NEWS RELEASE: Greens to report “unbalanced” BBC

BNP & GLASGOW BY ELECTION: GREENS TO REPORT “UNBALANCED” BBC

Today’s much-publicised appearance by BNP leader Nick Griffin on Question Time will be aired during the election campaign for Glasgow North East, and the Scottish Green Party will formally report the BBC to Ofcom for a clear breach of the Ofcom Code. The Code requires additional care to be given to the issues of fairness and political balance during election times. (1)

Patrick Harvie MSP said:

“The decision to offer a respectable platform to Nick Griffin is a shameless bid by the BBC for ratings, and it comes at a heavy price. The people of Glasgow North East will go to the polls next month, and the most publicised political coverage of the election period will feature a fascist whose party has historically had virtually no support in Scotland.

“The decision to allow the BNP onto Question Time this week is wrong on so many levels. It remains a fascist party which stands opposed to the democratic values which Question Time should exemplify. But even if they’re being treated like a legitimate small party, this instant invitation to the UK’s foremost political discussion programme is wildly unbalanced.

“If you only watched Question Time you’d have no idea that the Scottish Green Party even exists. Greens were first elected to Holyrood over a decade ago, but have never had an invitation to appear on Question Time. Nick Griffin’s been an MEP for less than six months and he’s already getting an opportunity to make his bigotry seem respectable. It starts to look like the BBC is more interested in being provocative for the sake of it than in representing political balance.

“The BBC have had to choose between ratings and responsibility, and it’s gravely disappointing that they’ve made the wrong choice. We have therefore no alternative but to report the Corporation to Ofcom, who will hopefully ensure that skewed and cynical coverage of this sort is never again aired during a by election campaign.”

Notes

1. Rule 7.1 of the Ofcom Broadcasting Code states:
“Broadcasters must avoid unjust or unfair treatment of individuals or organisations in programmes.”

Rule 5.12 of the Code prevents “undue prominence as follows:
“The prevention of undue prominence of views and opinions on matters of political or industrial controversy and matters relating to current public policy”, where undue prominence is subsequently defined as “a significant imbalance of views aired within coverage of matters of political or industrial controversy or matters relating to current public policy.”

Rule 6.1 of the Code is explicit that elections, for these purposes, include parliamentary by elections like Glasgow North East.

3 Comments

If I remember correctly, Caroline Lucas was on QT in the run up to the Euro elections. As surprising and perhaps complaint-worthy as no Scottish Greens having been invited on the show is, it just doesn’t seem directly comparable to the BBC’s decision to allow Griffin on tonight.

Comment by Sean Anderson — October 22, 2009 @ 6:37 pm

Many independence supporters will echo your sentiments sir, especially where BBC Scotland are concerned.

The recent SNP conference saw a series of blatantly partisan and inaccurate reports from the BBC, culminating in a disgracefull incident whereby the First Minister’s keynote speech was effectively rendered inaudible for the first three or four minutes.

Complaining brings little by way of satisfaction, perhaps though your profile may elicit a more constructive response.

Regards
Newsnet Scotland

Comment by Newsnet Scotland — October 22, 2009 @ 6:42 pm

I feel you are right to complain to the BBC. I will, now that I know. I hope others do too.

The BBC should give equal coverage to all political parties, however they certainly don’t do this in Scotland.

They should not be getting away with their bias behavior!

I agree with post No 2 above & perhaps this is an issue in which the Green Party & the SNP can work together on, after all we all pay the license fee!

Best wishes to you

Comment by Gillian — October 22, 2009 @ 7:19 pm