Independent editor backs call to license journalists:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/sep/28/independent-editor-backs-journalist-plan"The Jockey Club bars jockeys from riding horses – why can't we bar journalists from writing articles," Blackhurst said, adding that "newspapers had to take charge of their own industry".
Why can't we bar journalists* from writing articles? Perhaps I have a vested interested in this one (though no more than the editor of the independent), but it is called the Freedom of the Press. Ultimately, Blackhurst's suggestion means whoever is in charge of the banning would be able to stop journalists from writing things they disagreed with, as well as things that were inaccurate (after all, who decides what is accurate?).
Something is deeply wrong with the way much of the press in this country has conducted itself. That makes it more vital, not less, that people should be able to investigate, and write, as they see fit. Censorship is not the answer.
*Define journalist? NUJ accredited? Working for a major association? Freelance? Blogger? I really don't see how the logistics would work.