Newsnight ‘misled’ viewers over independence survey
The BBC's flagship Newsnight programme was drawn into the controversy over misleading viewers yesterday after admitting it had wrongly implied its survey of business opinion found overwhelming opposition to Scottish independence.
After a week of embarrassing revelations about deceiving viewers and listeners over some of its programmes' competitions, the latest revelation goes to the heart of the corporation's news and current affairs output. It follows an apology for the treatment of SNP leader Alex Salmond by Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark, after she abruptly ended a live interview last month.
The BBC conceded it had misrepresented a survey of opinion after a viewer complained about a debate over the 300th anniversary of the Act of Union in Edinburgh's old Parliament Hall, which was hosted by presenter Jeremy Paxman on January 16.
In quizzing Mr Salmond, he said a survey of business opinion found none were willing to support independence. However, he failed to say only seven out of 50 companies had answered the survey, and that most opted to be neutral during the election campaign.
Jeremy Paxman began the interview with Mr Salmond, now First Minister, by saying "we spoke to the 25 largest companies in Britain and the 25 largest companies in Scotland and none of them favoured independence".
As it was a recurring theme of campaigning that Labour said business was against independence, but hardly any business representatives were willing to say so, The Herald asked for details of the survey at the time, but the BBC refused to release them - saying they were "insufficiently robust" to make the statistics public.
The BBC's complaints ruling stated: "The great majority of the companies contacted had declined to express a view on independence, so the results of the exercise didn't warrant the claim that none favoured it, or the implication that the biggest Scottish and British companies were ranged against it."
Pete Wishart, the SNP's culture and media spokesman at Westminster, said: "It is an extraordinary series of events from the BBC in London and it's time for the organisation not only to consider its attitude to phone-ins and game shows, but how it treats Scotland and the new administration."
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Posted by: Albert, Glasgow on 9:48am Mon 23 Jul 07
Radio 4's "Feedback" programme yesterday had an item on this subject of BBC deceit. No mention was made about the front page of the Sunday Herald. If you wish to complain, the e-mail address is feedback@
bbc.co.uk
Radio 4's "Feedback" programme yesterday had an item on this subject of BBC deceit. No mention was made about the front page of the Sunday Herald. If you wish to complain, the e-mail address is feedback@
bbc.co.uk
Posted by: Disgusted Dorothy, Glasgow on 10:05am Mon 23 Jul 07
This was a UK BBC programme designed to influence people.
The BBC apology is totally inadequate.
THEY LIED!!
They did not 'mislead' THEY LIED.
This was a UK BBC programme designed to influence people.
The BBC apology is totally inadequate.
THEY LIED!!
They did not 'mislead' THEY LIED.
Posted by: Dougthedug on 10:05am Mon 23 Jul 07
After Kirsy Wark's performance with Alex Salmond and the defence of her behaviour by the Newsnight editor Peter Barron and now the revelation that Jeremy Paxman was spouting of misleading and wrong statistics before the Scottish elections it looks like Newsnight is running an anti-SNP operation. Wark must have Barron by the short and curlies.
"Business is against independence"
"Picking fights with Westminster"
"Cash for honours a political stunt"
Is the BBC writing the Labour party's slogans or just parroting them happily?
Kirsty Wark must have done the survey personally.
After Kirsy Wark's performance with Alex Salmond and the defence of her behaviour by the Newsnight editor Peter Barron and now the revelation that Jeremy Paxman was spouting of misleading and wrong statistics before the Scottish elections it looks like Newsnight is running an anti-SNP operation. Wark must have Barron by the short and curlies.
"Business is against independence"
"Picking fights with Westminster"
"Cash for honours a political stunt"
Is the BBC writing the Labour party's slogans or just parroting them happily?
Kirsty Wark must have done the survey personally.
Posted by: Colin McDonald, Walton-on-Thames on 10:17am Mon 23 Jul 07
Whilst an apology is certainly welcome, the damage has already been done. The extent to which that particular comment influenced anyone's vote is unquantifiable, but it would, I am sure, have added to a body of "evidence" in many people's minds that Scotland could not go it alone. The BBC could and should have very publically issued this apology pre-election.
