THE workings of newspaper watchdog the Press Complaints Commission (PCC) will be put under the spotlight at an open day in Southampton next week.

Members of the public will be able to quiz a panel about any aspect of the press or the PCC’s system of self-regulation. And PCC staff will be available for an informal chat during a drop in session on the day.

The free event, backed by the Daily Echo, is being held at the Southampton City Art Gallery next Tuesday. The question-and-answer session will be hosted by PCC chairman Baroness Buscombe, pictured.

Panel members will include PCC director Stephen Abell, PCC member Simon Sapper from the Communication Workers’ Union and Southern Daily Echo editor Ian Murray, who sits on the PCC’s Editors’ Code of Practice Committee.

The PCC’s code of practice covers issues such as intrusion, discrimination, harassment and inaccurate reporting. The Southampton open day will run from 1.45pm. No tickets are required.

Those interested in attending can contact Tonia Milton on 020 7831 0022 or email tonia.milton@pcc.org.uk for more details.