Complaint
This bulletin included a contribution from Chris Packham, who was critical of the sentences imposed on five environmental activists recently convicted of conspiracy to cause a public nuisance. Β A listener complained that, as Mr Packham was βa direct employee of the ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔβ, his contribution was in effect an endorsement by the ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ of one side in a matter of controversy.Β The ECU considered the complaint in the light of the ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔβs editorial standards of impartiality.
Outcome
Mr Packham, who was introduced in the bulletin as a βwildlife TV presenter and campaignerβ, Β is not on the staff of the ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ, and he presents programmes for broadcasters other than the ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ, so there was no basis for regarding him as expressing a view on behalf of the ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ on this occasion and no breach of the ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔβs standards of impartiality.
Not Upheld