Whilst an apology is certainly welcome, the damage has already been done. The extent to which that particular comment influenced anyone's vote is unquantifiable, but it would, I am sure, have added to a body of "evidence" in many people's minds that Scotland could not go it alone. The BBC could and should have very publically issued this apology pre-election.
Posted by: John, Edinburgh on 10:26am Mon 23 Jul 07
While I can't defend the BBC on this, for the Nationalist here to claim that the BBC has a Nationalist agenda is laughable.
Which news agency made the allegations about the so-called 'Dodgy Dossier' and was later found to be lying by an independent tribural forcing the Chairman and Director General to resign? Which news agency has been on the Labour Party's (despite the fact that the Conservative leader at the questioned time was interviewed by the police more than the Labour leader) back most about Cash for Peerages and is now trying to find an excuse because the CPS won't press charges?
The BBC is there to scrutinize all political parties, and they do that job well, I've used examples concerning Labour I'm sure with some digging you could find some to do with every political party.
Maybe the Nationalists here will stop being so paranoid, then again I dont see it happening any time soon.
While I can't defend the BBC on this, for the Nationalist here to claim that the BBC has a Nationalist agenda is laughable.
Which news agency made the allegations about the so-called 'Dodgy Dossier' and was later found to be lying by an independent tribural forcing the Chairman and Director General to resign? Which news agency has been on the Labour Party's (despite the fact that the Conservative leader at the questioned time was interviewed by the police more than the Labour leader) back most about Cash for Peerages and is now trying to find an excuse because the CPS won't press charges?
The BBC is there to scrutinize all political parties, and they do that job well, I've used examples concerning Labour I'm sure with some digging you could find some to do with every political party.
Maybe the Nationalists here will stop being so paranoid, then again I dont see it happening any time soon.
Posted by: John, Edinburgh on 10:28am Mon 23 Jul 07
That would be an anti-Nationalist agenda my apologies.
That would be an anti-Nationalist agenda my apologies.
Posted by: Mac, Dundee on 10:44am Mon 23 Jul 07
It is more than a anti-SNP agenda, the BBC is following a pro-London - anti-Scottish agenda with regard broadcasting.
The reply to that is simple - organise in Scotland a mass campaign that is pledged to non-payment of the BBC licence fee.
It is more than a anti-SNP agenda, the BBC is following a pro-London - anti-Scottish agenda with regard broadcasting.
The reply to that is simple - organise in Scotland a mass campaign that is pledged to non-payment of the BBC licence fee.
Posted by: Biffa on 11:18am Mon 23 Jul 07
"It follows an apology for the treatment of SNP leader Alex Salmond by Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark, after she abruptly ended a live interview last month"
This is a classic example of the media assisting the BBC in re-writing the facts of a story in order to try and push the official BBC "version" of what happened
To the best of my knowledge people did NOT complain about the abrupt ending of Kirsty Wark's interview with the First Minister. In fact most people saw the ending merely as a continuation of the politically biased and bad tempered behaviour which Wark had displayed throughout. I emphasised this in my written complaint as I strongly objected to the "constraints of time b*llsh*t "which they were already pushing.
So before Douglas Fraser and others are allowed to re-write events please remember that when you see the "abrupt ending" line it is basically a piece of BBC propaganda. It is repeated to support Peter Barron in what was a desperate "damage limitation" excercise to protect Wark. Please do not assist the BBC in spinning their way out of this and do your weary readers a favour by sticking to the facts.
To reiterate
IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE ENDING OF THE INTERVIEW!
"It follows an apology for the treatment of SNP leader Alex Salmond by Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark, after she abruptly ended a live interview last month"
This is a classic example of the media assisting the BBC in re-writing the facts of a story in order to try and push the official BBC "version" of what happened
To the best of my knowledge people did NOT complain about the abrupt ending of Kirsty Wark's interview with the First Minister. In fact most people saw the ending merely as a continuation of the politically biased and bad tempered behaviour which Wark had displayed throughout. I emphasised this in my written complaint as I strongly objected to the "constraints of time b*llsh*t "which they were already pushing.
