Good morning, sir. We're going to be calling evidence today from seven learned academic witnesses. We're going to be adopting a different format today from that which we've followed thus far. I believe the term is called hot-tubbing.

That's in Australia. It doesn't have to be called that here.

We may have to think of an English term for the process, but what is going to happen in practice is four of our academic witnesses are going to be called this morning and three this afternoon. Both Ms Patry Hoskins and myself are going to be questioning, and the idea is better to extract the wisdom and learning of these witnesses and to debate some of the issues which it is hoped will assist you, sir, in your task.

Yes. I've been provided with a formidable body of material. I can't pretend I've read every word. A lot of it deals with the courses that are being run in educational establishments that deal with ethics, which is interesting but not of course at the centre of the issues that I'd like to discuss. I'm pleased for the background, but I'm sure you'll appreciate that having got what's happening on the ground, for the next generation of journalists what I need to know is how it then works out and what I can do about the problems that I'm required to address.

Indeed, sir. There's no doubting the industry that's been put into the statements and exhibits which have been produced by the witnesses. The statements are, of course, going to be taken as read. There may be a few questions at the start to paint the landscape of the courses, but we intend to spend most of the sessions dealing with the nub of the issues that confront the Inquiry.

Thank you very much indeed.

Thank you, sir. Might I now introduce the witnesses that we are going to be hearing from this morning. They're sitting in alphabetical order, to assist those who do not know them well.

I think I do, because I've certainly heard from at least three of them before, but do so.

It's Professor Steven Barnett on the left, from the University of Westminster, Professor George Brock from City University, Professor Brian Cathcart from Kingston University and Angela Phillips from Goldsmiths University of London, sir.

Thank you.

If I could start by asking Professor Barnett, could you give the Inquiry your full name, please?

My full name is Steven Julius Barnett.

Could you confirm your place of work?

University of Westminster, 309 Regent Street, London.

Just before we go on, I'm open to suggestion on this, but I'm reminded that none of the witnesses have taken the oath. It may be that it's not appropriate, but I just want to make sure that we clarify the basis upon which we're proceeding.

Sir, I'm in your hands. I think it might be better for formality that the evidence is given on oath. I was certainly proposing to adduce the witness statements so that they can be confirmed and posted on the Internet for all to read.

Yes. Do any of you have any objection to that? No? Right, let's do that.