Dont know what level of human purchaces that paper.

“Dont know what level of human purchaces that paper”

says the guy with username “long schlong” :S

Struck a nerve. You obviously buy it.

The irony of it! Richard Desmond made his money from pornography and has been described by various media commentators as a ‘Porn Barron’. A miserable man who profits from the degradation of women. So it is fair to say his decision is not based on the shock of seeing a topless woman but on personal prejudices.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/8827987/Porn-baron-Richard-Desmond-is-David-Camerons-guest-at-Chequers.html#

god no i throw on my three piece suit and top hat and stroll down to my local shopkeep to buy the times :)

- while we’re at stereotypes

Owners have a huge duty to keep an eye on the behaviour of the media they finance They can not wash their hands of this responsibility.

Typical british bully,they dont like it when is been done to them but they think they can do what they want,when they want to anyone…this not not the 15th,16,or 17 century so if u dont want to be seen topless dont be half naked outside ur house

Let me get this straight,i thought the british was trying to spread democracy and civilization across the globe,and that include freedom of speech and press ie newspaper,internet etc..
Pratice what you preach and hope they start to accept that not everyone respect the king or the queen likewise people from england dont gove a toss about ither religions and cultures

I buy the Star……..

Its not surprising to find this bulls**t populalist non issue story grabbing all the headlines in the week where the establishment in Britain has been shamed over the Hillsborough disaster.

I buy the Star.

@stayfrostynatty She was actually on private property, on a private terrace. Without telescopic lenses she would not have been visible. Legally speaking, this is just as bad as someone spying on you in your back garden. And btw this debate is not about British colonialism. It’s about respect for the right to privacy.

I don’t subscribe to any media that intrudes on innocent peoples lives, probing and speculating for financial gain. Its a disgrace. If you give people like that your money, you should really think twice. The regulators have a huge roll to play here, surely there should be sanction for such degenerates.

So your saying regulate the free press?

This is evidence there needs.to be some.regulation. Its a symptom of a broken system that has got out of hand.

@insider.ie..you can control some people some of the time but you cant control everyone all of the time.
the price you pay for fame is what they are getting now so they either build their own country or stay in their homes..simple as

@stayfrostynatty Sorry, I don’t accept your view at all. Thankfully we still have something called the rule of law. Individuals have rights, including the right to privacy, and there are means of enforcing those rights, either through press councils or similar bodies or through the courts.

Better yet, just fire O’ Kane.

Yes but why on earth should ALL the staff pay for HIS mistake? Did they close down Barclays over the Bob Diamond scandal? Of course not. Because you can’t blame the actions of one person on an entire company. Not suggesting the pictures should have been published but the reaction is draconian and unjust. In fact it’s unfair dismissal of all the staff who are INNOCENT. (One of whom I know and is absolutely lovely.) I work in the media and it’s incredibly tough. These people are unlikely to find other jobs when they leave and Ireland is in terrible recession. Amazed at so many people advocating the loss of innocent people’s jobs or taking the ‘oh well, it was the editor’s fault so everyone should go’ attitude. If someone at your work did something wrong and you were fired as a result, how would you feel?

He is undoubtedly hypocritical but that doesn’t mean his stance is unjustified. The UK tabloid culture is despicable and has infected Irish media via organs like the Star. Now that some effort is being made to address the worst excesses of UK media intrusion – via the Levenson enquiry etc. – it is to be hoped that this will rub off in Ireland too. There are very few occasions when snapping photos of someone relaxing in private in their home or a place they have temporarily made their home is justified. Topless or not.

If you think that his stance is anything other than an attempt to curry favour with the British Establishment then you are being very naive. I don’t think the publishing of the pictures was the greatest thing to do but Desmond is willing to sacrifice those jobs so he can have better relationships with his friends in the Tory party.

Diarmuid if you don’t see a difference between a porno and recording someone without their knowledge I suggest you seek help.

I’m less interested in his motivations than whether his criticism is justified or not, and, in my opinion, it is. Having said that, closure of the paper is obviously an over-reaction. The paper has patently breached the code of practice for Irish media and some action is warranted, perhaps disciplinary action against the editor. And if Desmond chooses to pull out, I’m sure other investors will step in and the paper will be able to continue (perhaps with a small name change).

I’m less interested in his motivations than whether his criticism is justified or not, and, in my opinion, it is. Having said that, closure of the paper is obviously an over-reaction. The paper has patently breached the code of practice for Irish media and some action is warranted, perhaps disciplinary action against the editor. And if Desmond chooses to pull out, I’m sure other investors will step in and the paper will be able to continue (perhaps with a small name change).

