Northern Ireland

SDLP to write to Westminster committees over 'serious matters' at BBCNI

Stephen Nolan
Stephen Nolan

The SDLP is set to raise "serious matters" linked to recent Stephen Nolan controversies at BBC Northern Ireland with two powerful Westminster committees.

Party leader Colum Eastwood and south Belfast MP Claire Hanna are to write to the chairs of both the commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee and the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee.

The development comes days after broadcaster Stephen Nolan apologised on-air for sending sexually explicit images to a work colleague.

Read More:

  • Stephen Nolan sent sexually explicit images to work colleagues, not only "long-term friend and peer outside of work"
  • SDLP `concerned about balance of editorial decisions' after Matthew O'Toole cut off during Nolan Show exchange

Both the north's main nationalist parties are boycotting his daily radio programme.

Sinn Féin has refused to participate for several years, with its boycott linked by some to Mr Nolan's coverage of Bobby Storey's funeral in June 2020.

SDLP MLA Matthew O'Toole
SDLP MLA Matthew O'Toole

Earlier this year, the SDLP voiced concerns about BBC NI's “balance of editorial decisions” after its South Belfast assembly representative Matthew O’Toole was taken off-air during a discussion over comments made by David Campbell, chair of the Loyalist Communities Council - an umbrella group for the UVF, UDA and Red Hand Commando.

The BBC's executive complaints unit found the broadcaster was justified in cutting off the SDLP MLA.

It has been reported that bosses at the BBC are currently carrying out a content review of The Nolan Show.

A spokesman for the SDLP said concerns will now be raised at Westminster.

"There have been a number of serious matters raised in recent weeks and months that require a full account from BBC Northern Ireland, which is a public service broadcaster," he said.

"Since no meaningful explanation has been provided which addresses the range of editorial and governance questions, our MPs will be writing to the chairs of both the commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee and the NI Affairs Committee to encourage them to take up these matters with BBC NI senior management."

It is understood it could be the Autumn before any evidence is heard if both committees decide to examine the issues raised.

Read more:

 
  • Mystery surrounds which political party sent Stephen Nolan a 50th birthday cake
  • Nolan Show moves from BBC broadcasting House
SDLP MP Claire Hanna
SDLP MP Claire Hanna

Several MPs from the north currently sit on the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee including Ms Hanna, Stephen Farry from Alliance and the DUPs Carla Lockhart and Jim Shannon.

Mr Nolan apologised last week after The Irish News revealed that he sent graphic pictures of former reality TV personality Stephen Bear to work colleagues.

Bear is currently in prison serving a 21-month sentence after being convicted of "revenge porn" and voyeurism in connection with circulating a video of his former girlfriend, Georgia Harrison.

Meanwhile, mystery surrounds the identity of the political party that sent Mr Nolan a cake to mark his 50th birthday. He told radio listeners on Monday he was sent a cake by a political party - but no party has yet owned up to sending the generous gift.