so giving the family false hope Milly was still alive.

So have they overstepped or is this journalism?


Defintion of Paparazza, is an Italian term used to refer to photojournalists who specialize in candid photography of celebrities, politicians, and other prominent people. Paparazzi tend to be independent contractors, unaffiliated with a mainstream media organization

Legality of paparazzi
Due to the reputation of paparazzi as a nuisance, some states and countries (particularly within Europe) restrict their activities by passing laws and curfews, and by staging events in which paparazzi are specifically not allowed to take photographs. In Norway, Germany and France, photographers need the permission of the people in their photographs in order for them to be released.

Defintion of : Journalism is the practice of investigation and reporting of events, issues and trends to a broad audience in a timely fashion. Though there are many variations of journalism, the ideal is to inform the intended audience. Along with covering organizations and institutions such as government and business, journalism also covers cultural aspects of society such as arts and entertainment. The field includes editing, photojournalism, and documentary.

The elements of journalism

According to The Elements of Journalism, a book by Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel, there are nine elements of journalism. In order for a journalist to fulfill their duty of providing the people with the information, they need to be free and self-governing. They must follow these guidelines:
1.Journalism's first obligation is to the truth.
2.Its first loyalty is to the citizens.
3.Its essence is discipline of verification.
4.Its practitioners must maintain an independence from those they cover.
5.It must serve as an independent monitor of power.
6.It must provide a forum for public criticism and compromise.
7.It must strive to make the news significant, interesting, and relevant.
8.It must keep the news comprehensive and proportional.
9.Its practitioners must be allowed to exercise their personal conscience.

In the April 2007 edition of the book they added the last element, the rights and responsibilities of citizens to make it a total of ten elements of journalism.Professional and ethical standards

In the UK, all newspapers are bound by the Code of Practice of the Press Complaints Commission This includes points like respecting people's privacy and ensuring accuracy. However, the Media Standards Trust has criticised the PCC, claiming it needs to be radically changed to secure public trust of newspapers. This is in stark contrast to the media climate prior to the 20th Century, where the media market was dominated by smaller newspapers and pamphleteers who usually had an overt and often radical agenda, with no presumption of balance or objectivity.

Paps always been the same, they generate big bucks for the shots and expose they grab. Can't recall when I last bothered to read any news or glossy. That long I've forgoteen.

No news is good news. Perhaps a campaign for that should be launched. As they say shit, scandal and sex sell. Why bother with good deeds, charity and good news.

How would one kerb the paparazzi without crippling the real investigative journalism that is vital for a free society?

For example, David Cameron isn't going to give permission for pictures of his bimonthly puppy drowning to be released if his permission is necessary..