Prince Harry's Phone Hacking Lawsuit Exposes Perilous Press Practices

The coverage of Prince Harry's phone hacking case by the British press reflects a failure to address the crisis within the industry. Most newspapers either downplayed the story or cast doubt on Harry's credibility, rather than acknowledging the illegal and unethical practices exposed. This approach mirrors how the press initially handled the scandal, shifting blame onto individuals rather than addressing systemic issues. With ongoing hacking litigation involving over 100 claimants, the reputation of the press is at risk. The article argues that the industry needs to take responsibility, admit past wrongdoing, and work towards rebuilding trust, rather than relying on self-regulation or dismissing the issue. Failure to do so may lead to the media's self-destruction.