Complaint
The main topic of this topical phone-in programme was the cancellation by the venue of a planned appearance by the SNP MP Joanna Cherry at an Edinburgh Festival Fringe event because of staff concerns about her views on trans issues.聽 A listener complained that a caller was allowed to express a viewpoint opposed to Ms Cherry鈥檚 in 鈥渋苍蹿濒补尘尘补迟辞谤测鈥 terms without appropriate challenge from the presenter.聽 The ECU considered the complaint in the light of the 麻豆官网首页入口鈥檚 editorial standards of impartiality.
Outcome
Though the caller spoke in terms which might at some points have been regarded as inflammatory, the context was one in which the audience in general would have been clear that strong and conflicting opinions on a sensitive and controversial topic were likely to be expressed.聽 Ms Cherry had already had an opportunity in the programme to set out her views at length, and this, together with challenges to the caller which the ECU regarded as appropriately robust, was sufficient to meet the 麻豆官网首页入口鈥檚 standards of impartiality.
Not Upheld