THE BBC is facing accusations of misleading readers with its headlining of a story reporting on comments by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
The story leading the Scottish section of the BBC’s Scotland news site read: “Nicola Sturgeon 'will never give up' on independence”
Speaking to the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg, the SNP leader was asked about using the General Election as a vote on independence.
She said: "That is not my preference, but we have to have an alternative.
"If the route by which it would be right to consider and decide this issue – a lawful constitutional referendum – is blocked by Westminster because they fear the democratic choice of the people of Scotland then for me and the SNP the choice is simple.
"We put the case to people in an election or we give up on Scottish democracy. And I want to be clear today I will never give up on Scottish democracy."
However, the headlining of the phrase “'will never give up’ on independence”, rather than what Sturgeon said – never giving up on “Scottish democracy” – sparked criticism online.
BREAKING
— MSM Monitor (@msm_monitor) October 9, 2022
BBC Scotland has deliberately misrepresented comments made by Nicola Sturgeon in an interview with Laura Kuenssberg.
Nicola Sturgeon said: "I will never, ever give up on Scottish democracy." pic.twitter.com/Pax8jk5gzj
MSM Monitor wrote: “BBC Scotland has deliberately misrepresented comments made by Nicola Sturgeon in an interview with Laura Kuenssberg.”
Another user responding to the tweet said: “Is this true? If so, you must correct this deliberate lie right away, and issue a public apology.”
The National asked the BBC whether it agreed that the headline was misleading – but the broadcaster will not be commenting on the matter.
Responding, a spokesperson for MSM Monitor said: "There's no excuse for misrepresenting the First Minister's comments in this manner.
"That BBC Scotland refuses to either correct the headline or apologise for it will leave many folk to conclude it was a deliberate attempt to deceive."
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel