ITV's The Hack Dramatizes UK News of the World Phone Hacking Scandal

ITV's new seven-part drama "The Hack" dramatizes the News of the World phone hacking scandal, weaving together two real-life stories: the investigative journalism of Nick Davies, played by David Tennant, and the police investigation into private investigator Daniel Morgan's 1987 murder, portrayed by Robert Carlyle. Tennant, who himself was a victim of phone hacking and part of the settlement with News Group Newspapers, expressed feeling "appalled" by the scandal and views it as a significant breach of ethical journalism. The series details how the News of the World illegally accessed voicemails of various individuals including celebrities, politicians, members of the British royal family, and victims of tragic events, sparking widespread outrage. The hacking exploits exploited default voicemail PIN vulnerabilities, and the scandal culminated in court cases, convictions, and a government inquiry. Both Tennant and Carlyle have personal connections to the hacking, with Carlyle suspecting he too was targeted. The show highlights the impact of unethical media practices and the extensive efforts to uncover the truth behind the scandal.