So before Douglas Fraser and others are allowed to re-write events please remember that when you see the "abrupt ending" line it is basically a piece of BBC propaganda. It is repeated to support Peter Barron in what was a desperate "damage limitation" excercise to protect Wark. Please do not assist the BBC in spinning their way out of this and do your weary readers a favour by sticking to the facts.
To reiterate
IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE ENDING OF THE INTERVIEW!
Posted by: art1000, Dunfermline on 11:34am Mon 23 Jul 07
Looks like we are paying for our own brainwashing by a shower of NuLab apparatchiks.
In light of this, we have to scrap the BBC License Fee. This idea MUST be taken up formally by the SNP for their next election manifesto.
Looks like we are paying for our own brainwashing by a shower of NuLab apparatchiks.
In light of this, we have to scrap the BBC License Fee. This idea MUST be taken up formally by the SNP for their next election manifesto.
Posted by: Saul Tyre, Germany on 11:47am Mon 23 Jul 07
I would definitely differentiate btween the Kirsty Wark farce and the Jeremy Paxman lies.
Wark made a complete fool of herself, it was after the election and had it been before the election, the SNP would have gained some votes.
Paxman deliberately lied before the election and the truth only became known many weeks later. Fortunately the damage was not sufficient to prevent the historic SNP victory.
Pity only Kirsty Wark's reputation is in tatters.
I would definitely differentiate btween the Kirsty Wark farce and the Jeremy Paxman lies.
Wark made a complete fool of herself, it was after the election and had it been before the election, the SNP would have gained some votes.
Paxman deliberately lied before the election and the truth only became known many weeks later. Fortunately the damage was not sufficient to prevent the historic SNP victory.
Pity only Kirsty Wark's reputation is in tatters.
Posted by: eamon on 12:03pm Mon 23 Jul 07
If anybody has ever read the book by mr paxman, titled "the english", they would see what a racist bigot he is and would have no problem understanding his aggressive style to Mr Salmond. He is very anti celt, and looks at us as nothing but trouble makers with no place in an anglo saxon island.
If anybody has ever read the book by mr paxman, titled "the english", they would see what a racist bigot he is and would have no problem understanding his aggressive style to Mr Salmond. He is very anti celt, and looks at us as nothing but trouble makers with no place in an anglo saxon island.
Posted by: Mark on 12:32pm Mon 23 Jul 07
Let's do a quick headcount, how many of the Newsnight team are Scottish multi-millionaire media moguls?
Just the one then.
How much influence do you think she might have in what is actually quite a small closely knit programme?
Lots.
Paxman and the rest have worked alongside Wark for years. What little they know about the what they regard as the Parish Politics of Jockland they probably get directly fom her.
When she screws up as she did with Salmond and with the McConnell Villa holiday they don't so much close ranks around her as ask her how to proceed.
Let's do a quick headcount, how many of the Newsnight team are Scottish multi-millionaire media moguls?
Just the one then.
How much influence do you think she might have in what is actually quite a small closely knit programme?
Lots.
Paxman and the rest have worked alongside Wark for years. What little they know about the what they regard as the Parish Politics of Jockland they probably get directly fom her.
When she screws up as she did with Salmond and with the McConnell Villa holiday they don't so much close ranks around her as ask her how to proceed.
Posted by: Colin B, Bearsden on 1:52pm Mon 23 Jul 07
THe BBC( and the Current affairs teams in particular ) only care about Labour - many of its employees are members or are backers of LAbour eg Andrew Marr, John Coles as were GAvin, Greg, Kate, Angela etc. The BBC will only change if its starts sacking those wjo use their positions to get across their political bias. The BBC has long exsited primarliy for its staff not the public. The Controller and his Deputy say they will confont it but they won't and haven't neither will the Editors. Michael Crick only investigates Tories. MArtin Bell only stands against Tories. Bolshevik Broadcasting Corproation
Kirsty should go - its not her first conflict of interest - I can think of three.
THe BBC( and the Current affairs teams in particular ) only care about Labour - many of its employees are members or are backers of LAbour eg Andrew Marr, John Coles as were GAvin, Greg, Kate, Angela etc. The BBC will only change if its starts sacking those wjo use their positions to get across their political bias. The BBC has long exsited primarliy for its staff not the public. The Controller and his Deputy say they will confont it but they won't and haven't neither will the Editors. Michael Crick only investigates Tories. MArtin Bell only stands against Tories. Bolshevik Broadcasting Corproation
Kirsty should go - its not her first conflict of interest - I can think of three.
