TV COMPANY SPEAKS OUT
TV company speaks out on row over programme
A TELEVISION company has defended its controversial live debate on the Omagh tragedy.
Carlton Television said the producers of the Thursday Night Live programme, broadcast by UTV on Thursday, had gone to great lengths to be balanced.
A spokesman said: "The producers have the utmost respect for the people of Omagh and their thoughts and feelings were uppermost in their minds when they made the programme."
UTV, which received more than 1,000 complaints from viewers, has distanced itself from the broadcast and complained to London-based Carlton.
UTV controller Alan Bremner described the coverage as "ill-judged and unfortunate" and said UTV had not been told that a phone poll on the peace process would be included.
Political Development Minister Paul Murphy is believed to have branded it as 'trite" and "unbalanced", and the Northern Ireland Office also voiced its disappointment to Carlton.
A TELEVISION company has defended its controversial live debate on the Omagh tragedy.
Carlton Television said the producers of the Thursday Night Live programme, broadcast by UTV on Thursday, had gone to great lengths to be balanced.
A spokesman said: "The producers have the utmost respect for the people of Omagh and their thoughts and feelings were uppermost in their minds when they made the programme."
UTV, which received more than 1,000 complaints from viewers, has distanced itself from the broadcast and complained to London-based Carlton.
UTV controller Alan Bremner described the coverage as "ill-judged and unfortunate" and said UTV had not been told that a phone poll on the peace process would be included.
Political Development Minister Paul Murphy is believed to have branded it as 'trite" and "unbalanced", and the Northern Ireland Office also voiced its disappointment to Carlton.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0185
Published Date: 22-Aug-98
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