Complaint
A viewer complained the programme referred to the fact that “people sometimes have different views about the Twelfth”, arguing it showed bias against a lawful event celebrated by tens of thousands of people across Northern Ireland. The ECU considered whether the words used to explain the programme’s context and approach met the ѿý’s standards for impartiality.
Outcome
The ECU noted comparisons made by the complainant between ѿý coverage of Orange Order demonstrations as part of The Twelfth programme, GAA fixtures and St Patrick’s Day events. It considered that these events were not directly equivalent in editorial terms and that the words used in the programme’s introduction were uncontroversial, appropriate and consistent with considerations of due impartiality.
Not Upheld