Posted by: Diomedes Kane, Glasgow on 2:07pm Mon 23 Jul 07
I feel I ought to re-iterate and underline eamon [italic]ut supra[/italic] .
If you read Paxman's book "The English", or indeed watch his broadcasts a few times, or see him speak in public in Scotland as I have, it becomes crystal clear he holds the Scots in utterly dismissive contempt. We are a troublesome inconvenience which should have been eliminated long ago by our absorption in the great Anglo-Saxon motherland, were it not for some vague uninteresting historical anomalies such as, say, the Wars of Independence, which should be eliminated as soon as possible by the great tide of unsupportable Anglo-Saxon revisionism sweeping through academic history depts, and for that matter, the media institutions where their graduates find employment.
He repeatedly states as fact any opinion that denigrates or belittles Scots and Scotland, and states as opinion any facts which reflect well on Scots and Scotland. His behaviour would be immediately condemned as racist if the tables were turned and it was directed towards England by a Scot.
I feel I ought to re-iterate and underline eamon
ut supra .
If you read Paxman's book "The English", or indeed watch his broadcasts a few times, or see him speak in public in Scotland as I have, it becomes crystal clear he holds the Scots in utterly dismissive contempt. We are a troublesome inconvenience which should have been eliminated long ago by our absorption in the great Anglo-Saxon motherland, were it not for some vague uninteresting historical anomalies such as, say, the Wars of Independence, which should be eliminated as soon as possible by the great tide of unsupportable Anglo-Saxon revisionism sweeping through academic history depts, and for that matter, the media institutions where their graduates find employment.
He repeatedly states as fact any opinion that denigrates or belittles Scots and Scotland, and states as opinion any facts which reflect well on Scots and Scotland. His behaviour would be immediately condemned as racist if the tables were turned and it was directed towards England by a Scot.
Posted by: Kinghob, Lothian on 2:20pm Mon 23 Jul 07
The token bbc/labour apologist 'John from Embra' is kidding himself on. He must live in a different Scotland is he thinks that any of the media in Scotland showed bias gainst political parties rather than solely the SNP bashing we all witnessed prior to and during the Scottish election. The other news programs like SNP don't know any better than a wee dig and are only following a Scottish tradition of bashing our own, whereas the BBC have shown a marked fear and continuing negativity towards the SNP.
Who cares, it actually makes them look bad, but the real victims in this are the Scottish public being fed a load of hogwash for the substantial money we pay to hear what is called 'the news' with a healthy helping of what is called 'the truth'.
That is obviously too difficult a task for the bbc as news providers for a Scottish audience, a country that doesn't have the same political set-up and needs as London I'm afraid, and certainly isn't reflected by news based on London-centric rubbish we can see on BBC news 24.
Surely the point is that the BBC are simply a load of rubbish, and that their method of broadcasting will always tend towards portraying Scotland as being some division of SE England (but a very 'British' sounding SE England-not by any means English per se)?
The BBC shouldn't be in a position to taint the views of the public by lying and making up stories, we'd be better spending the Half a £billion we give to London for our 'Scottish' programming up here on programs and political realities relvant to us, not Littlehampton upon Puddle.
The token bbc/labour apologist 'John from Embra' is kidding himself on. He must live in a different Scotland is he thinks that any of the media in Scotland showed bias gainst political parties rather than solely the SNP bashing we all witnessed prior to and during the Scottish election. The other news programs like SNP don't know any better than a wee dig and are only following a Scottish tradition of bashing our own, whereas the BBC have shown a marked fear and continuing negativity towards the SNP.
Who cares, it actually makes them look bad, but the real victims in this are the Scottish public being fed a load of hogwash for the substantial money we pay to hear what is called 'the news' with a healthy helping of what is called 'the truth'.
That is obviously too difficult a task for the bbc as news providers for a Scottish audience, a country that doesn't have the same political set-up and needs as London I'm afraid, and certainly isn't reflected by news based on London-centric rubbish we can see on BBC news 24.
