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Why the Nolan Show is part of the problem, not the solution, here and why it should be removed by @BBCnireland
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1. The show features the same “commentators” on repreat, all from a similar political background/ stance on issues. Jim Allister, Jim Wells, Jamie Bryson as well as regular callers “George from the Shankill”, “Norman from Bangor”.
2. The @Ofcom Broadcasting Code sets out principles broadcasters are required to adhere to. Those include “the degree of harm & offence likely to be caused by the inclusion of any particular sort of material in programme” & “due impartiality” incl “undue prominence of views”
3. The Code requires “Due impartiality on matters of political or industrial controversy and matters relating to current public policy must be preserved on the part of any person providing a service” ie the host or broadcaster.
4 The Code also says “alt viewpoints must be adequately represented in the programme... presenters must not use the advantage of regular appearances to promote their views in a way that compromises due impartiality. Presenter phone-ins must encourage alternative views”
5 The Nolan Show is in breach of these principles in several respects: 1. It provides “undue prominence of views” as evidenced by the prevalence/ airtime of the same commentators and callers weighted from a singular viewpoint.
6 2. The host offers personal views on issues thus compromising their impartiality without stating that they are offering personal views.
7 3. The programme focusses on matters of political controversy by giving airtime to confrontational viewpoints, albeit weighted towards singular viewpoints, magnifying those differences & sensationalising & exploiting them for ratings, including exploiting victims of violence.
8 In so doing the show has a -ve impact on the mental health of listeners with no aftercare. Thus the show also breaches an important principle of not causing “harm or offence” per the Code. NI has the highest suicide rate in the UK & there is a growing focus on mental health.
9. It is time the @BBCnireland or @ofcom do the responsible thing and cancel this show. It is not in keeping with the Broadcasting Code or responsible broadcasting generally in a divided society. It is Jeremy Kyle for radio and time the show went the same way.
10. Must we wait for a suicide linked to the Nolan show before the BBC acts? Must NI endure more sensationalist, exploitative radio? The BBC needs to ask itself what it really stands for, ratings & explotation of audiences, or impartiality & public service.
