British press braces for censure, fears clampdown, as media ethics inquiry reports

LONDON – Britain’s rambunctious press is facing censure and tougher scrutiny as an ethics inquiry triggered by tabloid phone hacking releases its wide-ranging report.

Lord Justice Brian Leveson is due Thursday afternoon to reveal the findings of his year-long inquiry, which heard evidence from hundreds of journalists, politicians, lawyers and victims of press intrusion.

Prime Minister David Cameron set up the inquiry after revelations of illegal eavesdropping by the now-defunct News of the World tabloid sparked a criminal investigation and a wave of public revulsion.

Leveson is expected to criticize the cozy relationship between politicians, police and the press and to recommend stronger newspaper regulation.

Many politicians and members of the public want a regulatory body enshrined in law, but some lawmakers, editors and journalists fear that could limit press freedom.