I’m less interested in his motivations than whether his criticism is justified or not, and, in my opinion, it is. Having said that, closure of the paper is obviously an over-reaction. The paper has patently breached the code of practice for Irish media and some action is warranted, perhaps disciplinary action against the editor. And if Desmond chooses to pull out, I’m sure other investors will step in.

@ Sean beag Where exactly did he say he can’t see the difference between porn and these photos? He is pretty clearly making a wholly different point about Richard Desmond’s intentions. He is far more likely to act like this for business reasons.

Do you think there would be a similar reaction if it were Lady Gaga, Rihanna etc in this photo? Many celebrities are photographed without their consent in private situations and published in UK and Irish newspapers. Desmond presumably has no issues with those given his lack of statements about them. Pictures such as these are wrong but I wish the outcry happened with everybody that is photographed in private and just when it is a senior member of the British Royal family.

Apologies for multiple posts. Glitch with the app.

Sometimes people do the right thing for the wrong reason. I’m sure Desmond – considering his generally odious nature – isn’t looking any further than the fact that, in this internet age, every Daily Star and OK! reader now knows what the Irish Daily Star has done and will crucify the parent company’s other publications unless he takes a very loud and vigorous stance.

That doesn’t make what he’s doing the wrong thing, though.

The “uproar” is just more media driven nonsense. One day we’re leering at Rosanna, the next we’re horrified at some blurry shots of another celebrity.

This will pass….. Bring on the next “scandal”.

Rosanna made a decision to be photographed it was her choice her contract her term her getting paid. Completely different situation and if that the best you can come up with maybe you need time to think

On top of which Kate Wales is not a “celebrity” in that sense — whatever the merits of the usual dubious argument about celebrity trash stories, she, at least, made no pact with the devil, implicit or otherwise, to receive promotion of her products in exchange for media intrusion. She’s simply fallen in love with the future head of state of one of our closest trading partners.

No. But it will be a great loss to the 100+ workers at the publication who had no input into the decision.
They never should have been printed but we really need to address tabloid invasion of privacy in general- not just the shots of Kate.
Phone hacking, indecent shots of celebrities outside their houses etc are just as intrusive. A reactionary closure of a paper (like NotW) will not solve the underlying ‘gutter press’ problems.
Considering how rough times are for journos at the moment, I’m against any job losses for innocent workers. (Plus all the cleaners/printers etc who also work for the company.)

you advocate putting 100+ people on the dole because of the actions of 1 man and your opinion of this paper sorry that is wrong. i too hate the tabloids and everything they stand for but they are obviously popular or they would not sell in the numbers that they do. the editor should fall on his sword if needs be but don’t sac k the rest of the workforce it will not happen as the people that edit these papers (calling them newspapers does a disservice to proper newspapers) have no personal integrity

ok point taken.
Get rid of the editor and publish an unequivocal apology.

ok point taken.
Get rid of the editor and publish an unequivocal apology.

Is that a joke? Do you know anything about Richard Desmond?

On its knees? I recall most Irish print media making quite healthy profits last year. Not as high as during the Celtic Tiger days but still pretty decent.

Many of my journalist friends have lost jobs or are on part time due to cost cutting in all the main newspapers.

I am not surprise the industry is on its knees with this kind of nonsense going on. This rag has crossed the line. It was always a dustbin paper and it was always a matter of time before they performed an outrage like this.

Lets face it Stephen they don’t work for the most respectable and sensible rag. I am sure that they could find better jobs if they are capable journalists.

Most have had to move to other papers or media outlets on numerous occasions. Every newspaper is operating on the least amount of staff possible to save these profits.

@PaulMcStay An “outrage”? Killing an ambassador and his staff over a film that was nothing to do with them is an outrage. Bombing people is an outrage. This is a tasteless gaffe that will only make this particular celebrity more popular.

Stephen think most people bought the star for the sports section .

Even broadsheets (newspapers, as opposed to lefty, cliched, websites) are feeling the pinch. INM (the lovely people who brought us “payback time”, the 02 girls, Barry Egan, fawning articles about Seanies Fitzpatrick and Quinn, and “Backing Bertie”), the property dabbling and championing Times, and the blatantly pro FF Thomas Crosbie Holdings (Irish Examiner, Evening Echo, and a number of other struggling minnows) are all either heavily indebted, or have the banks knocking on the door.

They’re all also looking at a minimum of 8% per annum decrease in readership. It’s a scary time to be working in the conventional print media industry!