Surely the point is that the BBC are simply a load of rubbish, and that their method of broadcasting will always tend towards portraying Scotland as being some division of SE England (but a very 'British' sounding SE England-not by any means English per se)?
The BBC shouldn't be in a position to taint the views of the public by lying and making up stories, we'd be better spending the Half a £billion we give to London for our 'Scottish' programming up here on programs and political realities relvant to us, not Littlehampton upon Puddle.
Posted by: Mike, Edinburgh on 2:54pm Mon 23 Jul 07
God on the lot of you with the exception of John from Edinburgh, what an absolute looser this guy is. He starts of his post with a one liner about not backing the BBC on this one then goes on to shoot **** out his mouth deriding a legitimate political party that the Scottish People chose to run our country. He is obviously an anglo or angloscot who slpped in to Scotland where he makes a living and dares to condone an assault on the Scottish Democratic System. How long has this stuff been going on. How many of our parents were scared into not voting for something that they probably wanted in the much worse old days. Christ nowadays they complain that there is 90,000 Scots living in poverty. That is nowt compared to 50/60/70 years ago. Having said that not one Scottish bairn should live in poverty. Wee Jokee is going down to get a peerage for being a good boy and doing what he was told. If he attends the Lords whenever it sits he will get up to 130,000 quid and he is going to stay on as an MSP. He wont go without, but you know he cares for Scotlands People, PIGS ARSE.
Sorry but the whole thing really gets up my goat.
God on the lot of you with the exception of John from Edinburgh, what an absolute looser this guy is. He starts of his post with a one liner about not backing the BBC on this one then goes on to shoot **** out his mouth deriding a legitimate political party that the Scottish People chose to run our country. He is obviously an anglo or angloscot who slpped in to Scotland where he makes a living and dares to condone an assault on the Scottish Democratic System. How long has this stuff been going on. How many of our parents were scared into not voting for something that they probably wanted in the much worse old days. Christ nowadays they complain that there is 90,000 Scots living in poverty. That is nowt compared to 50/60/70 years ago. Having said that not one Scottish bairn should live in poverty. Wee Jokee is going down to get a peerage for being a good boy and doing what he was told. If he attends the Lords whenever it sits he will get up to 130,000 quid and he is going to stay on as an MSP. He wont go without, but you know he cares for Scotlands People, PIGS ARSE.
Sorry but the whole thing really gets up my goat.
Posted by: John, Leven on 4:32pm Mon 23 Jul 07
I have a major problem with this whole English Broadcasting Corporation thing.
It is not just the bias against the SNP and the whole pro England bit in every program.
My main problem is that I cannot legally own a tv in Scotland unless I pay a licence fee to the English Broadcasting Corporation, so do not tell me to switch the EBC off.
Time for Alex Salmond to fight for all Scottish licence money to be spent in Scotland. Introduce a bill at Holyrood, and lets see if Nulabour and the Lib Do Nothings will stand up for Scotland.
I have a major problem with this whole English Broadcasting Corporation thing.
It is not just the bias against the SNP and the whole pro England bit in every program.
My main problem is that I cannot legally own a tv in Scotland unless I pay a licence fee to the English Broadcasting Corporation, so do not tell me to switch the EBC off.
Time for Alex Salmond to fight for all Scottish licence money to be spent in Scotland. Introduce a bill at Holyrood, and lets see if Nulabour and the Lib Do Nothings will stand up for Scotland.
Posted by: Seumas, Tain on 6:07pm Mon 23 Jul 07
Well said John--Paxman deliberately lied knowingly, and that is inexcusable as it probably cost the S.N.P. votes
Well said John--Paxman deliberately lied knowingly, and that is inexcusable as it probably cost the S.N.P. votes
Posted by: Disgusted Dorothy on 6:12pm Mon 23 Jul 07
Should anyone wish to refresh their memory you will find that interview on youtube along with a few unkind but apt comments.
Hunt though I did I cannot find the 'straw poll' one with Mr Paxman. Anyone out there know where I can view it again??
