The third great crisis of trust

First, it was the banks.  Then it was our MPs.  Now, it is the turn of the media.

Recent phone-hacking revelations, which has led to the closure of the News of the World, are very unsettling.  It would probably be wrong to see the actions of the individuals concerned as acting in a vacuum.  The scandal perhaps exposes the culture that led to it.  In an attempt by journalists to find the most exclusive stories, amidst the fierce competition in the media, they have overstepped the mark - and broken the law.

The media plays an integral role in our democracy.  Its role in scrutiny is certainly welcome.  They criticise government actions and expose our elected representatives when they behave illegitimately.  Unfortunately, for some, they have confused "scrutiny" with invading privacy for no reasonable justification and frankly, breaking the law.