New Ipso rules, Assisted suicide being 'normalised' in the media

Published: Feb. 10, 2016, 5:12 p.m.

The Independent Press Standards Organisation, which regulates many national newspapers, says its members have given it enhanced powers and increased independence. The Media Show speaks to IPSO Chairman Sir Alan Moses about exactly how these new powers will work. For instance, under what circumstances will IPSO be able to launch investigations in the absence of a complaint? And will newspapers really be risking a £1 million fine if they misbehave? We'll be asking how IPSO's newly chosen reviewer will oversee the operation of the press regulator. And we'll also get Sir Alan's response to claims from critics that IPSO is both too close to and too lenient towards the newspapers it regulates. Plus, The Guardian's Jane Martinson reacts to his comments. The BBC will tonight air a programme showing an assisted suicide taking place at a facility in Switzerland. It's the latest in a line of similar documentaries shown in recent years, leading to concerns from campaigners that assisted suicide is being 'normalised' in the media. The documentary, called "How to Die: Simon's Choice", was filmed against the backdrop of a House of Commons debate last year, in which MPs voted resoundingly against a Bill to legalise assisted suicide. Steve Hewlett talks to the producer director Rowan Deacon about the making of the film. Plus, Alistair Thompson, spokesman for Care Not Killing, shares his concerns about documentaries depicting assisted suicide; and film maker Charlie Russell, director of Terry Pratchett: Choosing to Die discusses the ethical dilemmas he faced. Producer: Katy Takatsuki.