Round table Perspectives discussion podcast

The PCC's Chairman and Director were recently joined in conversation by the Chairman of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, John Whittingdale MP, and the media commentator, Peter Preston.

Their discussion covered a range of topics, including the PCC's increased proactivity, public perceptions of the Commission, regulation in the age of new media and many others. We are very grateful to John and Peter for adding their perspectives on the PCC's work. To listen to a podcast of their conversation with Baroness Buscombe and Stephen Abell please click on the icons below:

  • About Peta Buscombe

    Baroness Buscombe took up her position as Chairman of the PCC in April 2009. She is a barrister and has acted as legal adviser and counsel to various organisations including Barclays Bank International, New York and Barclays Bank Plc, London. Most recently she was the Chief Executive of The Advertising Association.

  • About Stephen Abell

    Stephen joined the Press Complaints Commission in 2001 having graduated in English from Emmanuel College, Cambridge. He has been Complaints Offi cer, Press Offi cer, Assistant Director and Deputy Director of the PCC. He became Director in December 2009.

  • About Peter Preston

    Peter Preston is a columnist for the Guardian and the Observer. He was previously editor of the Guardian for 20 years, from 1975 to 1995, and has written two books, Bess (1999) and 51st State (1998). He was a member of the Scott Trust from 1979 to 2003, Chairman of the International Press Institute from 1995 to 1997, and Chairman of the Association of British Press Editors.

  • About John Whittingdale OBE MP

    John Whittingdale OBE has been the Conservative Member of Parliament for Maldon since 1992. He was educated at Winchester College and University College, London, where he graduated with a degree in economics. Prior to his election, John worked both in Whitehall and the City. In 1989, he was appointed Political Secretary to the then Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, and he was awarded the OBE in her resignation honours list. He was Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport before becoming Chairman of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee in 2005.