Tabloid hack attack on royals, and beyond – New York Times (log in needed)
Details and arguments surrounding the News of the World’s alleged phone hacking activity are well rehearsed, on both sides. But they are no less fascinating for that. This story in today’s New York Times is one of the better pieces I have read on the controversy, which resurfaced this week with the trial of Scottish Socialist Tommy Sheridan. The most telling quote – which drives at the heart of the ‘public interest’ defence the tabloids often use to justify their intrusive methods – came from Brendan Montague, a freelance journalist.
“It wasn’t finding out wrongdoing. It was finding out a bit of gossip,” he said.
More’s the pity.