We received the following letter in response to our complaint re: Nolan Live TV show feature on cycling.
We are very disappointed but not surprised by this response as it fails to address all the points we made. However, as a charity we have to focus on the more important work of encouraging and enabling more people to cycle and this broadcast, together with the Bike Life report, has emboldened us to redouble our efforts. The Bike Life Belfast report found that an overwhelming majority of the public (81%) – whether or not they cycle – want improved cycling infrastructure and we will continue to focus our efforts on achieving this.
If you would like to support our work through becoming a supporter and/or volunteering, do get in touch belfast@sustrans.org.uk
30 November, 2017
Dear Mr Brice
Editorial Complaint - Nolan Live (CAS-4669767)
I’m replying to your recent complaints (we’ve received your webform contact and your letter to the Director General - both from 24 November) about the content and handling of a wide-ranging discussion about cycling, road usage and safety on an edition of Nolan Live which was broadcast on 15 November, 2017.
Our item began by referencing research which supports the increased provision of cycling lanes in Belfast. This was the prompt for our discussion, rather than its focus. What followed, counterpointed the views of two well-known commentators and included lively exchanges - reflecting their different positions on this discussion topic. George Hook’s assertions were robustly and repeatedly challenged by Malachi O’Doherty, who disputed the claim that all cyclists are the same and that they habitually break the rules of the road.
We also included video footage which highlighted the serious road safety issues affecting cyclists and then extended the discussion to explore the frustrations that can be felt by some motorists at being unable to easily overtake groups of cyclists on country roads. All of this was fast-moving, rather than in-depth, and it was intended to reflect/include differing viewpoints and experiences. We accept that it would have been helpful to have included an additional contribution from a cyclist’s perspective, but feel that this discussion was balanced both in terms of argumentation and the airtime given to our panellists.
We accept that George Hook’s comments about Brown Shirts and accompanying hand gesture were inappropriate. Both were challenged immediately by the programme’s presenter and in unequivocal terms. He stated several times that what had been said/done was ‘wrong’ and that it was ‘not funny’. We also took the decision to conclude the discussion item at this point and clearly regret any offence caused.
Strongly-held views can help to stimulate debate. And we know that cycling can sometimes divide opinion – and with varying degrees of seriousness. It is never helpful, however, when statements made for dramatic effect become offensive - thereby foreclosing on meaningful engagement with other people’s opinions and the subject matter under review.
We very much welcome audience feedback and are grateful to you for taking the time to get in touch. Your concerns have been discussed by the production team and shared with relevant BBC editorial colleagues.
Yours sincerely,
Shane Glynn
Managing Editor BBC NI Productions
http://www.bbc.co.uk/complaints/
Read our letter of complaint to BBC
from News https://www.sustrans.org.uk/news/bbc-response-sustrans-complaint
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