The British Press Complaints Commission (PCC) did investigate my complaint - as far as it could
Concerning my complaint about a notice in Masters Athletics Summer 2007 magazine, I wrote on this thread Aug 18 2007:
Quote:
"There appear to be some options:
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4. Request that the PCC voluntarily takes up the case under its rules and that Masters Athletics magazine voluntarily agrees to co-operate with the PCC enquires and accept its decision"
In fact the British Press Complaints Commission (PCC) agreed to act on that voluntarily basis. The PCC found that my complaint fell within the terms of its Code. The PCC then made a formal assessment as to whether the complaint warranted a full investigation. Apparently it did because the PCC then sent a copy of my complaint to Brian Owen the editor of Masters Athletics magazine. The PCC then sent me a copy of the editor's response to PCC for my comments with the following
Quote:
The Commission has now received a response from Masters Athletics, a copy of which is attached.
You are aware that the magazine does not subscribe to the organisation which funds the PCC and, as such, does not fall under its remit.
In this instance, it does not appear that the magazine considers any remedial action to be necessary and has firmly stated its position. Before a decision can be made as to how to move forward in this matter, I should be pleased for any comments you wish to make in response together with any suggestions you have for the resolution of the case, which I am happy to pass onto the magazine. In the event, however, that no informal agreement can be reached, I am afraid that the Commission’s involvement will have to cease.
(Out of fairness to Bridget Cushen I should mention that the editor's response did point out that Ms. Cushen was not the author of the notice about which I had complained.)
I then sent my brief comments to the editor's response, enclosing the following previously drafted attempt at reconciliation with the BMAF (this was now 5 September 2007):
Quote:
"An immediate end to it all?
The IAAF, UKA, WMA, USATF, EVAC, SCVAC - the athletics world you name it - would probably like to see an immediate end to the BMAF-Anthony Treacher conflict.
Improbably enough, that moment had now arrived. It is up to someone to seize it.
The British Press Complaints Commission (PCC) is investigating Anthony Treacher's complaint against the editor of Athletics Magazine Summer 2007 concerning Bridget Cushen's page 5 article.
An investigation means that the PCC initial assessment suggested a possible breach of the PCC Code.
Whatever the PCC's final ruling - and although Masters Athletics need only accept it on a voluntary basis because the Magazine does not contribute to the self-regulatory fund financing the system - a PCC investigation is a serious matter. It has potential for embarrassment for the BMAF and the reputation of British athletics.
The BMAF could utilise this potentially embarrassing situation to its benefit. Anthony suggests that Masters Athletics publish the following:
"The editor of Masters Athletics apologises to M65 Athlete Anthony Treacher for the inappropriate nature of the article concerning Anthony on page 5 of Masters Athletics Summer 2007.
The Chairman and Committee of the British Masters Athletics Federation (BMAF) takes this opportunity to state that it has removed the disqualification from competition to18 January 2008 imposed on Anthony Treacher. Anthony is free to compete under BMAF auspices from 1 November 2007.
In this connection, the Chairman and Committee of the BMAF apologise to Anthony Treacher for the conduct of British Team Manager Maurice Doogan at the 2006 World Masters Indoor Championships Linz."
That would do the trick. Both the press complaint and our overall conflict would be all over at one fell swoop. The BMAF has had its pound of flesh with its unjust suspension. Justice will have been done and seen to have been done. In fact the BMAF can turn a potentially negative situation into one of goodwill for the BMAF.
Otherwise, this business - now with an ongoing PCC investigation, plus the in-built momentum from having to review my ban every year - will go on for years. That is not good for anyone.
Please do not term this proposal "blackmail". It is an intelligent, fair and realistic proposal in the overall interests of the BMAF and the British athletics community and myself.
Anthony Treacher - 5 September 2007"
The above proved a waste of time. While I was prepared to take this matter to its logical conclusion according to the PCC procedures - therein a willingness to accept the PCC decision, including any criticism of myself and in the public domain - Brian Owen the editor of Masters Athletics magazine was not. And because the BMAF did not subscribe to the self regulating system, he was under no obligation to.
So the outcome was a foregone conclusion. I received a note from the PCC that because the editor of Masters Athletics magazine was not prepared to proceed further the PCC would unfortunately have to close the file.
So the net result of all this is:
1. I am hung out in unprecedented fashion, with name and date of birth, in the BMAF's Masters Athletics magazine.
2. Editor Brian Owen denies me Fair Opportunity to reply (he simply ignored my e-mail)
3. Editor Brian Owen refuses to co-operate further with the British Press Complaints Commission investigation.
4. Editor Brian Owen ignores a further - perfectly civilised - e-mail from me.
5. The BMAF ignores my attempt at reconciliation.
That is appalling - but typical of the BMAF.
However something good has come out of this. Dealing with the private British Press Complaints Commission (PCC) was a very instructive and positive experience. I find the entire PCC system of impartial mediation very civilised and I would recommend it to anyone. We can learn from this.
In a Western democracy we cannot have media - such as the BMAF Masters Athletics magazine - that can allege anything, are impervious to criticism and are completely outside the remit of any private or official controls and balances.
Out of consideration to the future peace of mind of BMAF athletes, I therefore recommend that the British Masters Athletics magazine join the PCC system and the sooner the better
A constructive alternative would be for the BMAF to join the PCC system on behalf of all the BMAF regional clubs and their club newspapers. I understand that the BMAF could subscribe to the self-regulatory fund on an umbrella basis that comprises all the BMAF regional athletics club newspapers for quite a reasonable sum, probably under £150 per annum, paid half-yearly.
For the Cousins reading this. I am not sure what press complaints procedure you have in the US and Canada. I would certainly recommend something along the lines of the private British Press Complaints Commission. Beats expensive litigation any day. If anyone wants further information, please contact me.
By the way, please, please no more condescending homilies advising me to lay off for my own best. I have a valid story to tell and I will tell it. If you don't like what you see, just turn off the TV. Or ask the mediator to remove it. And if you are a friend, sorry and give me a call when you are next in Stockholm.
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