THE BBC has denied the claim that it did not invite pro-independence groups to make their members aware of the application process for Debate Night.
We revealed yesterday that hardline unionists Scotland in Union had been contacted, but no pro-Yes groups.
The BBC have since claimed they had contacted pro-independence groups.
This is despite messages going out to several pro-independence organisations only after we published our report.
READ MORE: BBC told to clean up its act over Scottish 'Question Time' audience invites
In order for readers to fairly judge the BBC's claims, below is a timeline of events.
Thursday, 5pm: We were informed that Scotland in Union had sent out a message to members earlier that day with details of how to apply for Debate Night. We asked the BBC to comment.
Thursday, 6pm: We asked the BBC which groups on the Yes side were contacted.
Thursday, 6.30pm: A BBC spokesperson told us: “We’re delighted that interest in Debate Night is building across the political spectrum and we look forward to Stephen Jardine and the team bringing our audiences an exciting new programme.
"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.”
Thursday, 6.50pm: We ask the BBC again for details on which Yes groups were contacted, and ask representatives of major pro-independence groups whether they had been emailed by Debate Night producers. Women For Independence, the Scottish Independence Convention, Progress Scotland and Business For Scotland confirmed they had not been contacted.
Thursday, 7.10pm: We tell the BBC about the confirmation from Yes groups, and repeat our question of who they contacted.
Thursday, 9.30pm: A BBC spokesperson tells us only: "We appreciated The National retweeting the web address where the public can apply to be on the programme."
Thursday, 9.45pm: We publish our front page on the story on social media.
Friday, 5.00am: The story goes live on our website.
Friday, 11:10am: One of the groups mentioned in our story receives an email from Mentorn, producers of Debate Night, asking them to pass on to grassroots members details on how to apply to Debate Night's audience.
Friday, 12pm: By midday, we had confirmation from Women For Independence, the Scottish Independence Convention and Business For Scotland that in the morning, after our story had been published, Mentorn contacted them with Debate Night audience details.
Friday, 5.30pm: After speaking to Keith Brown, we put his quotes urging the BBC to clean up its act on audience selection to the broadcaster for comment.
Friday, 6.30pm: A BBC spokesperson said: “It simply isn’t true to say that we failed to contact any pro-independence groups. We’ve explained fully that we have contacted parties and groups across the political divide and will continue to do so - but if people choose not to believe us, that’s a matter for them.”
Friday, 6.45pm: We ask the BBC which pro-independence groups had been contacted.
Friday, 7pm: The BBC say they have nothing further to add.
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