Complaint
A viewer complained that the programme gave a one-sided and unduly positive account of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and ignored differing views on alcoholism and its treatment.聽 The ECU considered the complaint in the light of the 大象传媒鈥檚 editorial standards of impartiality.
Outcome
The programme marked the 75th anniversary of AA鈥檚 operations in the UK, focusing on the workings of that organisation and the experiences and insights of those taking part in its meetings, and it did not set out to compare its approach with other views on alcoholism and its treatment.聽 Nevertheless, it made clear that AA 鈥does not work for everyone鈥; that 鈥淭here are many ways to find help including medication and talking therapies鈥; that 鈥淭here are over two million AA members globally but many more have tried the programme and given up part way through鈥; and that 鈥Attending AA isn鈥檛 the solution for everyone and newcomers don鈥檛 always come back鈥.聽 In the ECU鈥檚 judgement this, together with the reservations about AA鈥檚 approach expressed by several contributors to the programme, was enough to ensure an appropriate measure of impartiality.
Not upheld