Blog: Who is to blame for journalists hacking into the mobile phones of well-known people, asks Jason Lavan. Is it me, as a journo, or you, the reader?

I sat last night and watched in horror as Channel 4′s Dispatches scratched the surface of the phone hacking scandal that looks set to engulf Fleet Street, and it was genuinely saddening.

A wonderful documentary by all accounts, but shameless that no one from the police or News International would come on camera and fight their corner.

Hundreds of reporters from News International are on their telephones every day asking people to answer difficult questions  – but when the tables were turned they dished out a damp PR response.

It is so sad to see some sectors of the industry doing such horrid damage to the reputation of British journalism.

Despite what people may think about journalists, I and many of my colleagues went into the job because we have a genuine interest in people and believe in fairness.

This scandal is a massive shot in the foot because if we do not have the public’s trust, we’re finished.

I have been a reporter for three years, not long compared to some, but one of the most important things I have learned is trust.

When my contacts come to me with a story they must be able to know that I will honour what I say , and the reader must trust that what is reported is fair and accurate.

While working as a reporter I have been threatened, spat at, sworn at, thrown out of shops and offered cash not to publish, among other things.

But while none of those were comfortable situations, I knew I was doing the right thing.

So then we have reporters who are hacking into peoples’ phones, it makes a mockery of what the rest of us are trying to do, which is deliver honest journalism.

Media gurus would argue a slump in circulation has led to editors pushing for better stories, which is how this scandal came about.

But good, honest journalism is more than achievable without risking a prison sentence and suffering the biggest loss of all – the public’s trust.

One has to ask what is making them steep to such low standards.

Are these journalists simply feeding a public appetite for what is, in the most part, beige gossip?

It amazes me how much coverage is given to the likes of Katie Price, aka Jordan, and her insufferable lot of vacuous drones – but it sells.

I am astounded the latest weight loss DVD released by former cocaine snorting/Mum of the Year Kerry Katona features in national papers – but it sells.

Prince Harry on a lads night out, Cherie Blair looking awful, Jude Law cooking paella – it sells, sells, sells.

If the public want it, journalists will get it, and this appears to be the price.

This country may be known for its tea drinking, but, not too far down the list from that, it is known for its exceptional journalism.

I only hope when this rot is cleared out, the big wigs will decide to win the public back in the only way possible – trust.

Incidentally, I hear your mother-in-law is coming to stay next week. Oh, and the gas man will be with you by 5pm.