I work in the media and no, it’s not that easy to just ‘get another job if you’re a good journalist’. In fact it’s near impossible. The industry is hellishly competitive and unless you’ve been around for a long time and are well known it’s VERY difficult to find work.
I also know other people who work at this paper and they do NOT deserve to be fired over someone else’s mistake. I’m actually astounded that anyone would think it’s remotely acceptable to sack 100 innocent people over one person’s error of judgement?
Fine if you want to have an overhaul of the way tabloids operate (would be a good idea) but this reactionary measure is an absolute disgrace. I have my fingers crossed that it does not get closed down and people’s jobs are saved.

C? More like A

It does not prove anything of the sort. Press freedom, like all freedoms, has clear limits, especially when it interferes with the rights of others. Individuals, even famous ones, also have privacy rights. The Irish media, including the Irish Daily Star, are bound by the Press Council of Ireland’s Code of Conduct. http://www.presscouncil.ie/code-of-practice.150.html

I would direct you to Section 5, in particular para 5.5. The publication of topless photos of anyone without their consent – unless she’s a porn star or has publicly gone topless – is a clear invasion of privacy and cannot meet the “public interest” test.

Rather than shutting it down and ,costing jobs, as regardless of what one may thing of the quality of the paper some people obviously buy it, would a more sensible solution be to fire the man responsible and sack the editor? Desmond has just been looking to pull out of the Irish market and this mock indignation is just a cover for a business decision

So are you saying “freedom of the press” is a full freedom to print anything the want without any restriction? Free to hide in bushes and photo people in private situations and print the pictures. Will it be ok if something like this happens you or your family

Fair play insider.ie

How is it “freedom of the press” to force a media company to do something against their will?

You’re suggesting that Northern and Shell should be allowed to decide what type of journalism they’re involved in and pay for. Which is ridiculous.

And who decided what is a rag? I’ve never bought a copy but I defend the right of those who wish to. Is the Sindo a rag? How about TV3? Even the Daily Mail has the right to publish…..

No the Sunday Indo isn’t a rag and the last time I checked TV3 was a television station, albeit a poor one, I have no desire to see anyone loose their job but to be honest sensationalist and low brow journalism as presented by the Star and Sun etc both Irish and UK versions is something I could easily survive without, such publications seem to thrive on the misfortune and mistakes of others, that’s not journalism that’s having a sneer

@Richie Yes they are awful but do you want to live in a society where they would be forcibly closed down? Will these new rules only apply to old style newspapers but not TV stations or websites? Looking around the world there are plenty of countries that would ban such publications but would you like to live in any of them?

And yet all these “rags” meet demand, if not they wouldn’t be in business still. Going back to the 1830s and 1870s when tabloids first became popular there were similar complaints. However on balance they were seen as a good thing as it meant that people who otherwise wouldn’t read the “elite” press were reading a newspaper on a daily basis.

The focus should be on improving tabloids and ensuring they abide by the law, not shutting them down.

How arrogant of you, Paul. Do you know any of these undesirable journalists yourself? Have you any idea of the hard work that goes into producing a daily newspaper? Maybe it wouldn’t be missed by you but believe it or not it’s not all about you.

And yet it has ran for years and clearly has a solid readership, if not it wouldn’t still be running.

If you were keeping with programme Brian I commented earlier that if the staff were capable enough journalists they would get better jobs with more respectable newspapers. Let’s face it we are talking about a second rate rag run by what I would call second rate staff.

Second rate staff….Do you know these people personally? Have they ever worked for you?

Just look at the standard of reporting Brian then come back and tell me it’s not second rate. It’s not what I personally term as journalism!

So in your eyes that’s enough of a reason to shut it down and put dozens of people out of work is it? Come and join the rest of us in the real world sometime.

I am in the real world Brian stop talking tripe.

I am in the real world Brian. You know what I am saying makes sense you just have your own opinion. No problem.

So if a family member of yours was employed by The Star I take it you would still be calling for its closure?

I think you should stop there actually it’s all getting a bit silly now.

I think you should stop there because it’s getting a little silly now.

If you don’t want to contribute any intelligent debate that’s entirely up to you.

Oh Brian don’t confuse intelligence and silliness!

Run along, Paul. I’m sure there’s a lynch mob out there somewhere waiting for their leader.

Exactly. Silliness. I rest my case!

@ Paul: And where are these 100 us jobs to come from exactly, given the small size of the newspaper industry here. Newspapers aren’t exactly expanding at present. So you would be putting all those people on the dole, regardless of their journalistic ability.

And as for your cultural elitism and snobbery re the newspaper, it meets the needs of a particular market. If not it wouldn’t be in business still.

Fingers crossed now it will go! The more red tops that go the better for the people. Couldn’t really give a flying F**K about them.

