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Are the UK Libel Laws killing journalism?

Emma Knott — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:49:07 +0000

Investigative journalism, by definition, would not function without the freedom to scrutinise, criticise and question its subject matter. After all, freedom of expression is the cornerstone of argument and debate. Yet our current libel laws are so bias towards the claimants and so hostile to writers that they are in danger of stifling journalism.

This is the argument being put forward by The Libel Reform Campaign, following a spate of high profile law suits – most notably, that of Simon Singh. Simon, a well known science writer has spent the past two years under the media spotlight as his infamous libel battle with the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) unfolded. In 2008, Simon wrote an article for The Guardian, where he alleged the BCA promoted “bogus treatments” for certain infant conditions like asthma, colic and earache. When he refused to make a retraction or apologise, the BCA launched legal action against him.

Last week, we met up with Simon Singh to discuss his case. He told us how, despite winning the lengthy lawsuit, his victory had been bitter sweet, leaving him with a two year career void and legal bills of £60,000. Simon’s law suit sparked uproar within the science community and supporters are now calling for a reform of the UK libel laws.

His case has highlighted the weaknesses in UK libel laws. The extortionate costs involved mean that those accused are often forced to back down, withdraw and apologise for material they believe is true, fair and important to the public.

With the current libel laws journalists face an unpopular ultimatum: self censorship or the risk of hefty legal fees. It seems to me, that this goes against everything journalism represents. The best works of journalism are those that spark debate and controversy, after all, it’s a journalists job to leave no stone unturned – why should they apologise for this?

Sizzling Secret Wars

Emma Knott — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 11:13:01 +0000

We’re admiring our new artwork at Kaizo HQ this week, courtesy of London’s Secret Wars team. The guys headed down to The Kaizo’s Summer Sizzle last week to entertain some of our favourite clients, partners and journalists with a live art battle. Armed with black marker pens, the team transformed two blank canvases into graffiti masterpieces to capture how integrated communications is at the heart of Kaizo. Thanks guys – a great night and we love our new Kaizo artwork!

Kaizo goes all digital and wintry

Sarah Mayer — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:52:23 +0000

Now as anyone in PR knows, we often get confused with the seasons – Christmas gift guide pitching at the height of Summer and holiday travel supplements in the depths of gloomy Winter. Not totally surprising then, that the Digital Winter event takes place in Autumn, but just in time to showcase our clients’ latest innovative gadgets and gizmos to journos before that major sales push – Christmas.

It’s always an informal affair, very much focusing on what we’re there for; getting the product in the hands of the media. With three Kaizo clients in attendence this year, the room was buzzing with banter on everything from how Flip Video got onto X Factor through to the latest on Buffalo and Gemalto.

But don’t take our word for it. We went armed with our trusty Flip and asked some other (some might argue more important) people what they thought. We thought we’d share…because we’re like that!

Boris, Banter, Booze and Journos

Emma Knott — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:58:27 +0000

Last night the Kaizo team got together with some of our favourite journalists to chew the industry fat, find out what’s on their radars and of course, to have a good old drink! It’s been a busy couple of months (what happened to quiet summers?) and what better way to say thanks to all our press contacts than to have a little get together.

The second floor of The Old Crown Pub turned into a veritable media hotbed, with over 60 ‘ladies’ and ‘gentleman’ of the UK press in attendance. With everyone from Stuff and T3 to The Times and BBC, the quality of the lively chatter was second only to a drive by (well, cycle-by) appearance from Boris Johnson. Never one to stay out of the limelight, looks like even Boris wants a bit of the Kaizo media action!

Thanks to everyone who came along and here’s to the weekend!