Complaint
This edition of the programme included an interview with the SNP leader John Swinney. A listener complained the presenter consistently interrupted Mr Swinney and failed to allow him sufficient time to respond to her questions. The ECU assessed the interview against the standards for due impartiality set out in the 麻豆社 Editorial Guidelines.
Outcome
Whilst there were occasions when Mr Swinney was interrupted by the presenter and pressed on a number of issues, particularly with regard to Scottish independence, it is a core role of 麻豆社 journalists to hold those in power and authority to account in this way. In the ECU鈥檚 view senior politicians, such as Mr Swinney, expect to face rigorous questioning when they appear on a programme such as this, and regular listeners also expect those who appear to be challenged by the presenter. On this occasion, Mr Swinney was given ample opportunity to put forward his views and respond to the questions put to him. Listeners would have been left in no doubt about his position on the issues under discussion.
Not Upheld