I understand a lot of people don’t like tabloid newspapers ( although they still manage to sell a lot of copies so obviously a lot of people still read them ) . what I cant understand is the logic that’s says I don’t like that paper so I think it should close and 100 people loose their jobs , Irish jobs , a lot of which are not journalists and will find it difficult in the current climate to find replacements , if i don’t drink i don’t want all pubs to close , if i don’t like coffee I don’t want every coffee shop to close – but why are people happy to deprive others of the the choice , if the paper closes then the it merely reduced the Irish element of generating content and loss of local jobs etc , the immediate effect will replaced by UK tabloid and I cannot see how or why that’s a better thing – I get that some of you don’t like it – but there is a snobbery about just wanting it to close because its not to your particular taste. ( I do think that they made an error in publishing these pics by the way and some form of fine or firing should take place , but closure and loss of jobs is a bit excessive )

Dave, its nothing to do with snobbery or taste, 99% of what they write is pulled out of the gutter and not in the public interest.

Look what the news of the world done and thankfully they paid for it – how was it in the public interest to hack milly dowlers phone just to get a news story? Or why they hired the fake sheikh to basically entrap people into or how when freddy mercury was dying that they thought it was “in the public interest” to show a dying man on the toilet

All the red tops are gutter press and their reporters are like rats scurrying to get the scraps of what proper reporters leave them… They are vermin and need to be gotten rid off – all of them and I dont care how many of them lose their jobs – good enough for them

you’re utterly clueless Joe.

To liken some of the many fine journalists at the Star to rats is completely disgusting and says a lot about you as a person.

Would love you to try and explain how the likes of Michael O’Toole or Catherine O’Halloran aren’t “proper reporters” but you don’t know who they are because you’ve never read the Star in your life.

The News of the World is completely irrelevant to the Irish tabloids, which Lord Leveson spoke highly of. Again you’d know this if you had a clue.

Joe, you are a class A idiot.

Joe, clearly you have some chip on your shoulder regarding newspapers. How else could you explain such idiotic comments?

Lol! I wouldn’t lift a red top even if it was free and if these supposed excellent reporters were so good why are they working in gutter media!

Danielle, the newspaper industry doesn’t work like that. For every one journalist who is ‘snapped up’ there are plenty of others who wil struggle to find gainful employment again. Why should a newspaper shut down just to suit your personal preferences? It might be no great loss to you but it would be a huge loss to the families of those who are left on the dole. Did you ever think about that?

The Journal isn’t a news paper or website. It’s an aggregate source of general interest content.

Crawler.

;)

She wasn’t in public though. She was on private property.

I see a woman beside you in your profile picture. How would you and she feel if someone took topless photos of her without her knowledge and posted them up on all the lamp posts around
where you live? How would your families feel? Why then shouldn’t Kate Middleton be given the same respect you would wish for your wife/girlfriend?
Is it that you are anti women, anti British or just an idiot

She should of known better. One of the most photographed women in the world goes topless in a french country villa and is shocked her knockers are front page news?! Less than 2 weeks after Prince Harry’s fiasco?!!! Seriously WHAT DID SHE EXPECT??

Mc Bab. very good observation on my profile pic. The Girl in question is my best friend and if she wants to run around topless that is her given right. ill support her as a good mate. your suggestions of anti women or brits is crazy. My point was Kate was careless to leave herself in that predicument. she know’s how unfair the media is! So why be so stupid.

Sick of discussion about human rights and fundamental freedoms? This may seem trivial but press freedom and its limits are extremely important issues for any democracy. And issues surrounding privacy increasingly affect us all in a world dominated by Facebook and other social media.

Why click on it and comment on it then Rhonda?

A pair of tits aristocrats and there’s uproar read a history book.

Hmm bit hypocritical there Jack

Making a point johnny thats all didnt read article or comments all i know is that a pair of tits gets published an their closing a paper .

“Offensive” to who?

Kate, Katie, yer wan, whatever. This is freedom, we can call her what we like.

Any frequent poster such as yourself, Marian, should know that http://www.thejournal.ie is NOT known as http://www.journal.ie

Marian, here in Ireland we don’t indulge in foreign Royal titles which are self appointed.

No.

kate the parasite middleton sorry again marian who cares

Ah Marian, that was a ridiculous statement to make on an Irish news website – her name is Kate Middleton and I doubt she takes offence to people calling her that. It’s the royals who changed her name.

Sorry Luke, that comment was meant for Paul. Don’t know how it appeared here.

Kate asked me to say that she’ll be along to respond to that, as soon as she gets abreast of the situation.

@Ian Sutton The Royals have not called for the Star (or any paper) to be shut-down. That was the co-owner of the paper over-reacting or acting on an ulterior motive.

Wrong story