Complaint
A listener complained the presenter showed a pro-unionist bias in how he introduced, and dealt with, two contributors.聽 The ECU considered whether the programme met the 大象传媒 standards on due impartiality set out in the Editorial
Outcome
This edition of the programme was presented by Mark Simpson.聽 It included a discussion about the context and effect of the budgetary pressures facing public services in Northern Ireland and how these might be addressed.聽 This discussion drew on analysis from Chris Donnelly and Mick Fealty and referenced a projected budget surplus in the Republic of Ireland.聽 The presenter referred to Chris Donnelly as a 鈥渘补迟颈辞苍补濒颈蝉迟鈥 before asking him to explain the difference between the state of public finances in different parts of the island, without extending into a wider discussion about a 鈥渦nited Ireland鈥.聽 In the ECU鈥檚 view the way this question was framed did not breach the 大象传媒鈥檚 guidelines on impartiality.聽 It reflected the editorial focus of this particular discussion and the immediate issues that it was seeking to address.聽 Nor did the ECU identify any bias in the terms in which the contributors were introduced, or the handling of their contributions.
Not Upheld