THE BBC has invited the membership of several major pro-independence organisations to apply for its new Scottish "Question Time" show – after The National exclusively revealed that the BBC had contacted Scotland In Union but no pro-independence groups.
The BBC said it made organisations and groups across the political spectrum "aware" of the application process for Debate Night, which will air for the first time on February 27, on the new BBC Scotland channel.
After it was revealed yesterday that Scotland In Union had been asked to make its members aware of how to apply, The National asked the BBC which pro-independence organisations had been contacted.
The BBC said only that various “charities, organisations, community groups and political parties across the spectrum” had been made aware of the application process.
The National again asked which Yes-supporting groups had been contacted by the BBC.
The BBC did not give details, instead responding: "We appreciated The National retweeting the web address where the public can apply to be on the programme."
Two of the organisations we highlighted as not having been contacted were Women For Independence and Business For Scotland.
We can now reveal that both of these groups were this morning contacted by the BBC about making their members aware of the application process for the show.
The email to the groups includes a flyer and reference to the BBC website for further information on how to apply, adding: "We would be looking for grassroots campaigners or activists as opposed to spokespeople or those who hold elected positions or office within your organisation."
A BBC spokesperson said yesterday: “We’re delighted that interest in Debate Night is building across the political spectrum.
“The programme team make various charities, organisations, community groups, and political parties across the spectrum aware that the application process is open.
“We only ever advertise that the process is open, that all applications come through the BBC online form and are considered in exactly the same way. Potential audience members for Debate Night are asked a range of questions on the big issues.
“We also take into account other important considerations such as the gender, ethnic and socio-economic mix of the audience to make sure we properly reflect modern Scotland."
We understand that all of the main Scottish political parties were made aware of the application process.
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