League Forces Change of Policy in Newspaper Group

This news just received from the Celtic League:

League Forces Change of Policy in Newspaper Group

A local newspaper group has changed its policies following a complaint lodged by a member of the kernow (Cornwall) Branch of the Celtic League.

Citing the inclusion of the Cornish into the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, the issue was raised over the accuracy of a headline published on line and in the ‘West Briton’, ‘Cornishman’ and ‘Cornish Guardian’ which read: ‘Cornish domestic violence figures predicted to rise during World Cup’.

This was considered inaccurate in that it suggested that the rise in domestic violence figures could be attributed to the Cornish people rather than to Cornwall, which is inhabited by people of many different National Identities and Ethnicities.

The letter of complaint pointed out that this directly discriminated against the Cornish even though potential offenders and victims at some future indeterminate date may be of other National Identities or Ethnicities. It was submitted that the headline should more correctly read: ‘Cornwall’s domestic violence figures predicted to rise during World Cup’.

Acknowledging the error in the light of the new rights and protections afforded to the Cornish people, Jason Lock, News Editor responded by stating that the online headline will be amended and assured the branch that “Staff will also be reminded to be careful about headlines in the future”.

Letter of complaint:

“Dear Sirs and Mesdames

I refer you to the following headline:

Cornish domestic violence figures predicted to rise during World Cup

Read more at http://www.cornishman.co.uk/Domestic-violence-set-soar-World-Cup-Cornwal...

May I remind you that the Cornish people have now been included in to the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and that there is a distinct possibility that your headline contravenes the Convention and related legislation?

You discriminate directly against the Cornish in that you specifically link domestic violence to an individual and now recognised National identity.

The offenders and victims may, for example be English, Polish or indeed of any other identity or ethnicity.

I write requesting your headline be changed to commence, 'Cornwall's domestic violence figures......'.

I call for greater attention to be paid to this type of issue and require a response please.

I would like this matter resolved locally without having to refer to the Press Complaints Commission. That said, I have referred this to my Cornwall Councillor.

Yours faithfully”

Kernow Branch - Celtic League

07/06/14

Links:

http://www.celticleague.net/news/league-forces-change-of-policy-in-local...

http://www.cornishman.co.uk/Domestic-violence-set-soar-World-Cup-Cornwal...

http://www.celticleague.net/news/breizh-mass-protest-on-epic-scale-needed/
For comment or clarification on this news item in the first instance contact:

Rhisiart Tal-e-bot
General Secretary,
Celtic League
gensec@celticleague.net
M: 07787318666

The General Secretary will determine the appropriate branch or General Council Officer to respond to your query.

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