Research

From time to time, the PCC undertakes research into public attitudes, as part of its ongoing efforts to engage with the public. So far, we have looked into awareness of the PCC and attitudes towards the system of press self-regulation, as well as a more focussed look at attitudes towards personal information online.

This page draws together the results from research of this sort, and links through to pages where you can find more information.

Public attitudes towards the PCC and self-regulation research (2010)

The PCC undertook a comprehensive polling exercise with Toluna - the world's largest independent online panel and survey technology provider to the global market research industry - to measure public attitudes towards the PCC and self-regulation of the press, from a nationally representative sample of 1017 adults. This study is part of a regular measurement of public attitudes. It demonstrated strong approval of the present structures, activity and sanctions of the PCC system but some scope for improving the depth of knowledge of public awareness of the PCC. Click here for results.

Personal Information Online: Risks and Regulation (2008)

This Ipsos MORI survey investigated public attitudes towards social networking sites and the publication of personal information and photographs online. Since the huge rise in popularity of social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace, the PCC was aware of the need for public awareness about what can happen to information once it is (voluntarily) put into the public domain, given that journalists are beginning to use material taken from social networking sites.

• To read the press release announcing the research (which was launched at an event held in conjunction with the Westminster Media Forum), click here
• To access the research itself, please click here

Public opinion survey (2008)

This survey questioned the views of the online British public about the extent to which they were aware of the PCC. The results showed that 85% of this audience were aware of the PCC, with nearly a quarter saying they knew the PCC either ‘very well' or a ‘fair amount'. These figures are a clear improvement on the 2006 survey (see below) when 72% of people surveyed were aware of the PCC.

Public opinion survey (2006)

This survey, again conducted for the PCC by Ipsos MORI, asked members of the public a number of questions about their views of the PCC, and the system of self-regulation more generally. There was an encouraging level of support for the current make-up of the PCC Board, which comprises editors and members of the public (with the public members in the majority), as well as some other very positive findings.

• To read the press release summarising the results, click here
• The full research findings can be accessed here

You might also be interested in reading Feedback from complainants, which summarises the feedback we receive from people who use our services.

If you would like further details, please contact Catherine Speller on catherine.speller@pcc.org.uk.