Complaint
The programme included a report on the previous day’s acquittal of four people charged with criminal damage in connection with the removal of the statue of Edward Colston in Bristol.Β A viewer complained to the effect that, as toppling the statue could not have been anything other than criminal damage, a report which gave the opposite impression must be regarded as inaccurate and biased towards the defendants.Β The ECU considered the complaint in the light of the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ’s editorial standards of accuracy and impartiality.
Outcome
Irrespective of the viewer’s opinions on the matter, it was a fact that the defendants had been acquitted of the charges against them. No breach of the relevant editorial standards can arise from the accurate reporting of the outcome of court proceedings.
Not upheld