STANDARDS BODY LOOKING AT SHODDY OMAGH SHOW
Standards body looking at 'shoddy' Omagh show
By Gail Walker
A controversial live television programme shown in the aftermath of the Omagh bomb is being scrutinised by the Broadcasting Standards Commission, it emerged today.
The announcement was today welcomed by leading victims' support group. Aftermath International, which is seeking a public apology from Carlton Television over its 'Thursday Night Live' show.
Director Karen McBride said: "We are delighted by this development.
"In our view that programme was shoddy, particularly coming so soon after what had happened in Omagh.
"The makers had an opportunity to make an impact but unfortunately they made the wrong one."
A "spokeswoman for the BSC today confirmed that it was currently looking at the programme after receiving four complaints."Once we receive a complaint in writing we can request a recording of the programme from the broadcaster, which we have done on this occasion," she said.
it will then be looked at by the commissioners who may then request a statement from the broadcasters.
"When that statement arrives the commissioners would look again at the programme in the light of the statement, before making a statement themselves either upholding or otherwise the complaints."
Participants in the TV discussion, hosted by Nicky Campbell, were outraged at their treatment on the programme, which cut between studio audiences in Omagh and London.
UTV, which received more than 1,000 complaints from viewers about the production, quickly distanced itself from the broadcast and also complained to London-based Carlton.
Aftermath has already submitted a report to the Independent Television Commission demanding an apology from Carlton.
Ms McBride added: "What we at Aftermath would also like to see is some sort of recompense in the offing from the programme makers to the people of Omagh.
"One of the most creative ideas we have had has come from Oliver Gibson who lost his niece in the bomb and who has suggested that perhaps they pay for a promotional video about the town to help it get back on its feet"
By Gail Walker
A controversial live television programme shown in the aftermath of the Omagh bomb is being scrutinised by the Broadcasting Standards Commission, it emerged today.
The announcement was today welcomed by leading victims' support group. Aftermath International, which is seeking a public apology from Carlton Television over its 'Thursday Night Live' show.
Director Karen McBride said: "We are delighted by this development.
"In our view that programme was shoddy, particularly coming so soon after what had happened in Omagh.
"The makers had an opportunity to make an impact but unfortunately they made the wrong one."
A "spokeswoman for the BSC today confirmed that it was currently looking at the programme after receiving four complaints."Once we receive a complaint in writing we can request a recording of the programme from the broadcaster, which we have done on this occasion," she said.
it will then be looked at by the commissioners who may then request a statement from the broadcasters.
"When that statement arrives the commissioners would look again at the programme in the light of the statement, before making a statement themselves either upholding or otherwise the complaints."
Participants in the TV discussion, hosted by Nicky Campbell, were outraged at their treatment on the programme, which cut between studio audiences in Omagh and London.
UTV, which received more than 1,000 complaints from viewers about the production, quickly distanced itself from the broadcast and also complained to London-based Carlton.
Aftermath has already submitted a report to the Independent Television Commission demanding an apology from Carlton.
Ms McBride added: "What we at Aftermath would also like to see is some sort of recompense in the offing from the programme makers to the people of Omagh.
"One of the most creative ideas we have had has come from Oliver Gibson who lost his niece in the bomb and who has suggested that perhaps they pay for a promotional video about the town to help it get back on its feet"
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0518
Published Date: 24-Nov-98
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