BBC NEWS, ITN AND SKY NEWS ISSUE JOINT STATEMENT

BBC News, ITN and Sky News have issued a joint statement following the meeting in Downing Street on October 15 concerning national broadcast coverage in relation to the Afghan crisis.
The statement made is as follows: "The Government have agreed that we have acted responsibly in our coverage of the crisis to date. We will continue to exercise care in our handling of all material. As responsible broadcasters we are mindful of national and international security issues and the impact reports can have in different communities and cultures.
We also believe that the provision of independent and impartial news is a fundamental part of a free society and the democratic process. As the principal UK news providers and broadcasters, we believe sensible dialogue with the Government is important during the current conflict. But we will retain the right to exercise our own independent, impartial editorial judgement." (CD)