The Head of News at BBC Radio 5 Live, Jonathan Crawford, has issued an apology to the Scottish salmon sector for comments made by Nicky Campbell, a high-profile BBC radio broadcaster, earlier this month.
The Scottish Salmon Producers Organization (SSPO) complained to the BBC following remarks made by Campbell on both the “Your Call” program, which he presented on Nov. 6 and then on 5 Live “Breakfast," again hosted by Campbell, the following day.
Campbell claimed the Scottish salmon sector was “highly polluting and unregulated." He also claimed farms were “terrible for the environment."
The SSPO refuted the claims by Campbell and argued that by making such unfounded and biased remarks Campbell had breached the BBC’s editorial guidelines, both in terms of accuracy and impartiality.
The SSPO also maintained that the BBC should have included the views of those within the salmon sector to balance the bias shown by Campbell.
“We always strive to maintain impartiality in any discussions on this issue," said Crawford. "In the heat of live radio broadcasts, especially during political interviews, it is sometimes hard to find the best form of words, but we accept we fell short in the two programs you highlighted, and for that I apologize. We should have been more accurate with our language and included wider views on the subject.”
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