Should anyone wish to refresh their memory you will find that interview on youtube along with a few unkind but apt comments.
Hunt though I did I cannot find the 'straw poll' one with Mr Paxman. Anyone out there know where I can view it again??
Posted by: schawaldowris on 7:32pm Mon 23 Jul 07
So the BBC, (an organisation that Oliver Brown rightly called the Anglosaxaphone ) broadcasted a programme, presented by a self confessed English Nationalist which in process deliberately deceived the Scottish electorate.
Why does this not surprise me!
So the BBC, (an organisation that Oliver Brown rightly called the Anglosaxaphone ) broadcasted a programme, presented by a self confessed English Nationalist which in process deliberately deceived the Scottish electorate.
Why does this not surprise me!
Posted by: The Wee Malkies, Glesga on 8:43pm Mon 23 Jul 07
Has anyone noticed the Beeb keep telling us it's raining all the time in Scotland when it isn't.
It is in Enger land. Are they just trying to make them feel better ?
Is it another conspiracy?
Is it beyond the English broadcasting corporation to do such a thing?
Hmmmmm
Has anyone noticed the Beeb keep telling us it's raining all the time in Scotland when it isn't.
It is in Enger land. Are they just trying to make them feel better ?
Is it another conspiracy?
Is it beyond the English broadcasting corporation to do such a thing?
Hmmmmm
Posted by: willie johnston, leadhills. on 9:53pm Mon 23 Jul 07
I complained bitterly to the bbc regards the wark interview sinario by e,mail and I have still to recieve a reply, it seems I am paying these people 135-00 pound,s a year just to be treated with utter contempt.
I complained bitterly to the bbc regards the wark interview sinario by e,mail and I have still to recieve a reply, it seems I am paying these people 135-00 pound,s a year just to be treated with utter contempt.
Posted by: Braveheart, Glasgow on 10:14pm Mon 23 Jul 07
Friends what surprises me is that it has gone on so long while Scotland has slept. McConnel is no different from the Scottish aristocracy who sold Scotland out then got their reward. Good people of Scotland take heed of all that is being uncovered now and remember it at the next Scottish elections. Even those who voted anyone other than the SNP. Wake up! and vote the SNP in again with even greater numbers. They are doing really well so far, proving themselves! The Scots are well capable of self governance!
Friends what surprises me is that it has gone on so long while Scotland has slept. McConnel is no different from the Scottish aristocracy who sold Scotland out then got their reward. Good people of Scotland take heed of all that is being uncovered now and remember it at the next Scottish elections. Even those who voted anyone other than the SNP. Wake up! and vote the SNP in again with even greater numbers. They are doing really well so far, proving themselves! The Scots are well capable of self governance!
Posted by: Braveheart, Glasgow on 10:28pm Mon 23 Jul 07
This has gone on for such a long time ...and Scotland has slept! McConnel is little better than the "Parcel,O Rogues" who got their reward from the English for selling Scotland out. Wherever one has the heady mix of greed and power, one will always find an eagerness for self promotion and gain. I hope this opens the eyes of those who voted against the SNP and I hope we all remember this which is now coming to light at the next Scottish election! That will be the time when we can air our opinion to any real and lasting effect! The SNP are doing well and will continue to prove that we have the capability to run our own affairs, and let those with vested interests in keeping the Union like Wark, go to H*ll.
This has gone on for such a long time ...and Scotland has slept! McConnel is little better than the "Parcel,O Rogues" who got their reward from the English for selling Scotland out. Wherever one has the heady mix of greed and power, one will always find an eagerness for self promotion and gain. I hope this opens the eyes of those who voted against the SNP and I hope we all remember this which is now coming to light at the next Scottish election! That will be the time when we can air our opinion to any real and lasting effect! The SNP are doing well and will continue to prove that we have the capability to run our own affairs, and let those with vested interests in keeping the Union like Wark, go to H*ll.
Posted by: a little local difficulty, Aberdeen on 1:38am Tue 24 Jul 07
Much ado about nothing!
Posted by: David Park on 12:14pm Wed 25 Jul 07
"Much ado about nothing"
Is that really the best defence you can muster?
"Much ado about nothing"
Is that really the best defence you can muster?
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