05 July 2011

Quote of the day

From Robert Peston's BBC blog:
Rebekah Brooks has confirmed she is not stepping down as chief executive of News International.

In a statement to News International staff she said: "I am sickened that these events are alleged to have happened. Not just because I was Editor of the News of the World at the time, but if the accusations are true, the devastating effect on Milly Dowlers family is unforgivable."

She added: "It is almost too horrific to believe that a professional journalist or even a freelance inquiry agent working on behalf of a member of the News of the World staff could behave in this way.

"If the allegations are proved to be true then I can promise the strongest possible action will be taken as this company will not tolerate such disgraceful behaviour.

"I hope that you all realise it is inconceivable that I knew or worse, sanctioned these appalling allegations."

Does a competent newspaper editor have no idea of what her reporters are up to? Does she not ask about the source of the stories that appear in her newspaper? Is it "inconceivable" that she knew what was going on?

And, anyway, where does the buck stop?

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