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Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland
regulation
Meet the new boss, journalists: Peter Feeney to become the 2nd ever Press Ombudsman
Feeney worked at RTE for years and had been tipped as one of the favourites to take over the role.
PETER FEENEY HAS been selected as the second Press Ombudsman and will take over from John Horgan when he retires in September.
Feeney, who is currently a member of the Press Council of Ireland, had been tipped as one of the favourites to take over the role.
Originally a lecturer in politics in the University of Ulster, Feeney become the editor of current affairs television at RTE in 1990, holding the role for seven years.
He worked as RTE’s Freedom of Information officer from 2000 before becoming the head of broadcast compliance, during which he managed how RTE dealt with complaints.
He has been a member of the Press Council since October 2013.
The chair of the Press Council, which oversees the office of the Press Ombudsman, Daithi O Ceallaigh said he was “delighted” that Feeney had accepted the role.
“He has enjoyed a long and respected media career with a strong commitment to standards in journalism, news and current affairs,” he said.
“Mr Feeney has considerable experience in the area of compliance and complaint handling and we look forward very much to working with him”.
The Ombudsman is part of the independent voluntary regulation for printed and online media in Ireland. A member of the public can complain to the office about any media organisations which are members of the Press Council if an article breaches the code of practice.
Feeney’s appointment will be for a fixed term of three years, which may be extended.
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