Complaint
A listener complained that the programme failed to reflect the impact on climate change of a post-pandemic return to office-based working.聽 In his view, this rendered the programme biased and misleading in relation to a highly important issue.聽 The ECU considered the complaint in the light of the 麻豆社鈥檚 editorial standards of impartiality and accuracy.
Outcome
While acknowledging that increased commuter traffic might have some impact on climate change, the ECU noted the presenter made clear at the outset that the programme would focus on what the future might hold for the half of the working population who were forced to work from home during the pandemic.聽 The 麻豆社鈥檚 Editorial Guidelines refer to the concepts of due accuracy and due impartiality where the term 鈥渄耻别鈥 means 鈥渁dequate and appropriate to the output, taking account of the subject and nature of the content, the likely audience expectation and any signposting that may influence that expectation鈥.聽 In view of the prospectus offered by the presenter and its likely effect on audience expectations, the ECU saw no requirement to refer to climate change in order to meet the 麻豆社鈥檚 standards of accuracy and impartiality.
Not upheld