THE BBC last night said it treats all its "contributors fairly and equitably" amid claims from former Labour MP Kate Hoey that there is an "obvious disparity" between unionist and nationalist commentators.
A spokesman for the broadcaster also said its programmes "seek to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve".
It comes after the cross-party peer, writing in The Irish News yesterday, criticised BBC NI for how it introduces its contributors.
"I note that when loyalist or unionists appear in media they are labelled by their political affiliation (eg. loyalist activist), however nationalists are bestowed with a neutral descriptor such as ‘political commentator’," she wrote.
"There has yet to be a satisfactory explanation for this obvious disparity, most notably in BBC NI.
'This is a subtle way of promoting certain views and conversely de-platforming or delegitimising others as purely partisan."
But in a statement last night, a BBC spokesman dismissed her claims.
"BBC programmes seek to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve," he said.
"We treat all contributors fairly and equitably and consistent with the BBC’s editorial guidelines."
The comments in Baroness Hoey's platform piece came after she was urged to withdraw remarks made earlier this week, in which she claimed many of the north's professions are "dominated by those of a nationalist persuasion".
The former Vauxhall MP, who made the comments in a document released by blogger Jamie Bryson's Unionist Voice Publications, said nationalist "activists" in the fields of law, journalism and public service were using their roles to "exert influence on those in power".
Her remarks have been widely criticised, with the National Union of Journalists accusing the Co Antrim-born politician of "gross stereotyping".
Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill called on DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson to condemn the remarks, while Queen's University academic Colin Harvey, thought to be one of those referred to, said such "labelling" has "real world consequences".
