A NATIONAL reader who complained to Jackie Baillie about her alleged involvement in getting the BBC to cancel the daily screenings of the First Minister's Covid briefings has shared her reply in full.
The deputy leader of Scottish Labour party was implicated by Labour peer George Foulkes, who wrote on Twitter: “BBC Scotland stopping daily live coverage of Nicola Sturgeon's coronavirus briefings.
“Good to see @BBCScotland have taken account of representations from @jackiebmsp and me!”
Although she shared Foulkes's tweet, Baillie, the serving MSP for Dumbarton, has since denied she was involved in the decision to axe the daily briefings.
In her reply to The National reader’s complaint, she wrote: “Thank you for getting in touch.
“I understand that there has been a lot of media attention surrounding the decision taken by the BBC to end the live broadcasting of the Scottish Government’s Covid-19 briefings.
READ MORE: Linda Bauld on why BBC's decision to end Nicola Sturgeon's briefings is wrong
“Firstly, I would like to make clear that this was a decision made, in its entirety, by the BBC. At no point have I campaigned to stop the broadcasting of key public health messages – these messages are vital in keeping us safe and informed.
“I have previously raised concerns with BBC Scotland in regard to the politicised content of some of the lunchtime briefings and the extent that this platform was being used to make partisan points which detracted from the vital public health messaging.
“As a result of my concerns, I met with the director of BBC Scotland to ask about the criteria surrounding the daily briefings, and to ask that coverage is also given to opposition voices in order to provide a balanced response to the political points being made by the Scottish Government.
“This would not have been needed if the briefings were used purely to relay key Covid-19 related information. As a public service broadcaster, the BBC is required to provide political balance.
“As the Scottish Parliament is now back to full time sitting, the BBC is able to broadcast statements made by the First Minister and other Ministers from within the chamber. Internet is not required to watch this coverage and any member of the public who relies on terrestrial television to receive updates on the Covid-19 related information will still be able to do so.
“The BBC will also make editorial decisions on what to cover in their news output on a daily basis and there is nothing to stop them from televising press conferences called by the Scottish Government.
“I understand that there is some confusion over this decision and recommend that if you have any further concerns or queries that you raise these with BBC Scotland who are solely responsible for all broadcasting decisions and scheduling.
“Thank you for taking the time to contact me.
“Best wishes,
“Jackie.”
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