Mellissa Curzon-Berners has contributed to an article for PA Media where she explains the law on whether journalists are allowed to accept gifts and in what circumstances a gift might fall foul of bribery laws.
Mellissa commented: “The Bribery Act 2010 does not explicitly prohibit the receipt of bona fide hospitality or gifts. However, these must be reasonable and proportionate in the circumstances.
“The Government guidance recognises that gifts and hospitality can be an important part of doing business and building relationships. This might include, for example, entertainment, meals or tickets to an event. However, journalists should be wary of receiving gifts and hospitality that are excessively lavish or disproportionate within the relevant context.
“Where a gift is given with the intention of influencing or rewarding a particular outcome it will likely fall foul of the relevant legislation. Journalists should be transparent about what they receive and keep in mind that perceived partiality can carry significant professional risks even in circumstances where the conduct may not actually amount to a criminal offence.”
Read the full article